Imbolc: Febuary 1 or 2

Ostara: March 21

Beltane: April 30

Midsummer: Circa: June 21

Lammas: August 1

Mabon: circa September 21

Samhain: October 31

Yule: December 21





Imbolc

Also known as "ground hogs day" Imbolc falls on feb 1st or 2nd. Imbolc celebrates the growing strength of the god and a celebration of the returning of life. The word Imbolc" means "in milk" and at this time of year, pregnant sheep(aka ewes) begin to lactate, which is a sure sign of the nearing spring. At this time of year, celebrate new beginnings and growth.

Ostara

Celebrated around March 21st. A time when the young sun God celebrates a sacred marriage with the young maiden Goddess, who gives birth. In nine months she will again become the Great Mother. Ostara is a time to celebrate fertility, new growth and newborn animals.

Samhain

Samhain is the celtic new year, where the veil between the spirit world and ours is at it's thinnest, which makes spirits able to cross over easily into our realm. Samhain is the mark of the end of the autumn harvest, the Goddess going to rest, and the start of winter, and the God's rule. Samhain is celebrated on October 31st, but do you know what some of the symbols of Samhain(Halloween)stand for? Below are a few that I've learned, and shall add more once learned for all to read and share and learn from. Blessed be!

Costumes - Originally people wore costumes to scare off spirits.
The Pumpkin - The pumpkin is a representation of the Goddess, and her ageing and going to rest, letting the God take over for winter.
The Jack-O-Lantern - Originally used to scare off unwanted spirits.
Bobbing for apples - Long ago was a method of fortune telling.

Yule

Yule is celebrated around December 21st. The word yule means "wheel", and it's the longest day of the year. Yule celebrates the rebirth of the sun. It's a time of the year to look back on your past year's achivements and celebrate with family and friends. Yule is actually the first day of winter. Yule is an old celebration that took place way before christianity adopted it for it's own purposes. No matter your name for this holiday, everyone feels it's joy and festivities, we're friendly to everyone (for a while at least) Yule tree (christmas tree) - is brought into the house to remind us of rebirth, the continuation of life's cycle.

Yule Log - Originally burned to honor the Gods and bring good luck in the coming year. It is coustom to keep a yule log in the home untill next year.
Wassailing (wassail) - a festive drink, using cider or ale. Coustom to carry the drink around the neighborhood in a wooden bowl door to door singing and spreading good cheer.

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