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The major Wiccan holidays are as follows:
1) October 31-Sahmain
Sahmain is often celebrated as the wiccans New Year. It symbolizes the end of summer, with lengthened nights and the beginning of winter. This night is considered the one night where the seperation of the land of the living and the dead is at it's smallest point, and it is therefore common practice to have the dead visit the world of the living on this night.
2) December 21-Winter Solstice
The winter solstice or Yule is used to represent the turning point in the year. It is the time of the greatest darkness of the year when we must take time to seek within and find our true selves. This is considered in most Wiccan religions the time when the goddess gave birth to the sun. In celebration many Wiccans light fires or candles to celebrate the arrival of the sun god.
3) February 20-Imbolac
Imbolac is the celebration of when spring begins to stir.It is especialy sacred to the Pagan Fire Goddess.
4) March 21-Ostara/Spring or Vernal Equinox
The Vernal Equinox of spring is celebrated with night and day in perfect balance but light on the increase. It symbolizes the wedding of the Sun God to the Maiden Goddess who in nine months gives birth. It is a time of new life and growth.
5) April 30-Beltane
Beltane is the celebration of the coronation of the sun god. It is the very begining of summer when temperatures rise and plant life flourishes.It is also called May Eve and is celebated the next day with dancing around the Maypole.
6) June 21-Summer Solstice/Litha
Litha is the celebration of the longest day of the year.The Sun God has reached a point of his greatest strength and life is abundant.
7) August 1-Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh is the celebration of the funeral games held forTalite, foster mother of the Sun God. Mairrages are celebrated at this time as well as the first reaping of the harvest.
8) September 21-Automnal Equinox/Mabon
This holiday is known as the day of the Sun God, for it is today that he is killed by his evil twin, the God of Darkness.Once more the nights are equal, but from now on, darkness is greater than light. Nature draws back it's bounty in grief, preparing for renewal.
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