Wiccan/Pagan Festivals or Holidays

Samhain (Halloween or Ancestor Night)

Winter Solstice (Yule)

Candlemas (Imbolc or Brigantia)

Spring/Vernal Equinox (Ostara)

Beltane (May Day)

Summer Solstice

Lughnassadh (Lammas or Lunasa)

Autumn Equinox

Pagan Festivals or Holidays

First of all let me clarify my definition of pagan- the literal meaning is "country dweller" however, in my view this means those that celebrate the passing of the seasons as those in the past who lived in the country and depended upon the earth for their livelihood. So my definition of pagan faith is earth based religion.
The Pagan faiths use a lunar calendar to celebrate their holidays or festivals. Most of these holidays have been converted to days of the year instead of the traditional lunar celebration, but some pagans still continue to practice them at the traditional times. I have included both references for you. These are the Wiccan holidays however, almost every pagan faith has a corresponding holiday. The names may not be the same but all "country dwellers" followed the passing of the seasons and celebrated the turning of the "Wheel". (back to top)

Samhain (Halloween or Ancestor Night)

October 31 or the first full moon of Scorpio

This is the beginning of the "dark" part of the pagan year. It is a time of great mysteries of the Thin Veil or reaching out to the other plane of existence (the realm of the dead). It's a time to ask all those who have gone before you the questions that plague your mind. Some ritual practices involve communication with the dead by use of a spirit board or séance. Some pagans view this time as their New Year celebration and will party accordingly.

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Winter Solstice (Yule)

December 21

This holiday celebrates the rebirth of the Divine Child, the reborn Sun God. Which is easy to remember since it is so close to the Christian holiday Christmas. It is the time of year to remember that even in the darkest hours of winter the sun will shine brightly again as the year wheel slowly turns toward spring. For your rituals or celebrations place as many candles on and around your altar as you can. But be sure to place them safely. (Back to top)

Candlemas (Imbolc or Brigantia)

February 1 or the first full moon of Aquarius

It's time to prepare for the coming of spring. A time for cleansing and getting your surroundings ready for growth and renewal. Spring is just around the corner. It also celebrates the Triple Goddess Brigit, who gave life to the dead with her own breath. (Back to top)

Spring/Vernal Equinox Or Ostara

March 21

The balance of Light and Dark, it's a time of new beginnings. It is a celebration of Fertility because we all know about spring and it's effects in love. (Back to top)

Beltane (May Day)

May 1 or the first full moon of Taurus

This is a festival that honors your own personal House Guardian. It also honors the Horned God and the Lady of the Greenwood. The festival involves dancing around your altar which comes from the traditional dance around the May Pole. A good time for all divinations. It is also a great time to set up an outdoor shrine or altar for use in the warmer months. (Back to top)

Summer Solstice

June 22

This festival celebrates a rededication to the Great Goddess and the Great God. It's a time of reflection on your faith and the blessings in your life. This is the day that the elves and fairies come out to play. (Back to top)

Lughnassadh (Lammas or Lunasa)

August 1 or the first full moon of Leo

This is a pre-harvest festival when one celebrates the good fortune and abundance in one's life. Many pagans practice spellwork to achieve these things on this night. This is the night pagan's celebrate the marriage of the God Lugh to Mother Earth. (Back to top)

Autumn Equinox

September 21

A balance of Light and Dark. The harvest has been completed and it's time to take a break after all your hard work. This is a pagan's Thanksgiving. It is also time to prepare for Samhain. (Back to top)