The Year Wheel

Yule

About December 21

Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, represents the rebirth of light. Here, on the longest night of the year, the Goddess gives birth to the Sun Child and hope for new light is reborn. Yule is a time of awakening to new goals and leaving old regrets behind. The Christian tradition of a Christmas tree has its origins in the Pagan Yule celebration. Pagan families would bring a live tree into their home so the wood spirits could have a place to keep warm during the cold winter months. Bells were hung in the limbs so you could tell when a spirit was present. Food and treats were hung on the branches gor the spirits to eat and a five-pointed star, the pentagram, symbol of the five elements, was placed atop the tree.

Imbolc

February 2

At the time of Imbolc, or Candlemas, the newborn Sun God is seen as a small child nursing from his Mother. At this phase of the cycle, winter is swept away and new beginnings are nurtured. Some Wiccan groups favor this time of year for initiations into the Craft. It is traditional at Imbolc to light every lamp in the house for a few minutes in honor of the Sun's rebirth.

Ostara

About March 21

The Spring Equinox is the point of equilibrium; the balance is suspended just before life bursts forth from its winter wrappings. The Goddess and God are young children at play and holiday festivals use brightly colored eggs to represent the chils within. Traditionally, Ostara is a time for collecting wildflowers, walking in nature's beauty and cultivating herb gardens. This is the time to free yourself from anything in the oast that is holding you back.

Beltane

April 30

Beltane, or May Eve, is the time of the sacred marriage which honors the fertility of the Earth. The maiden Goddess comes of age and is courted by the God. Celebrations include weaving a web around the Maypole and leaping the Beltane fire for luck. Wiccan handfastings are common at this festival. This is a time for self-discovery, and developing your potential for personal growth.

Midsummer

About June 21

The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, is a time of triumph for the light, but it is bittersweet, because now the light begins its descent into the dark. This is the sacrifice of the Sun King, as he realizes that his energy must go into the form of the harvest grain. In many Wiccan celebrations, this is when the Oak King, who represents the waxing year, is triumphed over by the Holly King, who represents the waning year. The two are one; the Oak King is the growing youth while the Holly King is the mature man. Healings and love magick are especially suitable at this time.

Lughnasad

August 1

Lughnasad is the celebration of the first fruits of the harvest. The Sun King, now Dark Lord, gives his energy to the crops to ensure life while the Mother prepares to give way to her aspect as the Crone. Now is the time to teach what you have learned, to share the fruits of your achievements with the world. Wheat weaving, such as the making of corn dollies, is traditional.

Mabon

About September 21

At the Autumn Equinox, the days and nights are equal. It is a time of balance, but light gives way to increased darkness. It is the second harvest, and the Goddess morns her fallen consort, but the emphasis is on the message of rebirth that can be found in the harvest seeds. It is a good time to walk the forests, gathering dried plants for use as altar decorations or herbal magick.

Samhain

October 31

Samhain, popularly known as Halloween, is said to be the time when the veil between the worlds is very thin, when souls that are leaving this physical plane can pass out and souls that are reincarnating can pass in. Darkness increases and the Goddess reigns as the Crone. The God passes into the underworld to become the seed of his own rebirth (which will occur again at Yule). Many Pagans prepare a Feast for the Dead on Samhain night, where they leave offerings of food and drink for the spirits.