Yule - December 21st - this is the low point of the year in terms of daylight and energy. Then a great miriacle happens - the days grow longer. It is a time for feasting.

Imbolc - February 2nd - Sometimes called Candlemas..is when the first green shoots of bulbs appear. This is a hopeful time. Life is stirring again.

Ostara - March 21st - this is the turning of the year. The hours of daylight grow longer. Lenghtening days bring new growth.

Beltane - April 30th - Beltane means 'bright fire' New life is around us. Now is the fertile time.

Midsummer - June 21st - this time is both the height of the sun and the beginning of its decline. After the peak there is nowhere to go but down.

Lughnasadh - August 1st - Irish word for the August Eve festival and means the Games of Lugh. The alternative name, Lammas, is a Saxon word which means Loaf Mass. At Loaf Mass, the first loaf of bread was baked with the new wheat of the year.

Mabon - September 21st - This is the time of the Autumn Equinox. The season of apple harvest and of hops of grapes.

Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) - October 31st - Meaning "summers end" is often described as the beginning of the Wiccan year.