The Wiccan Wheel of the year is divided into eight festivals approximately six and a half weeks apart. These solar festivals are called Sabbats, there are four Grand Sabatts and four Lesser Sabbats. Other times witches may meet to celebrate and venerate the Goddess are called Esbats. Fullmoon and newmoon are preferred times for the strongest magickal workings.

Samhain.    April 30

The Wiccan Wheel of the year ends and begins at Samhain, it is also known as All Saints Eve, All Hallows, or more popularly amongst non pagans as Halloween. It is a fire festival and the third harvest festival. Traditionally a time when the Goddess rekindles the Samhain fires, descends to the otherworld and we celebrate the joyful union of the Goddess and the God in the otherworld

Yule.   June 21

The next festival about 6 weeks later is Yule, winter solstice, the longest night and shortest day. Winter has covered the fields and it is a time for telling stories and sharing skills and information. We burn the Yule log that contains our wishes for the coming year. The celebration is for the birth of the Sun King. The Yule log ashes are used to start next years Yule fire.

Candlemas.    Aug 2

Sometimes called Oimelc, (Ewes milk) or Imbolc, (in the belly ) as it is lambing season, or Brigits day. The Goddess has recuperated from the birth and we celebrate the Sun God reaching puberty and the awakening potential of the Goddess. (in the maiden aspect) Also a fire festival.

Eostre.    Sep 21

Spring or Vernal equinox, when the length of day and night are balanced is a good time to prepare the soil for new crops herbs and flowers. When the young God is vital and initiated into the knowledge of his own power. Also a celebration of the return of Persephone from the underworld.

Beltane.    Oct 31

Also a fire and fertility festival, when we celebrate the sexual maturity of the Goddess and the God by their sacred marriage. Traditionally a time when Beltane fires or belfires were lit to promote the healthy growth of the harvest. Livestock were driven between, and couples jumped these fires to ensure fertility. It was condoned and even encouraged for a married woman who was unable to become pregnant by her husband, to go into the forest at Beltane, where she could find a man to aid her in her quest.

Summer solstice.    Dec 22

Also called Litha. The longest day and shortest night. We celebrate the birth of the Holly King. The Oak King is challenged for rule over the land and the Goddess. The Oak King and the challenger fight and the challenger is repelled, but not before the Oak King takes a wasting wound to his thigh.

Lammas.    Feb 2

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