What Is The Wheel Of The Year?
Rebecca HaynesThe Pagan Wheel of the Year, sometimes referred to as the eightfold cycle, marks eight holidays, known as sabbats, throughout the year. These sabbats, are eight festivals that mark the changing seasons and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
The sabbats are linked to a solstice or equinox, and the midpoints between them. It is for this reason that the date changes slightly each year (which is also why the date of Easter changes each year because it is the Sunday following the Vernal Equinox).
These festivals are divided into four major sabbats and four minor sabbats.
The Four Major Sabbats Are:
- Samhain (October 31st Northern Hemisphere/ April 30/ May 1 Southern Hemisphere) - Is celebrated in the midpoint between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice, Marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, it is associated with death and the transition to the afterlife.
- Imbolc (February 1st Northern Hemisphere/ August 1 Southern Hemisphere) - Is celebrated at the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It marks the beginning of spring and the awakening of the earth, it is associated with the goddess Brigid and the return of light.
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Beltane (May 1st Northern Hemisphere/ October 31 Southern Hemisphere) -Beltane marks the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice.
It represents the beginning of summer and the start of the planting season, it is associated with fertility and the union of the god and goddess.
- Lughnasadh, Lammas (around August 1st Northern Hemisphere/ February 1 Southern Hemisphere) -Lughnasadh is celebrated at the midpoint between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. It marks the beginning of the harvest season and the god's sacrifice. Wiccans honor the god as the mature sun king who sacrifices himself for the good of the people and the goddess as the mother who mourns his death.
The Four Minor Sabbats Are:
- Ostara (around March 21st Northern Hemisphere/ September 21 Southern Hemisphere ) - Marks the Vernal (Spring) Equinox and the balance between light and dark, it is associated with the goddess Eostre and new beginnings.
- Litha (around June 21st Northern Hemisphere/ December 21 Southern Hemisphere) - Marks the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year, it is associated with the god of the sun and the height of summer.
- Mabon (around September 21st Northern Hemisphere/ March 21 Southern Hemisphere) - Marks the Autumnal Equinox and the balance between light and dark, it is associated with the god Mabon and the end of the harvest season.
- Yule (around December 21st Northern Hemisphere/ June 21 Southern Hemisphere) - Marks the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year, it is associated with the rebirth of the sun and new beginnings.
In lots of literature you will see only the Northern Hemisphere dates mentioned, possibly because Paganism has historically been linked with the Northern Hemisphere which is why (being from the Southern Hemisphere) we have also included the Southern Hemisphere dates above.
It's important to note that not all practitioners of Paganism and Wicca/ Witchcraft follow the sabbats and some might not follow the traditional dates, but instead, celebrate them on dates that align with the natural cycles in their local area. If you would like the exact dates and times of the Solstices and Equinoxes in your neck of the woods check out the 2024 Equinox, Solstice & Cross-Quarter Moments here.
In addition to these sabbats, Wiccans also celebrate the cycles of the moon by holding Esbats. Esbats are rituals that are held on the full and new moons. During these rituals, Wiccans honor the goddess in her aspects as the maiden, mother, and crone.
These holidays and celebrations serve as an opportunity for those in the Pagan & Wiccan communities to connect with the divine, honour the cycles of nature and align their intentions with the natural rhythms of the earth.
Let us know if you take part in the sabbats. What is your favourite time of the year to celebrate? We look forward to reading your comments.