The Wheel of the Year consists of eight annual sabbat celebrations that mark the turning points of the solar cycle. The Sabbats include four solar festivals marking the equinoxes and solstices, and four seasonal festivals (or cross-quarter dates) celebrating seasonal changes. By tuning into the cyclical rhythm of nature we can live in harmony with the natural ebb and flow of the energies that surround us.
Lammas occurs in the beginning of August and is regarded as the first of the three Harvest festivals. This is the Sabbat when we gather and give thanks for the first corn or grain of the season, which includes all cereal crops such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats. ‘Lammas’ is taken from “loaf mass”… Read More The Wheel of the Year: Lammas or Lughnasadh
Occurring on or about June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, Litha (or Midsummer/Summer Solstice) is a time when the Sun is at its height of power. This is the longest day and shortest night of the year when we celebrate the Earth in its peak of abundance. With this holiday we see the full influence of… Read More Wheel of the Year: Litha
Beltane is the last of the three spring fertility festivals (preceded by Imbolc and Ostara) and is regarded as one of the most important Sabbats of the year. Landing midway between the spring equinox and midsummer solstice this cross-quarter festival traditionally marked the arrival of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The veil between worlds is… Read More Wheel of the Year: Beltane
We have reached the point of the year when Spring is in full swing! Time to get outside and perform a simple garden seed blessing. This is an easy Ostara ritual that you can do over the seeds that will be planted or the sprouts that are already beginning to grow. What is Ostara? Ostara… Read More Ostara Seed Blessing Ritual
The spring or vernal equinox takes place on or about March 21st and has been celebrated throughout history as a time of renewal and rebirth. This Sabbat is one of rejoicing in all life. The balance of the Earth and Sun are at one with each other again. At this time we strive for balance,… Read More The Wheel of the Year: Ostara
Imbolc marks the mid-point between the darkest night of Winter at Yule and the point of the perfect balance of night and day during Spring Equinox (Ostara). The life-force of the earth is awakening and stirring with the promise of renewal and rebirth. Now is the time to let go of the past, clear out… Read More Imbolc Magic
Perform your own Imbolc house blessing ritual to welcome in the changing of the season. It’s the perfect time for a traditional spring cleaning to refresh and reset after the winter holidays.… Read More Imbolc House Blessing Ritual
Winter is the season of rest and reflection but also a time when we are expected to gather with our loved ones to celebrate. These two ideas do not need to be mutually exclusive but rather they serve as a counter-balance to each other. The Winter Solstice marks the space between the ending and the… Read More Sacred Self-Care in the Winter Season
Lughnasadh marks the mid-point between the Summer Solstice (Litha) and Autumn Equinox (Mabon). We have reached the first of the three fall harvest festivals, also called Lammas or the grain harvest, when we celebrate all of the blessings of the season. As the Wheel turns we recognize the sacrifices that must occur in order for… Read More Lughnasadh Magic
The Wheel of the Year is a Pagan metaphor and calendar of festivals that mark the ebb and flow of seasonal changes throughout the year. Those who traditionally celebrate the Wheel do so with overtones of Celtic influences and, therefore, it corresponds closely with changes in the Northern Hemisphere. The Wheel includes the eight seasonal Sabbats and… Read More The Astrological Timing of The Wheel of the Year