WHEEL OF THE YEAR
The Wheel of the Year is a concept central to many modern pagan and witchcraft traditions, representing the cyclical nature of the seasons and the rhythm of life itself. It is a calendar of eight festivals, known as Sabbats, that mark key points in the solar cycle, including the solstices, equinoxes, and the midpoints between them. The information provided is accurate the the Northern Hemisphere.
THE EIGHT WITCHES SABBATS
YULE
December 20th - 23rd
Celebrated on the Winter Solstice, Yule is the festival of rebirth and renewal. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, after which the days begin to lengthen and the Sun begins its cycle of rebirth. Traditions include the lighting of the Yule log, decorating with evergreens, and showing gratitude for loved ones through gift giving.
TOOLS - Yule Log, Candles, Bells, Wreaths
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STONES - Garnet, Ruby, Bloodstone, Clear Quartz
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PLANTS - Holly, Mistletoe, Pine, Clove, Bay
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ANIMALS - Reindeer, Goat, Bear
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DEITIES - Odin, Cernunnos
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ELEMENTS - Earth
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SEASON - Winter
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IMBOLC
February 1st
Imbolc marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a celebration of light, renewal and the first signs of spring. It honours the goddess Brigid and symbolizes purification, new beginnings, and the return of the sun. Rituals often include lighting candles to welcome in the light of the sun and cleansing the home.
TOOLS - Candles, Brigid’s Cross, Blessed Water
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STONES - Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Citrine
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PLANTS - Snowdrops, Angelica Root, Chamomile, Heather, Juniper
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ANIMALS - Swans, Sheep, Cows
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DEITIES - Brigid, Cerridwen
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ELEMENTS - Fire & Water
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SEASON - Late Winter
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OSTARA
March 20th - 23rd
Ostara is celebrated on the Spring Equinox, when day and night are of equal length, and marks the arrival of spring. It symbolizes fertility, growth, and balance and is a festival for honouring the goddess Ä’ostre. Rituals often include spring cleaning, egg decorating, planting seeds and setting intentions for future growth and prosperity.
TOOLS - Eggs, Chalice, Seeds & Bulbs, Candles
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STONES - Rose Quartz, Aventurine, Citrine, Peridot, Moss Agate
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PLANTS - Daffodils, Tulips, Primrose
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ANIMALS - Hares, Chickens, Doves, Sheep
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DEITIES - Ä’ostre, Persephone
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ELEMENTS - Air & Earth
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SEASON - Spring
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BELTANE
April 30th
Beltane marks the peak of spring and the promise of summer. It is a fire festival celebrating the growing power of the sun, creativity, passion, and the union of the god and goddess. Beltane is also the time of year when the veil to the Faerie realm is at its thinnest. Traditional festivities include dancing around the Maypole and the jumping over bonfires for purification.
TOOLS - Fire, May Pole, Candles
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STONES - Fire Agate, Carnelian, Citrine, Sunstone
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PLANTS - Hawthorn, Dandelions, Rose, Apple Blossom
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ANIMALS - Deer, Bee, Butterfly
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DEITIES - The May Queen, Pan
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ELEMENTS - Fire & Earth
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SEASON - Late Spring
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LITHA
June 20th - 23rd
Also known as Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, Litha celebrates the longest day of the year. It is a time of abundance, vitality, and honouring the peak of the sun'spower. Celebrations often include bonfires, holding community gatherings and feasts, and honouring the spirits of nature.
TOOLS - Sun Wheel, Wand, Drum
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STONES - Sunstone, Amber, Carnelian, Citrine
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PLANTS - St. John’s Wort, Lavender, Honeysuckle
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ANIMALS - Lion, Butterfly, Eagle
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DEITIES - Ra, Gaia, Helios
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ELEMENTS - Fire
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SEASON - Summer
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LUGHNASADH
August 1st
Also known as Lammas, Lughnasadh is the first of the harvest festivals, celebrating the ripening of grains and the abundance of the earth. It honours the Celtic solar god, Lugh, and includes rituals of showing gratitude, competitive games, feasting on the first fruits of the harvest, and the baking and breaking of bread.
TOOLS - Sickles, Scythes, Mortar & Pestle, Basket
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STONES - Citrine, Amber, Tiger’s eye, Aventurine
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PLANTS - Wheat, Corn, Barley, Meadowsweet
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ANIMALS - Cow/Bull, Stag, Horse
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DEITIES - Lugh, Demeter
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ELEMENTS - Earth
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SEASON - Late Summer
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MABON
September 20th - 23rd
Celebrated on the Autumn Equinox, Mabon is a time of thanksgiving and balance, as day and night are equal once again. From this point, the nights grow longer and the preparation for the coming winter begins. Mabon is the time of the second harvest, focusing giving thanks to the great Mother Earth for the abundance received throughout the year.
TOOLS - Cornucopia, Scales, Cauldron
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STONES - Smoky Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Garnet
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PLANTS - Yarrow, Blackberries, Rosemary, Sage
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ANIMALS - Owl, Fox, Hedgehog, Squirrel
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DEITIES - Mabon, Dionysus
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ELEMENTS - Water
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SEASON - Autumn
COLOURS:
SAMHAIN
October 31st
Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time for introspection and to honour the lives of our ancestors. The veil between the living and spirit worlds is believed to be at it's thinnest on this day and it is often considered the Celtic New Year. Rituals include holding dumb suppers, spirit walks and carving Jack O’ Lanterns.
TOOLS - Besom, Divination Tools, Bones
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STONES - Obsidian, Black Tourmaline, Labradorite
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PLANTS - Mugwort, Wormwood, Yew, Apples, Pumpkins
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ANIMALS - Cats, Bats, Crow, Wolf, Spider
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DEITIES - Hecate, Osiris, Hel
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ELEMENTS - Air
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SEASON - Late Autumn
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