Understanding the Seasons and Sabbats

Pagans celebrate eight holy days or Sabbats. 

According to the Celtic Calendar the Wiccan year begins after SAMHAIN,  October 31st.  On this night the veil between physical and spiritual realms is at its thinnest.  It is a time of reflection and a time to say a temporary goodbye to the God

The God is reborn to the Goddess at YULE - the winter solstice, around Dec 20th - 23rd.  It is a time to light candles to welcome the return of the sun following the shortest  day of the year

Candlemas or Brigids Day  follows on February 2nd .  Known as IMBOLC, it symbolises the recovery of the Goddess brought about by the lengthening days and the increase in light and the growth of the God from boyhood

The spring equinox, known as OSTARA marks the first day of spring around 20th-23rd of March.  It is the time when the Goddess is waking up and covering the earth in fertility  while the God is reaching maturity

His journey into manhood is complete at BELTANE - May eve or April 30th.  This is the time to fill your home and ritual area with fresh flowers.  It is a time to concentrate on growth and wholeness,  and is a traditional time for handfasting.  It commemorates the union between the God and the Goddess

The summer solstice, or LITHA occurs between June 20th and 23rd.  It is a time of great magic and celebration,  but is also the turning point of the whole year

 LUGHNASADH, August Eve on August 1st is when the nights begin once again to get longer and the strength of the God is decreasing.  Pagans recognise that the God has to die in order for the rebirth of the land to occur. It is accepted that His energy merges with the harvested crops

The Autumn equinox or MABON is the end of the harvest, celebrated between September 20th and 23rd.  Nature begins to slow down in time with the Goddess who is  preparing for her renewal and for the rebirth of the God at Yule