The Wiccan calendar marks the “Sabbats” of Wicca. Sabbats are festivals that honor nature and Wiccans hold eight of these each year. In essence these festivals mark the change of the seasons. Let’s have a look at the eight Wiccan Sabbats.

Samhain – The Wiccan calendar year starts with Samhain. Samhain is celebrated near Halloween. This festival celebrates a time of year that is dark. This is the time of death, of honoring and communing with people no longer living. At this time the boundary between life and death is thought to be at its thinnest. Ceremonies are reverent, earthy and natural as well as joyous and festive.

Yule – The next festival on the Wiccan calendar is Yule or the celebration of the winter solstice. This is the solar new year and Wiccans often exchange gifts. Yule takes place around December 21. Winter may be seen as a safe place to dwell within. The mood is one of peace, sustenance and safety as well as cleansing. Any blocks that hamper inner renewal can be purified in anticipation of spring.

Brigid or Candlemas – Candleman is held on February 2, according to the Wiccan calendar. This is the festival of the Goddess Brigid. Brigid is the patron of poetry, healing, and metalsmithing. This is a time for rejuvenation and preparation for spring.

Spring Equinox – The next special event on the Wiccan calendar is the spring equinox. This occurs on or around March 21. During this festival it seems as if Wiccas pass from one time into another but are still between each time. It is a time of transition. The dark, safety of winter is shrugged off and it is powerful time of balance. This is a good time for magic and an explosion of creativity.

Beltane – On the Wiccan calendar, Beltane or May-Day, celebrates fertility. Beltane is held in memory of times when farmers led their cattle from winter shelter to the summer pasture. The cattle were driven between two fires in a purification ritual. Phallic symbols are erected and dancing takes place around it to promote fertility in the fields.

Litha – The Summer Solstice or Litha happens on or around June 21 and is another important event on the Wiccan calendar. At this time summer is celebrated as are the God and Goddess.

Lammas – On the Wiccan calendar Lammas (or first fruits of the harvest festival) is around August 1. This is when the Corn King dies as his body is harvested from the fields, providing food. As winter approaches Wiccas look inward. It is an earth-rites ritual and focused on harvesting and feeding the earth for its rest period.

Fall Equinox – The fall equinox on the Wiccan calendar happens near or on September 21. At this time the night is the same length as the day. This symbolizes the ordered aspects of nature to a Wicca.