Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year marks the changing seasons and celebrates the cycles of nature.

Why follow the wheel of the year?

  1. Harmony with Nature: Following the Wheel of the Year allows you to synchronize their lives with the natural world, fostering a sense of harmony and balance.
  2. Cyclical Awareness: Embracing the Wheel encourages an awareness of life’s cyclical nature, promoting personal growth, reflection, and renewal.
  3. Spiritual Connection: The Wheel of the Year serves as a spiritual compass, guiding practitioners on a journey of self-discovery, inner transformation, and connection to the sacred.
  4. Ground into the season: The Wheel of the Year gives you an opportunity to feel into the season through rituals, decorations, recipes, celebrations, spells, and themes of life to focus on.

Yule

Yule celebrates the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, and the return of the sun. It symbolizes hope, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness. Light a Yule log, exchange gifts, decorate with evergreens, and celebrate the returning light with friends and family.

December 21/22

  • Winter Solstice
  • Winter Peaks
  • The light is returning
  • New Moon energy
  • Fresh Starts
  • Retreat inward
  • Do cleansing practices
  • Burn a yule log
  • Drink peppermint or chamomile tea
  • Set intentions for the coming year
  • Rest
  • Get cozy and read
  • Pass down stories/document your family’s rituals

Imbolc

Imbolc marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time of purification, initiation, and the first signs of spring’s emergence. Light candles to symbolize the returning light, bless and cleanse your home, and focus on personal growth and new beginnings.

February 1/2

  • Cross-Quarter Sabbat
  • Midway through Winter to Spring
  • Home and Hearth
  • Waxing Crescent Moon energy
  • Hope and Fertility
  • Cleaning your physical space
  • Prepare to take action on your goals
  • Make a Brigid Cross
  • Bake bread
  • Create a vision board
  • Tap into your creativity

Ostara

Ostara, also known as the spring equinox, celebrates the balance between day and night. It marks the awakening of nature and the fertility of the land. Plant seeds, decorate eggs, and engage in activities that honor the renewal of life. Connect with the natural world as it bursts into vibrant colors.

March 19-21

  • Spring Equinox
  • Spring Begins
  • Day and Night are equal
  • First Quarter Moon energy
  • Take Action
  • Inner Child Play
  • Go outside
  • Celebrate the abundance around you
  • Take action on the intentions you set during the winter
  • Go on a picnic
  • Push yourself to move forward during this season

Beltane

Beltane heralds the arrival of summer and is a time of fertility, love, and passion. It celebrates the union of the God and Goddess. Dance around the Maypole, light bonfires, and engage in rituals that celebrate the vitality of life. It’s a time for joy, sensuality, and connection.

April 30/May 1

  • Cross-Quarter Sabbat
  • Midway from Spring to Summer
  • The light has returned
  • Waxing Gibbous Moon energy
  • Abundance and Sex
  • Indulge
  • Celebrate love
  • Have sex
  • Make a flower crown
  • Have a bonfire
  • Wear emerald

Litha

Litha, or the summer solstice, marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. It is a time of abundance, growth, and the peak of the sun’s power. Spend time outdoors, light bonfires, and express gratitude for the blessings in your life. Focus on personal empowerment and harnessing the energy of the sun.

June 20-22

  • Summer Solstice
  • Summer Peaks
  • The light has peaked
  • Full Moon energy
  • Celebrate
  • Spend time in the sun
  • Send gratitude for your blessings
  • Create
  • Have a bonfire
  • Catch fireflies
  • Eat fruit
  • Sit outside and do nothing

Lammas

Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, celebrates the first harvest and the abundance of the land. It is a time of gratitude and the acknowledgment of the cyclical nature of life. Bake and share bread, give thanks for the harvest, and participate in community gatherings. Reflect on personal achievements and set intentions for the future.

August 1/2

  • Cross-Quarter Sabbat
  • Midway from Summer to Fall
  • The light is beginning to wane
  • Waning Gibbous Moon energy
  • Prepare and Plan
  • Have a feast
  • Plan the rest of your year
  • Enjoy the light while it’s still here
  • Make bread
  • Make corn dollies
  • Divination

Mabon

Mabon, the autumn equinox, represents the balance between light and darkness as the days become shorter. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and preparation for the winter months. Harvest fruits and vegetables, create an altar of gratitude, and spend time in contemplation. Honor the balance in your life and express appreciation for the harvest, both metaphorical and literal.

September 21/24

  • Autumn Equinox
  • Fall Begins
  • Day and Night are equal
  • Last Quarter Moon energy
  • Gratitude
  • Banish
  • Cleanse
  • Pick apples
  • Begin to turn inwards
  • Wrap up high energy or outdoor projects
  • Start your moon magic practices back up

Samhain

Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is believed that the veil between the physical and spiritual realms is at its thinnest during this time. Honor departed loved ones, practice divination, and create a sacred space to connect with the spiritual world.

October 31/November 1

  • Cross-Quarter Sabbat
  • The darkness is returning
  • Waning Crescent Moon energy
  • Death & Rebirth
  • Create an altar for your ancestor’s
  • Release spells
  • Allow yourself to slow down and rest
  • Work with your spirit guides
  • Bake a pumpkin pie
  • Journal on the year so far
  • Forgive yourself

As we go through the Wheel of the Year, we find ourselves connected to the rhythms of nature and the cycle of life and death. Embracing the Sabbats allows us to deepen our connection to the earth, honor the changing seasons, and cultivate a sense of spiritual balance and harmony in our lives. The Wheel of the Year offers a grounded journey for those seeking a spiritual connection with the natural world.

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