Within the wheel of the year, there are eight Sabbatts, or holidays.  Four of these celebrations are major sabbatts such as Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas, all of which occur between the solstices and equinoxes.  The four minor Sabbatts are the solstices and equinoxes that separate the year into four quarters or seasons. They are Yule, Ostara, Mabon, and Midsummer.

 

Samhain

            Samhain or All Hallow’s Eve is celebrated on October 31^st and it literally means summer ending.  This holiday occurs between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice and is the last of three sabbatts celebrating the harvests.  One of the many aspects that comprise the Sabbatt of Samhain is that of the Celtic New Year. At this point, one can glance back at the past year to gain insight from their experiences.  This is also a time of honoring ancestors and deceased loved ones, as well as a time for us to approach and learn to understand death as a natural part of life.  Many Pagans hold a feast where photos or other memorabilia can be placed out to remember lost loved ones and it is the best time of the year to contact those who have passed.  This night marks the time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is the thinnest and therefore it is not only an excellent time for contacting the dead, but it is also the best time for divination.  For many this event includes mourning of the death of the sun since the coming months are when daylight is at its shortest and the moon’s power reigns. 

 

Winter Solstice

            Also known as Yule, the Winter Solstice is the darkest day of the year.  From this day until that of Midsummer, the days grow longer.  The actual date varies from December 20^th to the 23^rd and this is the day marking the vanquishing of the Holly King, God of the waning year, by the Oak King, God of the waxing year.  Also associated with Yule, is the battle between the Holly and Oak Kings.  It is during this battle that the Oak King defeats the Holly King and takes his place of power for the next six months until Midsummer. Since this is the time of the year when the sun’s power is growing, it is considered the holiday of the birth of the sun or God, whom is born from the Goddess.  This holiday focuses mainly on rebirth, renewal, and life.  During this time many celebrate with feasts, gifts, fires, and a Yule tree.  A Yule tree is typically decorated with natural decorations such as berries and pine cones.  The evergreens were considered as a symbol of everlasting life since they remained green even into the winter season where many things died.  At midnight on the solstice, some Pagans light a candle to signify the rebirth of the sun despite the surrounding darkness. 

 

Imbolc

            Also known as Imbolg, this holiday is celebrated on February 2^nd and is the day that falls directly in the middle of the winter season.  This day continues to recognize the growing power of the sun, rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings.  Though the Earth is still covered in snow, we can begin to see the shift toward spring, which will bring new growth and warmth.  The coldest days of winter are gone and all continues to grow and live on.  This is considered the time of the Maiden; it is her season as she prepares for the fertile growth of the seasons to come.  This is also a great time for taking steps forward in bringing your New Year’s resolutions into fruition and for planning what new things you want to bring into your life and what bad things you wish to banish as you clean up and prepare for warmer days. At this time, many honor the Celtic Goddess, Brid, who later became adopted in the Christian faith as St. Brigit.

 

Ostara

                                                     This Sabbatt occurs on or around the 21^st of March and is the Vernal Equinox.  It is the first time of the year in which light and darkness are equal. From this point on, the light will increase.  Ostara is a time of new beginnings where the growth, fertility, and warmth of spring have returned to the Earth.  To some this day marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and she conceives, however, others celebrate this union at Beltane.  This particular holiday is a great time for admiring nature, planting, and beginning new projects.  Like Easter, it is common to color eggs to infuse them with various properties (such as prosperity, creativity, passion, etc.) since the egg is a perfect representation of fertility and rebirth.

 

Beltane

            Beltane is the Sabbatt that celebrates fertility and the union of the God and the Goddess. It occurs on May 1^st and at this time life. This can be seen in the mating of animals and the growing of seeds in the fields. Great fires are lit honoring the fertility God and some even leap the fires to show the energy of the season.  A Maypole is erected and bright ribbons are hung wrapped around it in a Maypole dance. The Maypole, a phallic symbol, represents the masculine or the God. The soft colored ribbons are the feminine or the Goddess; this symbolizes the union of the two. This is the time to fertilize your dreams with action.   Beltane marks a time of fertility, vitality, sexuality, passion, and growth.

 

Midsummer

            Midsummer, or Litha, occurs at the summer solstice, which falls between June 20^th and 23^rd.   This day marks the time when the light is at its strongest and is the longest day in the year.  Midsummer is called such because, for many Pagans, summer actually starts at Beltane and ends at Lammas, thus it is Midsummer because it falls between these two other Sabbatts.  Now that the crops have been planted and are growing, we can see a shift from the sexually charged time of spring and Beltane to a mature, deep, emotional love between the God and Goddess.  This is a time of strength and vitality as the sun continues to warm the earth and encourages our growth and the growth of the plants.  The Goddess is growing and blooming into a mature mother as the Earth blossoms into the vibrant color and life of summer.  She is with child and as the summer continues she cherishes the sun’s light to aid in the growth of all life.

 

Lammas

            Also known as Lughnasadh, Lammas is the first of the three harvesting festivals and is considered to be one of the greater Sabbatts.  This first harvest occurs at the beginning of August and fertility is emphasized in order to continue the success of the crops throughout the rest of the year.  Lammas is also known to be a time of relaxation where one can appreciate the results of their hard work.  One of the myths paired with Lammas is that of the death of the Grain God; he sacrifices himself so that the crops will continue to thrive and so that the survival of the people is secured.  It is in his honor that corn bread is baked and shared.  This Sabbat also marks a great time to prepare for autumn and the coming harvests.

 

Mabon

 

            This Sabbat occurs on the Autumn Equinox and is the second time during the year where night and day are equal.  However, at this point the darkness will increase as the nights grow longer and the death of the God and nature are soon approaching.  This is a time of balance and looking back on the past year.  Mabon is the second and largest of the three harvests and because of this is a celebration of life itself.  It is a time to indulge in the fruits of the past year; whether it is something personal or physical.  This time of year is often associated with reflection and an opportunity to contemplate one’s own life over the past year and for us to decide what changes or vows we would like to make for the upcoming year.  One of the gods often attached to Mabon is Dionysus, which is a Greek god of wine and pleasure.  Many also use wine and bread to represent the God and Goddess in rituals

                                                                                      -Crystal Willet, 2006