Just like most other religions, Wicca has holidays. The Sabbats are what we call them. The Sabbats are timed to the seasons and the natural rhythms of the Earth. We celebrate the journey around the sun or The Wheel of The Year as many Wiccans call it. Here I am going to give you a small breakdown of the eight Sabbats celebrated annually by most of the Wiccan community and closer to each Sabbat I plan to do a post more focused on said Sabbat and how I personally celebrate.
Yule, Winter Solstice: December 20, 21, 22, or 23: Some of us see Yule as either the year’s end or beginning as it is the longest night and shortest day of the year. This is a time of hope and renewal as the newborn sun offers us a fresh start and a literal new day.
Brigid, or Imbolc: February 1 or 2: This is the preparation for spring. During this time we cleanse our hearts, minds, and living environments. This is our way of readying ourselves for the upcoming season of growth. We shake off the stagnant scent of late winter and being to light the fires of inspiration and creativity.
Spring Equinox, or Ostara: March 20, 21, 22, or 23: At the Equinox the nights and days have become equal in length. The snow and ice are melting and the light is increasing. This is a time of renewal, fertility, and birth, the growing season has begun for plants and animals alike.
Beltane, Beltaine, Bealtaine: April 30 or May 1: This is the midpoint between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, at this time the Earth’s energies are most active and at their strongest. All things in life are full of potent fertility. Fertility is the main focus of Beltane along with the honoring of the union and marriage of the Goddess as Mother Earth and the God of the Greenwood.
Litha, Summer Solstice, or Midsummer: June 20, 21, 22, or 23: The Summer Solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year. The woods have now reached their peak fullness, we have planted our crops and they are growing. The season is full of abundance for humans and wildlife alike.
Lughnasad, Lughnasadh, or Lammas: August 1: Lammas is a time of both hope and fear. In ancient times it was hope for a bountiful harvest and fear it may not be enough to get through the struggles of the cold months. Even in modern times, Lammas is used to face our fears, protect ourselves and our homes along with developing our own abilities.
Mabon, Fall Equinox: September 20, 21, 22, or 23: Upon Mabon, in ideal balance, the day and night are equal in length. This in many places often coincides with the final harvest of vegetables, fruits, and grains. At this time the beauty and bounty of summer fade to the harsh cold of the winter months and the darkness reclaims the light.
Samhain, All Hallow’s Eve, Hallowmas: October 31 or November 1: For many Wiccans (myself included) this marks the end of the year and is the most important Sabbat as it is time to celebrate the harvest, our ancestors, and all that has been accomplished throughout the year.
The next Sabbat to happen this year is Beltane which is only 16 days 4 hours and 51 minutes from now ( 4/14/2022 @ 7:07 pm). As I stated above when we get a little closer I will do a more in-depth post about Beltane and how I celebrate.
“My religion speaks of the old ways. It is the perfume of my night, the sanctity of my day.”
– Karla Bardanza
