The Pagan holiday wheel is a term used to describe the cycle of seasonal celebrations observed by many contemporary Pagan and Wiccan traditions. It is closely tied to the changing of the seasons and the agricultural cycle. The main idea **of the Pagan holiday wheel** is the recognition and celebration of the changing seasons and their influence on the natural world. This cycle of holidays is often referred to as the Wheel of the Year. Throughout the year, Pagans and Wiccans mark eight major Sabbats or festivals that are spaced approximately six to seven weeks apart. These Sabbats are divided into two groups: the solar holidays or solstices and equinoxes, and the cross-quarter holidays.
March 20-23 (spring equinox)
This is the festival of the corn, sometimes called Lammas, when the first fruits of the harvest are brought in, and in the fields the grain is ripe but not yet harvested. This is the May Eve, the festival of fertility, when invocations and dances are performed to ensure bountiful crops and the continued fertility of all nature including humans.
These Sabbats are divided into two groups: the solar holidays or solstices and equinoxes, and the cross-quarter holidays. The solar holidays include the winter solstice, also known as Yule, which marks the longest night of the year. It is a time of introspection and celebration of the return of the light.
Pagan holiday wheel
This is the festival of the dead, Hallow-eve, when the Goddess gives the reins of government to the God. Here He presides, and the gates between the worlds are very thin. Now is the time to remember those we love who have died in the past year; for now they can join us in our celebration. The year is dying. We look forward to it's rebirth. Colors for Samhain are black, red and orange. Plants associated with it are Indian corn, pumpkins, gourds, apples and corn stalks.
Yule
December 20 - 23 (winter solstice)
This is the festival of the return of Sun, when the Great Mother brings him forth new-born. The colors associated with Yule are red and green; plants are the Yule Log, mistletoe, holly, pine and pine cones, and all sorts of nuts.
Traditionally, a candle (or other flame) is left burning all night on this longest of nights, to teach the new Sun how to shine.
Imbolc or Candlemas
This is the feast of the torches, also known as Bridget's Day. We bid our Lady return from the darkness, and light the flames so She may see the way. The colors of Candlemas are red and white; plants are roses, cherries, and apples. Read more about Imbolc.
Eostar
March 20-23 (spring equinox)
This is the festival of spring, when we welcome the Goddess back from her place of rest and ask Her blessings for new growth in the coming year. The colors of Eostar are green, white and silver; plants are all spring flowers and seeds. Colored eggs are exchanged now. Read a sample Eostar Celebration.
Beltane
This is the May Eve, the festival of fertility, when invocations and dances are performed to ensure bountiful crops and the continued fertility of all nature (including humans!). This is the time when the God and the Goddess meet as lovers, and He gives the governing of the year to Her until Samhain. The entire rainbow is associated with Beltane, as are all flowers, garlands, trees, and fresh leaves.
Litha
June 20-23 (summer solstice)
This is the festival of summer, when we dance and make merry magic in thanks for the crops growing, and the abundance of nature. This is when light is at it's peak, when the day is longest. The color of Litha is green, and plants associated with this day are roses, vines, and leaves.
Lughnassad
This is the festival of the corn, sometimes called Lammas, when the first fruits of the harvest are brought in, and in the fields the grain is ripe but not yet harvested. We rejoice in the gifts of the Great Mother. Colors for Lammas are green, yellow, and red. Plants are corn, grains, tomatoes, berries, and flowers.
Mabon
September 20-23 (fall equinox)
This is harvest-home, when the crops have been gathered. We give thanks for the Lady's abundance, and feast on the plentiful food. The colors of Mabon are orange, brown, yellow and red. All crops are associated with this festival, as are the brilliant fall leaves.
With these festivals, we celebrate the turning of the wheel, the continuance of life and the dance of the Earth around the Sun.
Traditionally, the colors and plants attributed to the holiday are used in the decorations; legends that mark the turning are told, and seasonal foods are eaten. This is also the time to do magic that helps the Wheel to turn, and to take advantage of the turning to plant or harvest things in our own lives, and thank the Gods for the things that they have done for us.
As the Gods share with us, so we share with the Gods. Blessed Be.
This is the festival of spring, when we welcome the Goddess back from her place of rest and ask Her blessings for new growth in the coming year. The colors of Eostar are green, white and silver; plants are all spring flowers and seeds. Colored eggs are exchanged now. Read a sample Eostar Celebration.
The spring equinox, known as Ostara or Eostre, celebrates the arrival of spring and new life. The summer solstice, known as Litha or Midsummer, honors the peak of the sun's power and the longest day of the year. The autumn equinox, known as Mabon, marks the harvest and the transition into the darker half of the year. The cross-quarter holidays, also known as fire festivals, mark the points halfway between the solar holidays. These include Imbolc, a time of purification and the first signs of spring; Beltane, which celebrates the fertility of the Earth and the coming of summer; Lughnasadh, a harvest festival honoring the first fruits of the season; and Samhain, the most widely recognized Pagan holiday, which celebrates the end of the harvest and the thinning of the veil between the physical world and the realm of the ancestors. The Pagan holiday wheel serves as a reminder of our connection to the natural world and the cyclical nature of life. Each holiday offers a unique opportunity for reflection, celebration, and spiritual practice. For many Pagans and Wiccans, the observance of these holidays is a way to honor and connect with the Earth and the changing seasons..
Reviews for "The Pagan Holiday Wheel: Traditions from Around the World"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan Holiday Wheel". The concept seemed intriguing, but the execution fell flat for me. The writing felt disjointed and lacked coherence. Additionally, the characters were underdeveloped and I found it difficult to connect with them. Overall, I was left feeling confused and underwhelmed by this book.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Pagan Holiday Wheel" is a book I regret picking up. The story was slow-paced and unengaging, and I struggled to maintain interest throughout. The writing style was also quite dense and pretentious, making it even more difficult to stay engaged. I found myself skimming through paragraphs just to get to the end. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable and compelling read.
3. David - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "Pagan Holiday Wheel", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The plot had potential, but it was filled with unnecessary subplots that detracted from the main story. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening, followed by rushed and unsatisfying resolutions. The characters were also flat and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. Overall, I was left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied with this book.
4. Emily - 1 star - I found "Pagan Holiday Wheel" to be a complete waste of time. The story was convoluted and confusing, and I struggled to follow the multiple storylines. The writing style was pretentious and flowery, and it felt like the author was trying too hard to be profound. I found myself rolling my eyes at the overly dramatic and unrealistic dialogue. Overall, this book was a major disappointment and I would not recommend it to anyone.