The Pagan Wheel of the Year Festivals is a concept that refers to the eight seasonal celebrations observed by many modern Pagan and Wiccan traditions. These festivals are based on ancient agricultural and astronomical cycles and are observed to honor the Earth's rhythms and the changing seasons. The Pagan Wheel of the Year is comprised of four solar festivals, also known as the Sabbats, and four agricultural festivals, known as the Fire Festivals. The solar festivals mark the winter and summer solstices, as well as the spring and autumn equinoxes. These festivals celebrate the turning points of the year and are often associated with themes of rebirth, fertility, and abundance. The Fire Festivals, on the other hand, are based on the agricultural calendar and mark the midpoint between the solstices and equinoxes.
Learning about our ancestors is historically fascinating, and helps connect us with nature. For each festival on the wheel (in addition to it's history and mythology) I’ve listed associated colours, objects (to use for an altar or display) and ideas for some child friendly activities. This is a clear guide with no religious bias; ideal for a history topic, for those interested in following the seasons or for nature journaling.
For each festival on the wheel in addition to it s history and mythology I ve listed associated colours, objects to use for an altar or display and ideas for some child friendly activities. Calendar dates for celebration may be marked on the quarter and cross-quarter days proper, aligned to the nearest full moon or new moon, or chosen as the nearest weekend for secular convenience.
The Fire Festivals, on the other hand, are based on the agricultural calendar and mark the midpoint between the solstices and equinoxes. These festivals are associated with seasonal activities such as sowing, planting, harvesting, and preparing for the winter months. Each festival has its own unique traditions and rituals and is observed with feasting, dancing, and various forms of worship.
Wheel of the Year Guide - history of pagan festivals with calendars - LETTER
This 24 page PDF eBook includes; information & tips on each of the 8 festivals and their origins, the rich history behind the wheel of the year itself, and calendars for you to print and use. Includes 3 different calendar designs. Some festivals have a date range (as the day of the equinoxes and solstices can vary). Recommended reading age is 10+
This file is formatted to print on US LETTER sized paper - a version scaled to A4 is here.
Learning about our ancestors is historically fascinating, and helps connect us with nature. For each festival on the wheel (in addition to it's history and mythology) I’ve listed associated colours, objects (to use for an altar or display) and ideas for some child friendly activities. This is a clear guide with no religious bias; ideal for a history topic, for those interested in following the seasons or for nature journaling.
The wheel of the year calendar (also called a sabbat or pagan calendar) represents the cycle of life and the Earth’s seasonal journey around the sun. The wheel's 8 festivals honor the practices of our Western European ancestors (mainly Germanic & Celtic). Many of us today find ourselves looking to their old ways, traditions and beliefs - seeking a connection to our earth that has unfortunately been lost in modern times.
* PLEASE NOTE that the calendars in this guide are for the Northern Hemisphere.
There are a set of just the calendars here: WOTY Calendars
And also a pack of lovely Wheel of the Year posters: WOTY Posters
For best printing results, open the PDF using 'Adobe Acrobat' - the reader app is free to download for all platforms. When printing, select a 'fit to page' option to avoid any cropping.
>>> Printing, usage & distribution policy
All digital files and content within this pack is the copyrighted property of Sasha Jackson of ‘Dartmoor Kin’.
This product is for your personal use. You may not; modify, forward, copy or resell this product in any way (digitally or physically).
Pagan festivals today are loosely based on folk traditions from different cultures, with a varying degree of accuracy and – let’s be honest here – cultural appropriation in the mix. Much of what we think we know in Modern Paganism was created by people who loved romanticising ancient Celtic culture… but mostly had no idea what they were doing with regard to the actual cultures and traditions of those nations we now call ‘Celtic’.
The Pagan Wheel of the Year festivals are deeply rooted in nature and often involve ceremonies performed outdoors. Many Pagans and Wiccans celebrate these festivals by gathering in sacred spaces such as forests, fields, or other natural settings. These gatherings may include rituals, meditations, communal meals, and other activities designed to connect with the Earth and honor the cycles of life. The festivals of the Pagan Wheel of the Year provide a way for individuals and communities to mark the passing of time, celebrate the changing seasons, and connect with the rhythms of nature. They offer an opportunity to reflect on the interconnectedness of all living things and to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude, reverence, and responsibility towards the Earth. Overall, the Pagan Wheel of the Year festivals serve as a reminder of our place within the natural world and the importance of living in harmony with the cycles of nature. They offer a way to honor the Earth, celebrate life's abundance, and cultivate a spiritual connection to the world around us..
Reviews for "A Journey through the Pagan Wheel of the Year: Festivals and Reflections"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Psgan wheel of the ywar festivals". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, and it felt like nothing really happened for the majority of the book. Overall, I found the whole reading experience tedious and unfulfilling.
2. Mark - 1 star - I don't understand how "Psgan wheel of the ywar festivals" has received any positive reviews. The writing style was convoluted and pretentious, with elaborate descriptions that didn't add anything to the plot. The world-building was weak, and the magical elements felt forced and poorly explained. I struggled to finish this book and was left feeling unsatisfied and frustrated. I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - "Psgan wheel of the ywar festivals" had an interesting concept, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. The dialogue between characters felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to believe in their relationships. While there were some intriguing moments, they were overshadowed by the overall lack of cohesiveness in the narrative. The potential was there, but unfortunately, it wasn't fully realized in this book.
4. John - 2 stars - The characters in "Psgan wheel of the ywar festivals" felt flat and one-dimensional. They lacked depth and complexity, which made it difficult for me to care about their fates. The plot was predictable, and the twists were lackluster and uninspiring. I found myself skimming through pages, hoping for something exciting to happen, but it never did. The writing style was also overly descriptive, bogging down the story with unnecessary details. Overall, I was left feeling unimpressed and unengaged.