The Wheel of the Year is a modern pagan concept that refers to the annual cycle of seasons and festivals celebrated by pagan and Wiccan traditions. It represents the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the changing of the seasons. The wheel is divided into eight Sabbats, or festivals, which correspond to the solstices, equinoxes, and the cross-quarter days in between. Each Sabbat is associated with a different phase of the natural world and has its own unique rituals and traditions. The first Sabbat is Imbolc, which occurs around February 2nd and marks the beginning of spring. It is a time of purification and new beginnings, often celebrated with fire and candle rituals.
Also known as: Candlemas, Brighid, February Eve
Relatively little is known from the ancient Irish festival of Imbolc, after which modern Pagan and witch celebrations are named. We do know that they took place in early February in Ireland, in areas where this date would have been the beginning of spring.
One thing we do know is that the goddess Brighid was connected in some way. Or a goddess Brighid: several Brighids were venerated throughout the British Isles, and it’s unclear whether she was a universal deity or more localised to smaller areas.
What we can be sure about is that it was the Brigid who was canonised (made into a saint) by the Catholic church was a goddess and not a real person. No historical records exist that point to a living Brigid, and the remaining myths about her are higgledy-piggledy and fragmented in places, presenting a Saint Brighid who, if she were a living person, would have had to have lived for centuries.
Many of the symbols and customs that we as modern Pagans associate with Imbolc and the goddess Brighid – like Brighid’s crosses, or building a bed for her in ritual – actually come from early Christian traditions and celebrations for Saint Brigid.
While they sometimes share a similar date and the name was used by many witches in the 1950s and 1960s, Candlemas is actually a different holiday altogether: it is a Catholic tradition which owes its origins at least in part to similar ceremonies held in ancient Greece.
In areas where Imbolc occurs at the beginning of Spring, rituals and altars feature the first flowers of the season (where I live these are jonquils and snowdrops). In some places, it is still quite cold and wintry by Imbolc, with no signs of spring at all yet. Modern Imbolc traditions in these areas sometimes include bringing fresh snow inside. Many also celebrate the return of the light, which is why candles feature so prominently in rituals for this season. Some witches like to use this time of year to do some spring cleaning: cleaning, repairing or replacing working tools; replenishing altar supplies; cleaning and cleansing ritual spaces, etc.
No historical records exist that point to a living Brigid, and the remaining myths about her are higgledy-piggledy and fragmented in places, presenting a Saint Brighid who, if she were a living person, would have had to have lived for centuries. The wheel of the year is how most witches and Pagans refer to one year s worth of seasons and the festivals that mark them and the continuing cycle of life, death and rebirth.
It is a time of purification and new beginnings, often celebrated with fire and candle rituals. The next Sabbat is Ostara, which takes place around March 21st and celebrates the vernal equinox. It is a time of balance, growth, and fertility, and is often marked by the planting of seeds and the lighting of bonfires.
Pagan Portals - Rounding the Wheel of the Year
Discover the history behind some much-loved folklore and modern pagan customs -- including practical suggestions for celebrating the turning of the year.
Beltane, the next Sabbat, falls on May 1st and marks the beginning of summer. It is a time of abundance and fertility, celebrating the union of the god and goddess. Bonfires and maypole dancing are common traditions during this festival. Litha, or Midsummer, occurs around June 21st and celebrates the summer solstice. It is a time of light and power, often symbolized by bonfires, sunflowers, and outdoor rituals. Lammas, observed around August 1st, marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and to honor the god of the grain. Mabon, the next Sabbat, occurs around September 21st and celebrates the autumn equinox. It is a time of balance and reflection, often marked by harvest feasts and gratitude rituals. Samhain, observed around October 31st, is the most widely known Sabbat and represents the beginning of winter. It is a time to honor and communicate with ancestors, as well as reflect on mortality and the cycle of life. The next Sabbat, Yule, takes place around December 21st and celebrates the winter solstice. It is a time of darkness and rebirth, often marked by the lighting of candles and the decorating of evergreens. Finally, the wheel comes full circle with Imbolc, the first Sabbat, once again. The Wheel of the Year is not only a representation of the changing seasons but also a metaphor for the journey of life and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It serves as a reminder to live in harmony with nature and to honor the cycles of life that are inherent in the world around us..
Reviews for "The Wheel of the Year Pagam: Celebrating the Divine Feminine"
1. Mary - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Wheel of the Year Pagan. The book promised a deep exploration of Pagan rituals and traditions, but instead, I found it to be quite basic and lacking in depth. The information provided was vague and lacked substance, and I was hoping for more detailed instructions and explanations on how to incorporate Pagan traditions into my life. Overall, I felt let down by this book and would not recommend it to others seeking a comprehensive guide to Paganism.
2. John - 1 star - I found the Wheel of the Year Pagan to be incredibly repetitive and poorly organized. Instead of presenting a clear and concise overview of Paganism and its practices, the book seemed to ramble on without a clear structure. Additionally, I felt that the author's writing style was confusing and difficult to follow. This made it challenging to fully grasp the concepts being discussed. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As a beginner in Paganism, I was looking for a book that would provide me with a solid foundation and understanding of the Wheel of the Year. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The information provided felt superficial and lacked depth. I was hoping for more clear explanations and practical guidance on how to celebrate the different Pagan holidays throughout the year. Instead, I found the book to be a collection of generic information that could easily be found online. I would not recommend this book to those looking for a comprehensive guide on Paganism and the Wheel of the Year.
4. Michael - 3 stars - While I didn't hate the Wheel of the Year Pagan book, I did not find it to be particularly engaging or insightful. The writing style was dry, and the information provided felt like a regurgitation of commonly known facts. I was hoping for deeper insights into the meaning and significance of the Pagan holidays and rituals, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver. It could be a decent introductory resource for those completely new to Paganism, but overall, I was left wanting more substance and depth from this book.