The Wiccan holy day calendar is an important aspect of the Wiccan religion, as it dictates the dates and rituals for various celebrations throughout the year. Wiccans follow a lunar-based calendar, which means that their holidays are closely tied to the cycles of the moon. This lunar calendar consists of eight main holy days, known as Sabbats, and thirteen Esbats, which are smaller monthly celebrations. The main Wiccan holy days, or Sabbats, are divided into two categories: the Greater Sabbats and the Lesser Sabbats. The Greater Sabbats are four in number and mark the major seasonal changes throughout the year. These include the winter solstice, also known as Yule, which celebrates the rebirth of the sun and the return of light; Ostara, the vernal equinox, which represents the arrival of spring; Litha, the summer solstice, which celebrates the longest day of the year; and Mabon, the autumnal equinox, which marks the start of the harvest season.
These include the winter solstice, also known as Yule, which celebrates the rebirth of the sun and the return of light; Ostara, the vernal equinox, which represents the arrival of spring; Litha, the summer solstice, which celebrates the longest day of the year; and Mabon, the autumnal equinox, which marks the start of the harvest season. On the other hand, the Lesser Sabbats, also known as the cross-quarter days, occur midway between the Greater Sabbats. These include Imbolc, which marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox and celebrates the return of light and the beginning of spring; Beltane, which celebrates the arrival of summer and the fertility of the earth; Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, which marks the first harvest and the beginning of autumn; and Samhain, which is celebrated on October 31st and marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the Wiccan New Year.
2023 Wiccan Holiday Schedule (Northern Hemisphere)
Feb 2 – IMBOLC (also called Candlemas, Imbolg, and Saint Brigid’s Day) It is midway between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. This sabbat reminds us that the light is growing stronger and that the harshness of winter will start to fade. To celebrate the growing light, many Pagans will light candles on this holiday.
Mar 20 – OSTARA /Spring Equinox : light and darkness are in perfect balance on this day. Moving forward, daylight will continue to grow as we head into Spring. It is a time to celebrate balance and the arrival of Spring. It represents new beginnings and the freshness of a new day. What’s past is in the past and past and it’s time to move forward.
May 1 – BELTANE (also known as May Day) (pronounced BELL-tain) This is an exciting and energetic holiday that celebrates sexuality, fertility, and all of the life that comes with Spring. It is a time of great joy and celebration! Feel the creative energy of the Universe. It is a time of renewal and rebirth … a time to grow as a person and reinvent yourself if you so desire.
June 21 – LITHA / Summer Solstice The Sun is at its maximum strength … it is the longest day of the year. This is a season of growth, fruitfulness, abundance, and strength. It’s a great night to perform spells for money, abundance, and financial security … and the strength to do what you need to do to be successful.
June 23 – Midsummer’s Eve : the night before Mid-Summer (June 24). It is considered a night of potent magick. Many Witches will be performing rituals and casting spells on this night. It is also a night when fairies roam the land. If you work with the fairy realm, this is an important night for you!
Aug 1 – LAMMAS (also known as Lughnassadh) the first harvest festival. It celebrates the first grains harvested for baking bread. Celebrate by baking or buying a loaf of bread and sharing it as a celebration.
Sept 23 – MABON / Fall Equinox : the light and darkness are in balance on this day. But it marks the change from the light half of the year to the dark half of the year. Moving forward the darkness will grow longer and the daylight will grow shorter. It is a celebration of the second harvest festival and is celebrated by feasting and visiting with family and friends.
Oct 31 – SAMHAIN (pronounced SOW-um) (as known as Halloween) This is the Witches’ New Year! The veil between worlds is thinnest and the dead are thought to return and visit. It is a night to communicate with the spirits, spirit guides, and ancestors. It is also a night to work with Tarot cards and Crystal Balls!
Samhain is also a time when we come to terms with death and are openly encouraged to let go of our fears of it. It is a time when we acknowledge the hard moments of life that we usually don’t think or talk about. If there are things we need to let go of, Samhain is a good time to release them!
Dec 21 – YULE / Winter Solstice : The real reason that this time of year was celebrated .. before christianity existed. We are halfway through the dark part of the year. The darkness is at its peak…moving forward the light begins to grow stronger and days become longer. You can see why the newly formed cult of christianity, which is what it was at the time, choose this time of year for the birth of christ…the light grows strong and brighter…the Sun is reborn. Yule traditions include burning a Yule log, kissing under mistletoe, and placing an evergreen tree in your home to represent the sustaining of life during the winter.
(Reference: Paganism – An Introduction to Earth – Centered Religions by Joyce and River Higginbotham)
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Feb 2 – IMBOLC (also called Candlemas, Imbolg, and Saint Brigid’s Day) It is midway between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. This sabbat reminds us that the light is growing stronger and that the harshness of winter will start to fade. To celebrate the growing light, many Pagans will light candles on this holiday.
In addition to the Sabbats, Wiccans also celebrate Esbats, which are monthly observances of the cycles of the moon. These celebrations typically occur during the Full Moon and are a time for spellwork, divination, and honoring the lunar energies. Wiccans often use Esbats as a time for reflection, setting intentions, and connecting with the divine feminine energy. Overall, the Wiccan holy day calendar is essential for Wiccans, as it provides a framework for their rituals and celebrations throughout the year. By honoring and observing these important dates, Wiccans can connect with the cycles of nature, celebrate the changing seasons, and deepen their spiritual practice..
Reviews for "Creating Sacred Space on Wiccan Holy Days: Rituals and Altar Setup"
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