The Wiccan calendar wheel, also known as the Wheel of the Year, is a concept that represents the cycle of seasons and the corresponding celebrations and rituals in Wiccan tradition. It is based on the changing patterns of nature and strives to connect practitioners with the natural rhythms of the Earth. The Wiccan calendar consists of eight main festivals, also known as sabbats, which are divided into two halves: the light half and the dark half. The sabbats mark important points in the agricultural year and are celebrated with rituals and ceremonies that honor specific aspects of nature and the spiritual journey. The first sabbat is Samhain, which takes place on October 31st and marks the beginning of the dark half of the year. It is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away, as well as to connect with the spirit world.
The Summer Solstice or Litha (c. 21st June) marks the longest day, and is celebrated notably at Stonehenge. This festival is celebrated either on the actual longest day (usually 21 st or 22 nd June) or on 24 th June which was the date of midsummer in earlier times and is favoured by the British Druid Order (see, e.g., http://greywolf.druidry.co.uk/2015/06/merry-midsummer/). In Christian tradition 24 th June is St. John’s Day (John the Baptist), not so much noticed in England, but very important in Scandinavian countries where midsummer bonfires are lit.
Many of the Pagan festivals coincide with Christian ones as noted above, and this seems in part due to deliberate policy on the part of Christian authorities to baptise existing celebrations and make use of the seasonal symbolism. This festival is celebrated either on the actual longest day usually 21 st or 22 nd June or on 24 th June which was the date of midsummer in earlier times and is favoured by the British Druid Order see, e.
It is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away, as well as to connect with the spirit world. Samhain is often associated with the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead. The next sabbat is Yule, which occurs on the winter solstice, usually around December 21st.
Are New Year Celebrations Pagan in Origin?
With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later!
MP3 Audio (3.33 MB)Downloads
Are New Year Celebrations Pagan in Origin?
MP3 Audio (3.33 MB) Simply put, the answer is yes—New Year celebrations did originate in paganism. Much of the symbolism associated with New Year’s celebrations today has very definite pagan origins.In the earliest days of the Church (the first and second centuries after Christ) there were no such celebrations as Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “According to the hypothesis . . . accepted by most scholars today, the birth of Christ was assigned the date of the winter solstice (December 25 in the Julian [Roman] Calendar, January 6 in the Egyptian), because on this day, as the sun began to return to northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra celebrated dies natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the invincible sun)” (1967, Vol. 3, p. 656).
Those customs carried over in the observance of Christmas (with its many traditions and practices steeped in paganism), and the “birth” of the “new year” of the sun. This is why the Roman calendar in use today designates Jan. 1 as the beginning of the new year as opposed to God’s designation of the spring month of Abib or Nisan on the Hebrew calendar as the beginning of the year (Exodus 12:1-2).
Much of the symbolism associated with New Year’s celebrations today has very definite pagan origins. Kissing at the moment of transition to the next year is rooted in pagan sexual practice and superstition. And evergreen wreaths associated with Christmas were originally part of the pagan Calend celebration of Jan. 1.
Because we live in this secular society and most of the world operates according to the commonly used Roman calendar, it’s common to think of a new calendar year as beginning Jan. 1. Yet involvement in the celebration of that is not appropriate.
That said, one should be careful not to become too judgmental if, for example, someone is viewing a football game or parade at that time of year—as opposed to actually celebrating a New Year festival.
If you’d like to learn more, many resources are available that show the pagan origins of New Year’s Day celebrations. You can find related material in reference encyclopedias and online research resources as well.
Perfect balance returns, light and dark in harmony again for the final harvest. As we wheel in the last-lit days of seasonal symmetry, face the coming darkness together with gratitude for what we've learned about light. Autumn's grain is spring's seed; paradox surrounds us with ripening wisdom. If we lose hope, remember that Hope has two daughters to support our balancing acts: Anger and Courage.
Are New Year Celebrations Pagan in Origin?
MP3 Audio (3.33 MB) Simply put, the answer is yes—New Year celebrations did originate in paganism. Much of the symbolism associated with New Year’s celebrations today has very definite pagan origins.In the earliest days of the Church (the first and second centuries after Christ) there were no such celebrations as Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “According to the hypothesis . . . accepted by most scholars today, the birth of Christ was assigned the date of the winter solstice (December 25 in the Julian [Roman] Calendar, January 6 in the Egyptian), because on this day, as the sun began to return to northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra celebrated dies natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the invincible sun)” (1967, Vol. 3, p. 656).
Those customs carried over in the observance of Christmas (with its many traditions and practices steeped in paganism), and the “birth” of the “new year” of the sun. This is why the Roman calendar in use today designates Jan. 1 as the beginning of the new year as opposed to God’s designation of the spring month of Abib or Nisan on the Hebrew calendar as the beginning of the year (Exodus 12:1-2).
Much of the symbolism associated with New Year’s celebrations today has very definite pagan origins. Kissing at the moment of transition to the next year is rooted in pagan sexual practice and superstition. And evergreen wreaths associated with Christmas were originally part of the pagan Calend celebration of Jan. 1.
Because we live in this secular society and most of the world operates according to the commonly used Roman calendar, it’s common to think of a new calendar year as beginning Jan. 1. Yet involvement in the celebration of that is not appropriate.
That said, one should be careful not to become too judgmental if, for example, someone is viewing a football game or parade at that time of year—as opposed to actually celebrating a New Year festival.
If you’d like to learn more, many resources are available that show the pagan origins of New Year’s Day celebrations. You can find related material in reference encyclopedias and online research resources as well.
It is the shortest day and longest night of the year, symbolizing the rebirth of the Sun. Yule is a time of introspection, reflection, and setting intentions for the coming year. Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, is celebrated on February 2nd and represents the first signs of spring. It is a time for purification, new beginnings, and honoring the goddess Brigid. Imbolc is often associated with the growing strength of the Sun and the promise of renewal. Ostara, or the spring equinox, takes place around March 21st and marks the beginning of spring. It is a time of balance, fertility, and celebrating the return of life to the Earth. Ostara is often associated with the goddess Eostre and the symbols of eggs and rabbits. The next sabbat is Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, which marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It is a time of fertility, passion, and celebrating the union of the god and goddess. Beltane is often associated with fire and maypole dancing. Litha, or the summer solstice, occurs around June 21st and is the longest day and shortest night of the year. It is a time to celebrate the peak of the Sun's power and the abundance of summer. Litha is often associated with fire, outdoor rituals, and honoring the god and goddess in their solar aspects. Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is celebrated on August 1st and 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 Lugh. Lammas is often associated with the first grain harvest and the theme of sacrifice. The final sabbat is Mabon, which takes place around September 21st and marks the autumnal equinox. It is a time of balance, gratitude, and reflecting on the harvest. Mabon is often associated with the goddess Demeter and the themes of abundance and letting go. Overall, the Wiccan calendar wheel provides a framework for Wiccans to connect with the cycles of nature and celebrate the changing seasons. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of living in harmony with the Earth..
Reviews for "Embracing the Wiccan Calendar Wheel: Incorporating Seasonal Practices into Everyday Life"
1. Jessica - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Wicca calendar wheel. I found it to be quite generic and lacking in depth. The information provided didn't go into much detail and felt like it was only scratching the surface. I was hoping for a more comprehensive guide that would delve into the history, traditions, and rituals associated with each month of the Wiccan calendar. Unfortunately, this calendar fell short of my expectations.
2. Mark - 1 star
I have to say, the Wicca calendar wheel left me utterly unimpressed. Not only did it lack any substantial information, but it also seemed like a rushed product. The graphics were mediocre, and I could find more accurate and detailed information online for free. I wouldn't recommend wasting your money on this calendar, as it offers nothing of value.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I was really excited to receive the Wicca calendar wheel, but it turned out to be a letdown. The calendar lacks any originality, with the same tired Wiccan symbols and illustrations that can be found in countless other products. It seemed to be more of a marketing gimmick than an actual informative tool. The minimal information provided in each month's section left a lot to be desired, and I felt like I wasted my money on something I could have easily created myself.
4. Alex - 1 star
The Wicca calendar wheel was a total waste of money for me. It is poorly designed, and the information presented is very basic and generic. I had hoped for a calendar that would provide me with a deeper understanding of Wiccan holidays and their significance, but this calendar failed to deliver. Save your money and find a more reputable source for Wiccan knowledge.