The Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year marks out the eight festivals of the year observed by various modern pagans. They are based around the four main solar events of solstices and equinoxes (Yule, Ostara, Litha and Mabon) and the four fire festivals that fall midway between each (Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain). Some witches call these festivals ‘sabbats’.

Following the Wheel of the Year is of course a personal choice, but I find it incredibly helpful to give structure and focus to my practice, to observe the changes in nature and to celebrate the seasons. It also serves as a reminder that the year is a cycle and that the earth needs the dark winter to conserve it’s energies for the lighter months ahead.