Samhain (Holloween) - October 31
Samhain is the Wiccan New Year, and is one of the four major holidays of Wicca. [Pronounced "Sow-hen or Sow-in"]. At this time, the God passes into the otherworld to be reborn to the Goddess at Yule. The division between the worlds is thin, and it is a time to remember one's ancestors and to reflect on the past year. In the past, it was at this time that animals were slaughtered for food during the winter and the tribal chief took part in the ritual as the King Stag.
Yule (Winter Solstice) - circa December 20-23
Yule is a time of rebirth and renewal. At Yule, the Goddess gives birth to her son, the God who is symbolized by the sun. His birth brings hope and the promise of the coming summer. Yule is a remnant of older rituals which hurried the end of winter and the coming of spring.
Imbolc (Brigid, Candlemas) - Feb. 2
Imbolc is one of the four major holidays of Wicca. Imbolc marks the growth of the God into a strong boy, as the days grow longer and the sun gets stronger. It also marks the recovery of the Goddess from giving birth to the God. It is a time of initiation, a beginning, as the seeds begin to wake from their winter sleep. Traditionally many initation rituals and self-dedication rituals are done at this time.
Ostara (Eostar,The Spring Equinox) - circa March 20-23
The Spring Equinox marks the first day of spring. It is the time when the God grows to maturity. The night and day are equal, therefore it is a time of balance when our lives can be brought into harmony. It is a time of beginnings of action.
Beltane (May Eve) - April 30
Beltane is one of the four major holidays of Wicca. Beltane is the emergence of the God into manhood. He falls in love with the Goddess, and their union results in the Goddess being with child. Beltane is a celebration of their coupling and the fertility of the Earth Goddess and all living things. Beltane marks the return of vitality and passion.
Litha (Summer Solstice, Midsummer) - circa June 20-23
Midsummer falls on the longest day of the year. On this day the God begins his journey towards death as the days begin to get shorter. In the past, bonfires were leapt to encourage fertility, health, and love.
Lammas (Lughnasadh) - August 1
Lammas is one of the four major holidays of Wicca. Lammas is the celebration of the successful growing season. The grain is ripe, but is just beginning to be harvested. The God loses strength as the days grow shorter. It is a time to address and overcome fears and anxiety.
Mabon (Autumn Equinox) - circa September 20-23
Mabon is the celebration of a successful harvest. Once again, night and day are equal. It is a time to address the balance in our lives and to be thankful for our success. The God continues to fade with the sun, while the Goddess mourns his loss but rejoices in her pregnancy.
