Wheel of the Year

There are many traditions and variations of pagan spirituality. The tradition I represent is the Goddess tradition: a path that honors the goddess. Goddess spirituality honors the divine as female, seen as both one and many. She is honored in all her aspects: as maiden, mother, and crone. Goddess spirituality reveres all nature as sacred, including people. We see all existence as interconnected. Goddess worship is inclusive - it is open to all.
We celebrate the wheel of the year, a circle without beginning or end. It follows the agricultural growing cycle through the seasons, and the themes of the Sabbats are themes of the Goddess’ and human passage through life and death.

Winter Solstice: December 21st or 22nd. The Goddess is born. The longest night and shortest day of the year. This means that light is returning. The rituals enact the return of the Goddess and the return of light. Symbol: The Yule Log

Imbolc: February 2nd The Goddess is a new hope, a baby. Imbolg means “in the belly” and it celebrates the new lambs. Symbol: Dairy products.

Spring Equinox: March 21st or 22nd also called Ostara. The Goddess is a playful child. The earth blooms. This is a time for reclaiming childhood and the child within. Symbols: Eggs, rabbits, chicks.

Beltane: May 1st The last sabbath of the waxing year. The Goddess marries. The Goddess’ passion and women’s passion is the theme. This is a time for fun and frolic and jumping over the fire. This is a fire festival.

Summer Solstice: June 21st or 22nd Also called Midsummer, this is the longest day and shortest night. From here the days get shorter, the nights longer. The Goddess is a mother, at the fullness of her strength, sexuality, and fertility. This is a time for Handfasting and honeymoons.

Lammas: August 1st The Goddess is a maturing matron. First harvest. The days shorten, but the weather is still hot. Symbols are bread and grains.
Autumn Equinox: September 21st or 22nd Also called Mabon. The Goddess has reached Menopause. Second harvest. The promise made at Solstice and Lammas is now fulfilled - the Earth Mother gives to her children great nourishment and abundance. This is the witches’ Thanksgiving.

Samhain: October 31st. Third and last harvest. The Goddess is a Crone. This is the ending and beginning of the year cycle, and the witches New Year.