The Wheel of the Year
In Witchcraft, the seasonal course of the year is known as the "Wheel of the Year." There are 4 major/greater, and 4 minor/lesser Sabbats, that make up the eight Wiccan /Witches Sabbats per year. (They are also know respectively as Quarter days and cross-quarter days). Sabbats are celebrations based on seasonal changes and traditional harvest dates, and are SUN events. The word solstice means "the sun stands [still]." Put simply, the summer solstice is the day when there is the most "daylight" in that 24 hour period (middle of summer), and the winter solstice is when there is the least (middle of winter).
As the days are growing longer (or shorter), there comes a time when the day is exactly as long as the night is. These are the two "Equinox" days (equi meaning "equal"; nox meaning "night"), and these two Equinoxes are also six months apart. The Greater Sabbats mark, therefore, half way points between the Lesser Sabbats, the Solstices and Equinoxes.
The dates listed are for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Obviously, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, these dates will be the exact opposite. I have added the Southern hemisphere dates in brackets for reference. A brief outline of each event is given, inclusive of dates, traditions, and correspondences.
An Esbat is a gathering of Witches for ritual work and observance of the full moon, they are MOON events. It is a time for magical work rather than the more celebratory sabbat.
As the days are growing longer (or shorter), there comes a time when the day is exactly as long as the night is. These are the two "Equinox" days (equi meaning "equal"; nox meaning "night"), and these two Equinoxes are also six months apart. The Greater Sabbats mark, therefore, half way points between the Lesser Sabbats, the Solstices and Equinoxes.
The dates listed are for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Obviously, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, these dates will be the exact opposite. I have added the Southern hemisphere dates in brackets for reference. A brief outline of each event is given, inclusive of dates, traditions, and correspondences.
An Esbat is a gathering of Witches for ritual work and observance of the full moon, they are MOON events. It is a time for magical work rather than the more celebratory sabbat.
The Eight Sabbats
(Please note, the date's given should be viewed as a guide only, once in tune with Witchcraft and the seasonal shifts, you will know WHY a particular Sabbat is celebrated, and the actual date therefore may be on OR close to the date given).
Samhain - October 31
Yule (Winter Solstice) - December 21 - 22
Imbolc - February 1
Ostara - March 19 -22
Beltane - May 1
Litha (Summer Solstice) - June 19 -22
Lughnasadh- August 1
Mabon - September 19 - 22
Samhain (Major Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: Oct 31 (Southern Hemisphere: Around April 30)
Halloween, All Hallows
Samhain (pronounced Sow-en) is the one Sabbat that is also widely celebrated amongst non-Pagans in the northern hemisphere. (In the Southern Hemisphere Halloween is at a different time to Samhain). It is the mid point between Autumn, and Winter. The God has died, and the Goddess mourns him until his rebirth at Yule. Therefore, it is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her aged Consort. It’s the last harvest festival, when the crops were safely stored for the coming Winter, and marks the beginning of the Wiccan year. As the veil between the worlds of life and death is thin on this night, we take this time to remember our beloved dead. The Wheel of the Year is generally considered to start at Samhain, and is the Celtic Festival of the Dead. This idea originates in Irish Celtic traditions. The word "Samhain," literally means "End of Summer."
Traditions: Divination, ancestor altar, costumes, carving jack o' lanterns, spirit plate, the Feast of the Dead, feasting, paying debts, fairs, drying winter herbs, masks, bonfires, apple games, tricks, washing clothes, honoring the dead, prophesy, past life regressions, reflection & asking for guidance.
Symbolism: Third Harvest, wisdom of the Crone, death of the God, reflection on our place in the Wheel of the Year, New Year, reincarnation, the dark mysteries, Rebirth after Death.
Correspondences: pumpkins, apples, sage, mugwort, gnomes.
Colors: Purple, black and orange.
Deities: The "darker" deities such as The Crone, Hecate (Greek), Cerridwen (Welsh-Scottish), Arianrhod (Welsh), Caillech (Irish-Scottish), Baba Yaga (Russian), Al-Ilat(persian), Bast (Egyptian), Persephone (Greek), Hel (Norse), Kali (Hindu), Anubis, Herne, Horned Hunter (European), Cernnunos(Greco-Celtic), Osiris (Egyptian), Hades (Greek), Gwynn ap Nudd (British), Anubis (Egyptian), Coyote Brother (Native American), Loki (Norse), Dis (Roman), Arawn (Welsh) all Death & Otherworld Gods & Goddesses.
Herbs/incense: Rosemary, Hazelwood, copal, acacia, mugwort, sage, heather, mullein, patchouli
Food: turnips, apples, nuts, beef, pork, poultry, gingerbread, Mead, apple cider, mulled cider, mulled wines
Tools: Pentacles, various powders, salt, black altar cloth
Stones: Amber, beryl, bloodstone, carnelian, clear quartz, diamond, garnet, gold, granite, hematite, jasper, jet, marble, obsidian, opal, pyrite, rose sapphire, ruby, sandstone, smoky quartz, steel, tourmaline, turquoise
Creatures: Stag, jackal, cat, bat, ram, scorpion, heron, crow, robin, Goblins, harpies
Planetary Ruler: Pluto
Yule (Minor Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: Dec 21; (Southern Hemisphere: Around June 21)
Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, Alban
As the solstice, it is the longest night of the year, or the time of the greatest darkness. (i.e., the day with the shortest daylight hours, and consequently, the longest evening hours). It is the middle of winter, from this day forward, light begins to return and we celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God. It is predominantly a solar ritual when the Goddess gives birth to her son, the Sun God. The hours of darkness are long because the reborn Sun God is young and the world is still in the grip of winter's chill. We rejoice because our Sun God is reborn. We light fires or candles to welcome his returning light. At Yule, the Goddess's cycle of fertility has been completed. She has given birth and she must regenerate herself and the world throughout the winter in order to empower the land with fertility in the spring. Yule is a time of re-birth and the cycle has begun anew. Our predecessors noticed such occurrences and beseeched the forces of nature to lengthen the days and shorten the nights. A common Pagan theme is the ritual combat between the Holly King and his brother the Oak King. The Holly King rules the waning year from Midsummer until Yule. Now he has been slain by his brother and we celebrate the rise of the God of the waxing year, the Oak King. This is a time to be with loved ones. Yule is the remnant of early rituals celebrated to hurry the end of winter and to encourage the gift of spring, when food was again readily available. It serves to remind us that the cycle of death and rebirth is endless and that one phase must end for another to begin.
Traditions: lighting the Yule log, wreath making, prayer sticks, Concentrate on the self, lights, gift-exchanging, singing, feasting, resolutions, new fires kindled, strengthening family & friend bonds, generosity, yule log, hanging mistletoe, burning candles, Yule tree decorating; kissing under mistletoe; needfire at dawn vigil; bell ringing/sleigh-bells; father yule
Symbolism: Rebirth of the Sun, hope born admidst the darkness
Correspondences: pine, holly, myrrh, cinnamon, Ivy, apples, oranges, nutmeg, lemons, evergreens of all sorts
Colors: White, gold, red, green, silver.
Deities: Oak King, Holly King, Apollo, Arawn, Herne, Great Mother, Befana (strega), Holda (teutonic), Isis (Egyptian), Triple Goddess, Tonazin (Mexican), Lucina (roman), St. Lucy (swedish), Bona Dea (roman), Mother Earth, Eve (Hebrew), the Snow Queen, Hertha (German), Frey (Norse), Sun Child, Saturn (rome), Cronos (Greek), Horus/Ra (Egyptian) , Mithras (Persian), Balder (Norse), Santa Claus/Odin (Teutonic), Sol Invicta, Janus (God of Beginnings), Marduk (Babylonian), Old Man Winter
Herbs/incense: Holly, mistletoe, pine, cedar, frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, orange, bayberry, rosemary, juniper, sandalwood, blessed thistle, laurel, sage, yellow cedar.
Food: roasted turkey, nuts, apples, caraway rolls, dried fruit, fruitcakes, gingerbread men, mulled wine, eggnog,
Tools: Bells, Candles
Stones: bloodstone, ruby, garnet, cat's eye
Creatures: stags, squirrels, wren/robin, phoenix.
Imbolc (Major Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: Feb 2 (Southern Hemisphere: Around August 1)
Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigid's Day
It is a cross quarter, in between Winter Solstice and the spring Equinox. Imbolc represents the coming of spring. The days are getting longer. While it is still winter, changes are already taking place and spring will be here soon. It is an awakening of the earth and all of its creatures. It is also dedicated to the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who represents the goddess in her maiden form. She symbolizes new beginnings, purification, fire, and healing. She was honored in Ireland on this day by burning sacred bonfires in her name. The Roman Catholic Church later canonized her as St. Brigit and Imbolc became known as St. Brigit’s day. Non-Pagans celebrate today as Groundhog Day in the Northern hemisphere. Imbolc traditions center around new beginnings and clearing out the old in anticipation of the new. Spring-cleaning typically takes place at this time. Some pagans will also use a sacred broom to sweep the house, symbolically clearing away old or useless energies. Any remaining Yule greens are taken out of the house and burned. It is also a time to ask forgiveness from those you have hurt, so the new season can be started with a clean slate. Imbolc is a festival of lights. Candles are lit at dusk on Imbolc eve and placed in every window of the house. They are kept burning until dawn. This is symbolic of lighting the way in to the future and the coming season of spring and renewal. It is a time for hatching new ideas, growth, travel and celebrating freedom. A great time to make some blessed/holy water for the coming year.
Traditions: Burning fires & candles, Make new starts in life, "spring" cleaning, share poetry, make a bed for Brigid, bread, corn dolls. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.
Symbolism: renewal, grown, purification, fertility, out with the old - in with the new
Correspondences: carnation, rosemary, chamomile, milk, sylphs
Colors: Silver, yellow, pink, white, red. light green & Brown.
Deities: Brigid, Persephone, Demeter etc.
Herbs/incense: Lemon, birch, willow & red sandalwood,Asafoetida, Banana, Basil, Beetroot, Cactus, Chamomile, Caper, Caraway, Catnip, Chilli pepper, Cinchona, Cinnamon, Clove, Copal, Coriander, Crocus, Cumin, Dittany of Crete, Elderflower, Fennel, Fern, Foxglove, Frankincense, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Grass, Ground Ivy, Heather, Hemp, Horse Radish, Hyacinth, Irish Moss, Ivy, Lavender, Lilac, Marjoram, Mint, Myrrh, Parsley, Pepper, Pomegranate, Rice, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Sesame, Shallot, Wisteria, Wormwood, vanilla, angelica, ashleaf, balsams, bay, benzoin, blackberry, celandine, coltsfoot, coriander, dragon's blood, iris, lemon, mastic, rose hips, sunflower, tansy, vervain, violets, wheat, witch hazel and all white or yellow flowers.
Foods: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seed cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, peppers, onions, garlic, raisins, spiced wines and herbal teas.
Tools: Swords, oils (Basil, Bay, Camomile, Catnip, Cinnamon, Clove, Copal, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lilac, Mint, Myrrh, Orange, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood.), incenses.
Stones: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Clear Quartz, Citrine, Garnet, Green Tourmaline, Hematite, Iron, Lodestone, Onyx, Red Zircon, Rose Quartz, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Tourmaline.
Creatures: amethyst, bloodstone, garnet, ruby, onyx, turquoise, firebirds, dragons
Planetary Ruler: Moon
Ostara (Minor Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: March 21 (Southern Hemisphere: Around Sept 21)
Spring Equinox, Lady Day, festival of the trees.
Celebrated on the Vernal or Spring Equinox, this is another holiday that has been overlaid with Christian meanings (Easter in the Northern Hemisphere). Eggs & rabbits are typical symbols, representing new birth and new life. The winter, harsh and long, is now fading. The Earth is waking from her frozen slumber and it's time to rejoice in life, warmth and a renewal of the spirit. The name for this Sabbat actually comes from that of the Teutonic lunar Goddess, Eostre. Her chief symbols were the rabbit (for fertility and because the Ancient Ones who worshipped her often saw the image of a rabbit in the full moon), and the egg (representing the cosmic egg of creation). This is where the customs of "Easter Eggs" and the "Easter Bunny" originated. Ostara is a time to celebrate the arrival of Spring, the renewal and rebirth of Nature herself, and the coming lushness of Summer. It is at this time when light and darkness are in balance, yet the light is growing stronger by the day. The forces of masculine and feminine energy, yin and yang, are also in balance at this time. At this time we think of renewing ourselves. We renew our thoughts, our dreams, and our aspirations. We think of renewing our relationships. This is an excellent time of year to begin anything new or to completely revitalize something. This is also an excellent month for prosperity rituals or rituals that have anything to do with growth. Plant the seeds (Physical & metaphoric) of long-term goals.
Traditions: Coloring eggs, decorating with flowers, decorating the altar with cocoons & Butterflies.
Symbolism: The beginning of spring, new life and rebirth, the God and Goddess in their youth, balance, fertility
Correspondences: jasmine, daffodil, lotus, new spring flowers
Colors: Lavender, white, pastels.
Deities: All love, virgin, and fertility Goddesses - Venus, Persephone, Eostre, Ostara, Kore, Maiden, Isis, Astarte, Ishtar, Minerva, Youthful Goddesses. Faerie Queen, Lady of the Lake, the Green Goddess, Anna Perenna, Athena, Cybele, Blodeuwedd, Flidais, Gaia, Hera, Libera, Renpet, The Muses.
All love, song & dance, and fertility Gods - Atlas, Hare, Green Man, Youthful Gods, Warrior Gods, Taliesin, Lord of the Greenwood, Dagd, Cernunnos, Pan, Adonis, Attis, The Great Horned God, Liber, Mars, Mithras, Odin, Osiris, Thoth, Pan, the Green Man.
Herbs/incense: Violet, honeysuckle, lemongrass, spearmint, Heather, Rose, Lemon Verbena, Rosemary, Clove, Cinnamon, Dill, Lilac, Jasmine, Carnation, Hibiscus, Geranium, Gardenia, Dragon's Blood, Ginger, Sweet Pea, Bay, Patchouli, Anise, Basil, Black Pepper, African violet, lotus, magnolia, sage lavender, narcissus, ginger, broom, strawberry, Acorn, Celandine, Cinquefoil, Dandelion, Dogwood, Iris, Tansy, ginger and any flower.
Foods: Hard-boiled eggs, honey cakes, fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, dairy foods, apples, nuts, flower dishes, sprouts
Plants & herbs: Acorn, celandine, cinquefoil, crocus, daffodil, dogwood, Easter lily, gorse, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, jonquils, narcissus, olive, peony, rose, tansy, violets, woodruff and all spring flowers.
Tools: pendulum
Stones: Amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, red jasper
Creatures: Rabbits, snakes, unicorns
Planetary ruler: Mars
Beltane (Major Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere May 1 (Sothern Hemisphere: Around November 1)
May Day
Beltane is celebrated at the height of Spring and the flowering of life. The God born at Yule is now a man, and the sacred marriage between God and Goddess is consummated. The Goddess manifests as the May Queen and Flora. The God emerges as the May King and Jack in the Green. The danced Maypole represents Their unity, with the pole itself being the God and the ribbons that encompass it, the Goddess. The Colors are the Rainbow spectrum. Beltane is a festival of flowers, growth, fertility, sensuality, love, passion and delight. However you celebrate Beltane, do it with joy and happiness!
Goddesses: all fertility, flower, song and dance, hunting, and virgin-mother Goddesses; Aphrodite (Greek), Artemis (Greek), Belili (Sumerian), Bloddeuwedd (Welsh), Cybele (Greek), Damara (English), Danu (Irish), Diana (Greek), Fand (Manx-Irish), Flidais (Irish), Flora (Roman), Frigg/Freya (Norse), Ishtar (Assyro-Babylonian), Rhea (Greek), Rhiannon (Welsh), Venus (Roman)
Gods: all fertility, love, hunting, and young father Gods; Baal (Phoenician), Bel (Sumerian), Cernunnos (Celtic), Cupid (Roman), Eros (Greek), Faunus (Roman), Frey (Norse), The Great Horned God (European), Herne (English), Orion (Greek), Pan (Greek)
Traditions: Handfastings, maypole erection, dancing around the maypole, bonfires, jumping fire, fairies, ribbons, picking flowers, making flower baskets and flower crowns, feasting, drinking & music, moving the herds to high pasture.
Symbolism: The Union of the Goddess and the God, Fertility in all things.
Correspondences: Rose, lilac, vanilla, salamanders
Colors: Red & white (symbolizing God and Goddess), dark green, dark yellow/gold rainbow spectrum, blue, pastels
Deities: - all fertility, song and dance, hunting, and virgin-mother Goddesses: Aphrodite. Artemis, Belili, Bloddeuwedd, Cybele, Damara, Danu, Diana, Fand, Flidais, Flora, Frigg/Freya, Ishtar, Rhea, Rhiannon, Venus, Walpurga, Maia, Demeter, May Queen, Flower Goddesses, Lady of the Greenwood, Erzulie, Baubo, Rhea, Prithvi.
All fertility, love, hunting, and young father Gods: Baal, Bel, Cernunnos, Cupid, Eros, Faunus, Frey, The Great Horned God , Herne, Orion, Pan, Jack in the green, Greenman, May King.
Herbs/incense: Musk, vanilla, patchouli, clover flowers, oak, passion flower, frankincense, tuberose, lilac, almond, angelica, damiana, hawthorn, hibiscus, saffron, ash tree, bluebells, cinquefoil, daisy, hawthorn, ivy, marigold, meadowsweet, primrose, roses, satyrion root, woodruff, yellow cowslip, yarrow, elderflower, mugwort, mint, lily of the valley, foxglove, broom, thyme, sandalwood.
Food: dairy foods, foods made with flowers, red fruits such as strawberries and cherries, green herbal salads, red or pink wine punch, maybowl (an icebowl decorated with spring flowers and filled with maywine), large round oatmeal or barley cakes (also known as Beltane cakes), oysters, aphrodisiacs.
Tools: Ribbons, wand, chalice, candle/flames/lamps.
Stones: Emerald, malachite, carnelian, amber, sapphire, rose quartz.
Creatures: Faeries, Pegasus, bee, horse, leopard, swallow, dove, swan.
Planetary ruler: Venus
Litha (Minor Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: June 21 (Southern Hemisphere: Around December 21)
Midsummer, Summer Solstice
Midsummer is the longest day of the year, and the strength of the Sun God begins to wane. The Goddess has left her Maiden form of Imbolc and is now in her Mother aspect. This Sabbat celebrates the abundance and beauty of the Earth. From this day on, the days will wane, growing shorter and shorter until Yule. It is a time to absorb the Sun's warming rays, and to celebrate the ending of the waxing year and beginning of the waning year in preparation for the harvest to come. Midsummer is another fertility Sabbat, not only for humans, but also for crops and animals. This is a time to celebrate work and leisure, to appreciate children and childlike play and to look internally at the seeds you've planted that should be at full bloom. Some people believe that at twilight on this day, the portals between worlds open and the faery folk pass into our world; welcome them on this day to receive their blessings. Refill your herb collection for the coming year, as herbs gathered on this day are said to be extremely powerful.
Traditions: Fairy magick, collecting herbs. One way to express the cycle of the Earth's fertility that has persisted from early pagan to modern times is the myth of the Oak King and the Holly King, gods respectively of the Waxing and Waning Year. The Oak King rules from Midwinter to Midsummer, the period of fertility, expansion and growth, and the Holly King reigns from Midsummer to Midwinter, the period of harvest, withdrawal and wisdom. They are light and dark twins, each being the other's alternate self, thus being one. Each represents a necessary phase in the natural rhythm; therefore, both are good. At the two changeover points, they symbolically meet in combat. The incoming twin -- the Oak King at Midwinter, the Holly King at Midsummer --"slays" the outgoing one. But the defeated twin is not considered dead -- he has merely withdrawn during the six months of his brother's rule. On Midsummer Night, it is said that field and forest elves, sprites and faeries abound in great numbers, making this a great time to commune with them. Litha is considered a time of great magickal power, one of the best times to perform magicks of all kinds. Especially effective magick and spells now include those for love, healing and prosperity. Wreaths can be made for your door with yellow feathers for prosperity and red feathers for sexuality, intertwined and tied together with ivy. This is also a very good time to perform blessings and protection spells for pets or other animals. Nurturing and love are key actions related to Midsummer. Litha is a good time to perform a ceremony of self-dedication or rededication to your spiritual path as a part of your Sabbat celebration. Fire, the Sun, blades, balefires, Sun wheels, summertime flowers (especially sunflowers), summer fruits, seashells, faeries, wheels, circles, spirals.
Symbolism: Honoring the God at His peak, honoring the pregnant Goddess
Correspondences: Orange, lemon, honeysuckle, oak trees,
Colors: White, red, maize yellow or golden yellow, sea green, blue, brown/tan
Deities: All father gods and mother goddesses, pregnant goddesses and Sun deities. Particular emphasis might be placed on the goddesses Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar and Venus and other goddesses who preside over love, passion and beauty. Other Litha deities include the goddesses Athena, Artemis, Dana, Kali, Isis and Juno and the gods Apollo, Ares, Dagda, Gwydion, Helios, Llew, Oak/Holly King, Lugh, Ra, Sol, Zeus, Prometheus and Thor.
Herbs/incense: Basil, Cedar, Chamomile, cinquefoil, copal, elder, fennel, fern, frangipani, frankincense, galangal, heliotrope, hemp, larkspur, laurel, lavender, lemon, mistletoe, mugwort, oak, pine, roses, saffron, St. John's wort, sandalwood, thyme, verbena, wisteria, ylang-ylang, oak, ivy, saffron, carnation, daisy, honeysuckle, lily, male fern, verbena, vervain.
Foods: honey, fresh vegetables of all kinds and fresh fruits such as lemons and oranges, pumpernickel bread as well as Summer squash and any yellow or orange colored foods. Flaming foods are also appropriate. Traditional drinks are ale, mead, and fresh fruit juice of any kind.
Tools: flower-ringed cauldron, athame, a golden yellow altar cloth.
Stones: all green gemstones, especially emerald and jade, tiger's eye, lapus lazuli and diamonds.
Creatures: robins, wrens, all Summer birds, horses and cattle, faeries, firebirds, dragons, thunderbirds and manticores.
Lammas/ Lughnasadh (Major Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: August 1 (Southern Hemisphere: Around Feb 1)
As the first of the three harvest festivals, much of the symbolism for Lammas revolves around grains and bread. Sacrifices were common, though mostly symbolic, in order to ensure the continued success of the harvest. At this time, witches cast spells for connectedness, career, health, and financial gain. Spells for abundance are completely appropriate now. As the sun is growing weaker, it is a good time to do grounding and sun meditations, then use the golden rays of the sun (gathered during meditation) in spellcasting.
Traditions: Games, the traditional riding of poles/staves, country fairs, breaking bread with friends, making corn dolls, harvesting herbs for charms/rituals, Lughnasadh fire with sacred wood & dried herbs, feasting, competitions, Lammas towers (fire-building team competitions), gathering flowers for crowns, fencing/swordplay, games of skill, martial sports, hand-fastings.
Symbolism: First harvest festival; aging of the Deities, honoring of Sun Gods
Correspondences: corn, sandalwood, heather.
Colors: Golden Yellow, Orange, Green, and Light Brown
Deities: The Mother, Dana ( Lughs wife & queen ), Tailltiu, Demeter, Ceres, the Barley Mother, Seelu Corn Mother, Isis (Her birthday is celebrated about this time), Luna, other agricultural Goddesses, the waxing Goddess
Johnny Barleycorn, Lugh, Arianrhods golden haired son Lleu ( Welsh God of the Sun & Corn where corn includes all grains, not just maize), Dagon, Tammuz/ Dummuzi, Dionysus, plus all sacrificial Gods who willingly shed blood/give their life that their people/lands may prosper, all vegetation Gods, Tanus, Taranis, Tina, the waning God
Herbs/incense: Wood aloes, rose, rose hips, rosemary, chamomile, eucalyptus, safflower, corn, passionflower, frankincense, sandalwood, acacia flowers, aloes, cornstalks, Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sloe, Crab Apples, Pears. goldenrod, peony, nasturtium, clover blossom, yarrow, heliotrope, boneset, vervain, Queen Anne's lace, myrtle, sunflower, poppy, milkweed, Irish moss, mushroom, wheat, corn, rye, oat, barley, rice, garlic, onion, basil, mint, aloe, meadowsweet, apple leaf, raspberry leaf, strawberry leaf, bilberry leaf, blueberry leaf, mugwort, hops, holly, comfrey, grape vine, ivy, hazelnut, blackthorn, elder, bee pollen
Food: Breads, grains, potatoes, summer squash, cider, blackberry pies and jellies, berries, apples, roasted lamb, elderberry wine, meadowsweet tea
Tools: Chalice, cauldron, sickle, scythe, mirrors, magickal waters
Stones: Aventurine, citrine, peridot, sardonyx
Creatures: Roosters, calves, the Phoenix, griffins, basilisk, centaurs
Mabon (Minor Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: Sept 21 (Southern Hemisphere: Around March 21)
Autumn Equinox, Cornucopia
Mabon, (May-bon) is known as the Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home, Second Harvest, the Witches Thanksgiving and Siring Fate. (Mabon in Welsh means son.) This reference usually refers to the son of the Welsh goddess Madron, Mother and Son. The Mother and son aspect is the most common among the neo-pagans, and fits well with in the Wiccan perspective of the Holly King mythology. Autumn Equinox refers to a time of the year when day and night are equally balanced, and the weather grows colder as winter approaches. The sun is in the process of crossing the equator and in astrological terms is entering the sign of Libra. The sun is the focal point of energy (along with the moon) and such; its life force pushes us to discover more about ourselves. It is time for a cooperative outlook on that time of year, just what was needed by the communities, as they all worked together to complete the harvest. Harvest Home is an Anglo-Celtic version of the original Mabon, and fell in-between the First (Lugnasadh) and the Third (Samhain) Harvests. Harvests festivals were a very important part of the pre- industrialized culture. It was a time of relief and of rest. Relief that the crops were in and rest to catch their breath before the work of preparing for winter began. This was a time to give thanks, so take some time to think about what you are thankful for.
Traditions: Making and drinking of wine (surplus fruit from the season), share with the less fortunate, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.
Symbolism: Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.
Correspondences: grapes, blackberries, cedar.
Colors: Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold
Deities: Morgan, Epona, Lilitu, The Muses, Sophia, Modron, Mabon, Maponus, Herne, Cernunnos, Mannanan Mac Ler, Lord of Shadows, Ishtar, Isis, Demeter, Persephone, Grain Mother, Rhiannon, Dionysus, Bacchus, Hermes, Horned God, Mabon, Thoth
Herbs/incense: Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, sage, juniper, pine, cedar, benzoin, milkweed, myrrh, solomon's seal, rose, passionflower, honeysuckle, marigold, ferns, tobacco, vegetables, thistle
Food: Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, grapes, acorns, wheat bread, Indian corn, horn of plenty, cornbread, corn, root crops (ie onions, carrots, potatoes, etc.), dried fruits, apples, beans, and squash.
Tools: Bell, boline, red altar cloth
Stones: Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates.
Creatures: Dogs, Wolves, Stag, Birds of Prey (especially the Blackbird, Owl, and Eagle), Salmon, Gnomes.
Planetary Ruler: Mercury
Samhain - October 31
Yule (Winter Solstice) - December 21 - 22
Imbolc - February 1
Ostara - March 19 -22
Beltane - May 1
Litha (Summer Solstice) - June 19 -22
Lughnasadh- August 1
Mabon - September 19 - 22
Samhain (Major Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: Oct 31 (Southern Hemisphere: Around April 30)
Halloween, All Hallows
Samhain (pronounced Sow-en) is the one Sabbat that is also widely celebrated amongst non-Pagans in the northern hemisphere. (In the Southern Hemisphere Halloween is at a different time to Samhain). It is the mid point between Autumn, and Winter. The God has died, and the Goddess mourns him until his rebirth at Yule. Therefore, it is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her aged Consort. It’s the last harvest festival, when the crops were safely stored for the coming Winter, and marks the beginning of the Wiccan year. As the veil between the worlds of life and death is thin on this night, we take this time to remember our beloved dead. The Wheel of the Year is generally considered to start at Samhain, and is the Celtic Festival of the Dead. This idea originates in Irish Celtic traditions. The word "Samhain," literally means "End of Summer."
Traditions: Divination, ancestor altar, costumes, carving jack o' lanterns, spirit plate, the Feast of the Dead, feasting, paying debts, fairs, drying winter herbs, masks, bonfires, apple games, tricks, washing clothes, honoring the dead, prophesy, past life regressions, reflection & asking for guidance.
Symbolism: Third Harvest, wisdom of the Crone, death of the God, reflection on our place in the Wheel of the Year, New Year, reincarnation, the dark mysteries, Rebirth after Death.
Correspondences: pumpkins, apples, sage, mugwort, gnomes.
Colors: Purple, black and orange.
Deities: The "darker" deities such as The Crone, Hecate (Greek), Cerridwen (Welsh-Scottish), Arianrhod (Welsh), Caillech (Irish-Scottish), Baba Yaga (Russian), Al-Ilat(persian), Bast (Egyptian), Persephone (Greek), Hel (Norse), Kali (Hindu), Anubis, Herne, Horned Hunter (European), Cernnunos(Greco-Celtic), Osiris (Egyptian), Hades (Greek), Gwynn ap Nudd (British), Anubis (Egyptian), Coyote Brother (Native American), Loki (Norse), Dis (Roman), Arawn (Welsh) all Death & Otherworld Gods & Goddesses.
Herbs/incense: Rosemary, Hazelwood, copal, acacia, mugwort, sage, heather, mullein, patchouli
Food: turnips, apples, nuts, beef, pork, poultry, gingerbread, Mead, apple cider, mulled cider, mulled wines
Tools: Pentacles, various powders, salt, black altar cloth
Stones: Amber, beryl, bloodstone, carnelian, clear quartz, diamond, garnet, gold, granite, hematite, jasper, jet, marble, obsidian, opal, pyrite, rose sapphire, ruby, sandstone, smoky quartz, steel, tourmaline, turquoise
Creatures: Stag, jackal, cat, bat, ram, scorpion, heron, crow, robin, Goblins, harpies
Planetary Ruler: Pluto
Yule (Minor Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: Dec 21; (Southern Hemisphere: Around June 21)
Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, Alban
As the solstice, it is the longest night of the year, or the time of the greatest darkness. (i.e., the day with the shortest daylight hours, and consequently, the longest evening hours). It is the middle of winter, from this day forward, light begins to return and we celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God. It is predominantly a solar ritual when the Goddess gives birth to her son, the Sun God. The hours of darkness are long because the reborn Sun God is young and the world is still in the grip of winter's chill. We rejoice because our Sun God is reborn. We light fires or candles to welcome his returning light. At Yule, the Goddess's cycle of fertility has been completed. She has given birth and she must regenerate herself and the world throughout the winter in order to empower the land with fertility in the spring. Yule is a time of re-birth and the cycle has begun anew. Our predecessors noticed such occurrences and beseeched the forces of nature to lengthen the days and shorten the nights. A common Pagan theme is the ritual combat between the Holly King and his brother the Oak King. The Holly King rules the waning year from Midsummer until Yule. Now he has been slain by his brother and we celebrate the rise of the God of the waxing year, the Oak King. This is a time to be with loved ones. Yule is the remnant of early rituals celebrated to hurry the end of winter and to encourage the gift of spring, when food was again readily available. It serves to remind us that the cycle of death and rebirth is endless and that one phase must end for another to begin.
Traditions: lighting the Yule log, wreath making, prayer sticks, Concentrate on the self, lights, gift-exchanging, singing, feasting, resolutions, new fires kindled, strengthening family & friend bonds, generosity, yule log, hanging mistletoe, burning candles, Yule tree decorating; kissing under mistletoe; needfire at dawn vigil; bell ringing/sleigh-bells; father yule
Symbolism: Rebirth of the Sun, hope born admidst the darkness
Correspondences: pine, holly, myrrh, cinnamon, Ivy, apples, oranges, nutmeg, lemons, evergreens of all sorts
Colors: White, gold, red, green, silver.
Deities: Oak King, Holly King, Apollo, Arawn, Herne, Great Mother, Befana (strega), Holda (teutonic), Isis (Egyptian), Triple Goddess, Tonazin (Mexican), Lucina (roman), St. Lucy (swedish), Bona Dea (roman), Mother Earth, Eve (Hebrew), the Snow Queen, Hertha (German), Frey (Norse), Sun Child, Saturn (rome), Cronos (Greek), Horus/Ra (Egyptian) , Mithras (Persian), Balder (Norse), Santa Claus/Odin (Teutonic), Sol Invicta, Janus (God of Beginnings), Marduk (Babylonian), Old Man Winter
Herbs/incense: Holly, mistletoe, pine, cedar, frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, orange, bayberry, rosemary, juniper, sandalwood, blessed thistle, laurel, sage, yellow cedar.
Food: roasted turkey, nuts, apples, caraway rolls, dried fruit, fruitcakes, gingerbread men, mulled wine, eggnog,
Tools: Bells, Candles
Stones: bloodstone, ruby, garnet, cat's eye
Creatures: stags, squirrels, wren/robin, phoenix.
Imbolc (Major Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: Feb 2 (Southern Hemisphere: Around August 1)
Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigid's Day
It is a cross quarter, in between Winter Solstice and the spring Equinox. Imbolc represents the coming of spring. The days are getting longer. While it is still winter, changes are already taking place and spring will be here soon. It is an awakening of the earth and all of its creatures. It is also dedicated to the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who represents the goddess in her maiden form. She symbolizes new beginnings, purification, fire, and healing. She was honored in Ireland on this day by burning sacred bonfires in her name. The Roman Catholic Church later canonized her as St. Brigit and Imbolc became known as St. Brigit’s day. Non-Pagans celebrate today as Groundhog Day in the Northern hemisphere. Imbolc traditions center around new beginnings and clearing out the old in anticipation of the new. Spring-cleaning typically takes place at this time. Some pagans will also use a sacred broom to sweep the house, symbolically clearing away old or useless energies. Any remaining Yule greens are taken out of the house and burned. It is also a time to ask forgiveness from those you have hurt, so the new season can be started with a clean slate. Imbolc is a festival of lights. Candles are lit at dusk on Imbolc eve and placed in every window of the house. They are kept burning until dawn. This is symbolic of lighting the way in to the future and the coming season of spring and renewal. It is a time for hatching new ideas, growth, travel and celebrating freedom. A great time to make some blessed/holy water for the coming year.
Traditions: Burning fires & candles, Make new starts in life, "spring" cleaning, share poetry, make a bed for Brigid, bread, corn dolls. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.
Symbolism: renewal, grown, purification, fertility, out with the old - in with the new
Correspondences: carnation, rosemary, chamomile, milk, sylphs
Colors: Silver, yellow, pink, white, red. light green & Brown.
Deities: Brigid, Persephone, Demeter etc.
Herbs/incense: Lemon, birch, willow & red sandalwood,Asafoetida, Banana, Basil, Beetroot, Cactus, Chamomile, Caper, Caraway, Catnip, Chilli pepper, Cinchona, Cinnamon, Clove, Copal, Coriander, Crocus, Cumin, Dittany of Crete, Elderflower, Fennel, Fern, Foxglove, Frankincense, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Grass, Ground Ivy, Heather, Hemp, Horse Radish, Hyacinth, Irish Moss, Ivy, Lavender, Lilac, Marjoram, Mint, Myrrh, Parsley, Pepper, Pomegranate, Rice, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Sesame, Shallot, Wisteria, Wormwood, vanilla, angelica, ashleaf, balsams, bay, benzoin, blackberry, celandine, coltsfoot, coriander, dragon's blood, iris, lemon, mastic, rose hips, sunflower, tansy, vervain, violets, wheat, witch hazel and all white or yellow flowers.
Foods: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seed cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, peppers, onions, garlic, raisins, spiced wines and herbal teas.
Tools: Swords, oils (Basil, Bay, Camomile, Catnip, Cinnamon, Clove, Copal, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lilac, Mint, Myrrh, Orange, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood.), incenses.
Stones: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Clear Quartz, Citrine, Garnet, Green Tourmaline, Hematite, Iron, Lodestone, Onyx, Red Zircon, Rose Quartz, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Tourmaline.
Creatures: amethyst, bloodstone, garnet, ruby, onyx, turquoise, firebirds, dragons
Planetary Ruler: Moon
Ostara (Minor Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: March 21 (Southern Hemisphere: Around Sept 21)
Spring Equinox, Lady Day, festival of the trees.
Celebrated on the Vernal or Spring Equinox, this is another holiday that has been overlaid with Christian meanings (Easter in the Northern Hemisphere). Eggs & rabbits are typical symbols, representing new birth and new life. The winter, harsh and long, is now fading. The Earth is waking from her frozen slumber and it's time to rejoice in life, warmth and a renewal of the spirit. The name for this Sabbat actually comes from that of the Teutonic lunar Goddess, Eostre. Her chief symbols were the rabbit (for fertility and because the Ancient Ones who worshipped her often saw the image of a rabbit in the full moon), and the egg (representing the cosmic egg of creation). This is where the customs of "Easter Eggs" and the "Easter Bunny" originated. Ostara is a time to celebrate the arrival of Spring, the renewal and rebirth of Nature herself, and the coming lushness of Summer. It is at this time when light and darkness are in balance, yet the light is growing stronger by the day. The forces of masculine and feminine energy, yin and yang, are also in balance at this time. At this time we think of renewing ourselves. We renew our thoughts, our dreams, and our aspirations. We think of renewing our relationships. This is an excellent time of year to begin anything new or to completely revitalize something. This is also an excellent month for prosperity rituals or rituals that have anything to do with growth. Plant the seeds (Physical & metaphoric) of long-term goals.
Traditions: Coloring eggs, decorating with flowers, decorating the altar with cocoons & Butterflies.
Symbolism: The beginning of spring, new life and rebirth, the God and Goddess in their youth, balance, fertility
Correspondences: jasmine, daffodil, lotus, new spring flowers
Colors: Lavender, white, pastels.
Deities: All love, virgin, and fertility Goddesses - Venus, Persephone, Eostre, Ostara, Kore, Maiden, Isis, Astarte, Ishtar, Minerva, Youthful Goddesses. Faerie Queen, Lady of the Lake, the Green Goddess, Anna Perenna, Athena, Cybele, Blodeuwedd, Flidais, Gaia, Hera, Libera, Renpet, The Muses.
All love, song & dance, and fertility Gods - Atlas, Hare, Green Man, Youthful Gods, Warrior Gods, Taliesin, Lord of the Greenwood, Dagd, Cernunnos, Pan, Adonis, Attis, The Great Horned God, Liber, Mars, Mithras, Odin, Osiris, Thoth, Pan, the Green Man.
Herbs/incense: Violet, honeysuckle, lemongrass, spearmint, Heather, Rose, Lemon Verbena, Rosemary, Clove, Cinnamon, Dill, Lilac, Jasmine, Carnation, Hibiscus, Geranium, Gardenia, Dragon's Blood, Ginger, Sweet Pea, Bay, Patchouli, Anise, Basil, Black Pepper, African violet, lotus, magnolia, sage lavender, narcissus, ginger, broom, strawberry, Acorn, Celandine, Cinquefoil, Dandelion, Dogwood, Iris, Tansy, ginger and any flower.
Foods: Hard-boiled eggs, honey cakes, fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, dairy foods, apples, nuts, flower dishes, sprouts
Plants & herbs: Acorn, celandine, cinquefoil, crocus, daffodil, dogwood, Easter lily, gorse, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, jonquils, narcissus, olive, peony, rose, tansy, violets, woodruff and all spring flowers.
Tools: pendulum
Stones: Amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, red jasper
Creatures: Rabbits, snakes, unicorns
Planetary ruler: Mars
Beltane (Major Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere May 1 (Sothern Hemisphere: Around November 1)
May Day
Beltane is celebrated at the height of Spring and the flowering of life. The God born at Yule is now a man, and the sacred marriage between God and Goddess is consummated. The Goddess manifests as the May Queen and Flora. The God emerges as the May King and Jack in the Green. The danced Maypole represents Their unity, with the pole itself being the God and the ribbons that encompass it, the Goddess. The Colors are the Rainbow spectrum. Beltane is a festival of flowers, growth, fertility, sensuality, love, passion and delight. However you celebrate Beltane, do it with joy and happiness!
Goddesses: all fertility, flower, song and dance, hunting, and virgin-mother Goddesses; Aphrodite (Greek), Artemis (Greek), Belili (Sumerian), Bloddeuwedd (Welsh), Cybele (Greek), Damara (English), Danu (Irish), Diana (Greek), Fand (Manx-Irish), Flidais (Irish), Flora (Roman), Frigg/Freya (Norse), Ishtar (Assyro-Babylonian), Rhea (Greek), Rhiannon (Welsh), Venus (Roman)
Gods: all fertility, love, hunting, and young father Gods; Baal (Phoenician), Bel (Sumerian), Cernunnos (Celtic), Cupid (Roman), Eros (Greek), Faunus (Roman), Frey (Norse), The Great Horned God (European), Herne (English), Orion (Greek), Pan (Greek)
Traditions: Handfastings, maypole erection, dancing around the maypole, bonfires, jumping fire, fairies, ribbons, picking flowers, making flower baskets and flower crowns, feasting, drinking & music, moving the herds to high pasture.
Symbolism: The Union of the Goddess and the God, Fertility in all things.
Correspondences: Rose, lilac, vanilla, salamanders
Colors: Red & white (symbolizing God and Goddess), dark green, dark yellow/gold rainbow spectrum, blue, pastels
Deities: - all fertility, song and dance, hunting, and virgin-mother Goddesses: Aphrodite. Artemis, Belili, Bloddeuwedd, Cybele, Damara, Danu, Diana, Fand, Flidais, Flora, Frigg/Freya, Ishtar, Rhea, Rhiannon, Venus, Walpurga, Maia, Demeter, May Queen, Flower Goddesses, Lady of the Greenwood, Erzulie, Baubo, Rhea, Prithvi.
All fertility, love, hunting, and young father Gods: Baal, Bel, Cernunnos, Cupid, Eros, Faunus, Frey, The Great Horned God , Herne, Orion, Pan, Jack in the green, Greenman, May King.
Herbs/incense: Musk, vanilla, patchouli, clover flowers, oak, passion flower, frankincense, tuberose, lilac, almond, angelica, damiana, hawthorn, hibiscus, saffron, ash tree, bluebells, cinquefoil, daisy, hawthorn, ivy, marigold, meadowsweet, primrose, roses, satyrion root, woodruff, yellow cowslip, yarrow, elderflower, mugwort, mint, lily of the valley, foxglove, broom, thyme, sandalwood.
Food: dairy foods, foods made with flowers, red fruits such as strawberries and cherries, green herbal salads, red or pink wine punch, maybowl (an icebowl decorated with spring flowers and filled with maywine), large round oatmeal or barley cakes (also known as Beltane cakes), oysters, aphrodisiacs.
Tools: Ribbons, wand, chalice, candle/flames/lamps.
Stones: Emerald, malachite, carnelian, amber, sapphire, rose quartz.
Creatures: Faeries, Pegasus, bee, horse, leopard, swallow, dove, swan.
Planetary ruler: Venus
Litha (Minor Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: June 21 (Southern Hemisphere: Around December 21)
Midsummer, Summer Solstice
Midsummer is the longest day of the year, and the strength of the Sun God begins to wane. The Goddess has left her Maiden form of Imbolc and is now in her Mother aspect. This Sabbat celebrates the abundance and beauty of the Earth. From this day on, the days will wane, growing shorter and shorter until Yule. It is a time to absorb the Sun's warming rays, and to celebrate the ending of the waxing year and beginning of the waning year in preparation for the harvest to come. Midsummer is another fertility Sabbat, not only for humans, but also for crops and animals. This is a time to celebrate work and leisure, to appreciate children and childlike play and to look internally at the seeds you've planted that should be at full bloom. Some people believe that at twilight on this day, the portals between worlds open and the faery folk pass into our world; welcome them on this day to receive their blessings. Refill your herb collection for the coming year, as herbs gathered on this day are said to be extremely powerful.
Traditions: Fairy magick, collecting herbs. One way to express the cycle of the Earth's fertility that has persisted from early pagan to modern times is the myth of the Oak King and the Holly King, gods respectively of the Waxing and Waning Year. The Oak King rules from Midwinter to Midsummer, the period of fertility, expansion and growth, and the Holly King reigns from Midsummer to Midwinter, the period of harvest, withdrawal and wisdom. They are light and dark twins, each being the other's alternate self, thus being one. Each represents a necessary phase in the natural rhythm; therefore, both are good. At the two changeover points, they symbolically meet in combat. The incoming twin -- the Oak King at Midwinter, the Holly King at Midsummer --"slays" the outgoing one. But the defeated twin is not considered dead -- he has merely withdrawn during the six months of his brother's rule. On Midsummer Night, it is said that field and forest elves, sprites and faeries abound in great numbers, making this a great time to commune with them. Litha is considered a time of great magickal power, one of the best times to perform magicks of all kinds. Especially effective magick and spells now include those for love, healing and prosperity. Wreaths can be made for your door with yellow feathers for prosperity and red feathers for sexuality, intertwined and tied together with ivy. This is also a very good time to perform blessings and protection spells for pets or other animals. Nurturing and love are key actions related to Midsummer. Litha is a good time to perform a ceremony of self-dedication or rededication to your spiritual path as a part of your Sabbat celebration. Fire, the Sun, blades, balefires, Sun wheels, summertime flowers (especially sunflowers), summer fruits, seashells, faeries, wheels, circles, spirals.
Symbolism: Honoring the God at His peak, honoring the pregnant Goddess
Correspondences: Orange, lemon, honeysuckle, oak trees,
Colors: White, red, maize yellow or golden yellow, sea green, blue, brown/tan
Deities: All father gods and mother goddesses, pregnant goddesses and Sun deities. Particular emphasis might be placed on the goddesses Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar and Venus and other goddesses who preside over love, passion and beauty. Other Litha deities include the goddesses Athena, Artemis, Dana, Kali, Isis and Juno and the gods Apollo, Ares, Dagda, Gwydion, Helios, Llew, Oak/Holly King, Lugh, Ra, Sol, Zeus, Prometheus and Thor.
Herbs/incense: Basil, Cedar, Chamomile, cinquefoil, copal, elder, fennel, fern, frangipani, frankincense, galangal, heliotrope, hemp, larkspur, laurel, lavender, lemon, mistletoe, mugwort, oak, pine, roses, saffron, St. John's wort, sandalwood, thyme, verbena, wisteria, ylang-ylang, oak, ivy, saffron, carnation, daisy, honeysuckle, lily, male fern, verbena, vervain.
Foods: honey, fresh vegetables of all kinds and fresh fruits such as lemons and oranges, pumpernickel bread as well as Summer squash and any yellow or orange colored foods. Flaming foods are also appropriate. Traditional drinks are ale, mead, and fresh fruit juice of any kind.
Tools: flower-ringed cauldron, athame, a golden yellow altar cloth.
Stones: all green gemstones, especially emerald and jade, tiger's eye, lapus lazuli and diamonds.
Creatures: robins, wrens, all Summer birds, horses and cattle, faeries, firebirds, dragons, thunderbirds and manticores.
Lammas/ Lughnasadh (Major Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: August 1 (Southern Hemisphere: Around Feb 1)
As the first of the three harvest festivals, much of the symbolism for Lammas revolves around grains and bread. Sacrifices were common, though mostly symbolic, in order to ensure the continued success of the harvest. At this time, witches cast spells for connectedness, career, health, and financial gain. Spells for abundance are completely appropriate now. As the sun is growing weaker, it is a good time to do grounding and sun meditations, then use the golden rays of the sun (gathered during meditation) in spellcasting.
Traditions: Games, the traditional riding of poles/staves, country fairs, breaking bread with friends, making corn dolls, harvesting herbs for charms/rituals, Lughnasadh fire with sacred wood & dried herbs, feasting, competitions, Lammas towers (fire-building team competitions), gathering flowers for crowns, fencing/swordplay, games of skill, martial sports, hand-fastings.
Symbolism: First harvest festival; aging of the Deities, honoring of Sun Gods
Correspondences: corn, sandalwood, heather.
Colors: Golden Yellow, Orange, Green, and Light Brown
Deities: The Mother, Dana ( Lughs wife & queen ), Tailltiu, Demeter, Ceres, the Barley Mother, Seelu Corn Mother, Isis (Her birthday is celebrated about this time), Luna, other agricultural Goddesses, the waxing Goddess
Johnny Barleycorn, Lugh, Arianrhods golden haired son Lleu ( Welsh God of the Sun & Corn where corn includes all grains, not just maize), Dagon, Tammuz/ Dummuzi, Dionysus, plus all sacrificial Gods who willingly shed blood/give their life that their people/lands may prosper, all vegetation Gods, Tanus, Taranis, Tina, the waning God
Herbs/incense: Wood aloes, rose, rose hips, rosemary, chamomile, eucalyptus, safflower, corn, passionflower, frankincense, sandalwood, acacia flowers, aloes, cornstalks, Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sloe, Crab Apples, Pears. goldenrod, peony, nasturtium, clover blossom, yarrow, heliotrope, boneset, vervain, Queen Anne's lace, myrtle, sunflower, poppy, milkweed, Irish moss, mushroom, wheat, corn, rye, oat, barley, rice, garlic, onion, basil, mint, aloe, meadowsweet, apple leaf, raspberry leaf, strawberry leaf, bilberry leaf, blueberry leaf, mugwort, hops, holly, comfrey, grape vine, ivy, hazelnut, blackthorn, elder, bee pollen
Food: Breads, grains, potatoes, summer squash, cider, blackberry pies and jellies, berries, apples, roasted lamb, elderberry wine, meadowsweet tea
Tools: Chalice, cauldron, sickle, scythe, mirrors, magickal waters
Stones: Aventurine, citrine, peridot, sardonyx
Creatures: Roosters, calves, the Phoenix, griffins, basilisk, centaurs
Mabon (Minor Sabbat)
Northern Hemisphere: Sept 21 (Southern Hemisphere: Around March 21)
Autumn Equinox, Cornucopia
Mabon, (May-bon) is known as the Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home, Second Harvest, the Witches Thanksgiving and Siring Fate. (Mabon in Welsh means son.) This reference usually refers to the son of the Welsh goddess Madron, Mother and Son. The Mother and son aspect is the most common among the neo-pagans, and fits well with in the Wiccan perspective of the Holly King mythology. Autumn Equinox refers to a time of the year when day and night are equally balanced, and the weather grows colder as winter approaches. The sun is in the process of crossing the equator and in astrological terms is entering the sign of Libra. The sun is the focal point of energy (along with the moon) and such; its life force pushes us to discover more about ourselves. It is time for a cooperative outlook on that time of year, just what was needed by the communities, as they all worked together to complete the harvest. Harvest Home is an Anglo-Celtic version of the original Mabon, and fell in-between the First (Lugnasadh) and the Third (Samhain) Harvests. Harvests festivals were a very important part of the pre- industrialized culture. It was a time of relief and of rest. Relief that the crops were in and rest to catch their breath before the work of preparing for winter began. This was a time to give thanks, so take some time to think about what you are thankful for.
Traditions: Making and drinking of wine (surplus fruit from the season), share with the less fortunate, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.
Symbolism: Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.
Correspondences: grapes, blackberries, cedar.
Colors: Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold
Deities: Morgan, Epona, Lilitu, The Muses, Sophia, Modron, Mabon, Maponus, Herne, Cernunnos, Mannanan Mac Ler, Lord of Shadows, Ishtar, Isis, Demeter, Persephone, Grain Mother, Rhiannon, Dionysus, Bacchus, Hermes, Horned God, Mabon, Thoth
Herbs/incense: Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, sage, juniper, pine, cedar, benzoin, milkweed, myrrh, solomon's seal, rose, passionflower, honeysuckle, marigold, ferns, tobacco, vegetables, thistle
Food: Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, grapes, acorns, wheat bread, Indian corn, horn of plenty, cornbread, corn, root crops (ie onions, carrots, potatoes, etc.), dried fruits, apples, beans, and squash.
Tools: Bell, boline, red altar cloth
Stones: Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates.
Creatures: Dogs, Wolves, Stag, Birds of Prey (especially the Blackbird, Owl, and Eagle), Salmon, Gnomes.
Planetary Ruler: Mercury
Note: Much of this information was either directly contributed by me and/or taken from different sources on the web. It is impossible for me to give credit to all those that contributed. There is so much information relative to the Wheel of the Year available, so I tried to get the most readily accepted components for you. In so doing, it is impossible to single out each individual author (I suspect many of the sites I visited to get generic descriptions had taken it from elsewhere anyway). It is always best to follow your own intuition, path, guides, etc. when working with the Wheel. Believe me, once you begin to live your life in harmony with Nature, you will know, innately, what to do. To all of those who did contribute, I say "Goddess Bless."
