Journey around the Wheel of the Year: pagan festivals and their meanings

The Wheel of the Year is a great way to illustrate the year, with its different stages and holidays. It is divided into four seasons, linked to the natural cycle and changes.

Following the Wheel of the Year brings us back to the cyclical nature of life and reminds us that we are part of this cyclical nature. By observing and celebrating the Wheel of the Year, we become aware of how life progresses through the different phases. The Wheel of the Year reminds us that everything is constantly changing and evolving, just like the nature around us.

Summer, autumn, winter and spring represent different stages in the cycle of the year. Each season brings its own energy, growth and challenges. As we follow the cycle of the year, we learn to appreciate the uniqueness of each stage and accept it as part of our lives.

Following the Wheel of the Year can awaken in us a deeper connection to nature and its cycles. We discover how our lives are connected to these cycles, and it can give us comfort and inspiration in the different phases we face. Each season has its positive aspects, but also its challenges.

As we follow the cycle of the year, we can learn to live more presently and appreciate the beauty and power of change in the moment. The Wheel of the Year reminds us that every day and every moment is a precious and unique part of this great cyclical journey we all share.

Following the Wheel of the Year brings us back to our roots and gives us a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of this world and nature. It opens us up to respect and cherish the cyclical nature of life, while finding balance and harmony in our own being.

Each phase of the Wheel of the Year represents different energies, symbolism and celebrations. It reminds us of how nature is constantly changing and cycling. The celebrations of the Wheel of the Year allow us to pause for a moment, to honour nature and to connect with its cycle in our own way.

It is important to note that the Wheel of the Year can vary between cultures and traditions. For example, Wiccan and Pagan communities use the Wheel of the Year for their own celebrations, and their celebrations may differ slightly.

Sabbath is a term that has its roots in pagan traditions and is strongly associated with witchcraft and paganism. It refers to a specific feast and holy day, celebrated according to the seasons. Sabbaths are important in the pagan calendar, symbolising the cycle of nature, the cycles of life and spiritual growth.

Paganism is a diverse religion and philosophy of life that emphasises respect for nature and spiritual connection. The Sabbaths play an important role in paganism, celebrating natural events such as the changing of the seasons, the harvest or the balance between dark and light.

Sabbaths are celebrated in paganism through various rituals, meditations, festivals and communal events. Each Sabbath is unique and has its own traditions and symbolism. Sabbaths are a way of honouring and celebrating the forces of nature, awakening spiritual awareness and maintaining contact with one's inner world and higher consciousness.

Sabbaths provide an opportunity for people to come together to share their experiences, learn new things and strengthen their spiritual path. They help us celebrate and deepen our connection with nature, ourselves and higher forces. Sabbaths can be celebrated alone or with others, and everyone can find their own way to celebrate and honour these sacred moments.

Here you can find out more about the themes and times of the different Sabbaths

Imbolc

- A time of new life and promise: The Imbolc Sabbath celebrates the passing of winter and the arrival of spring. It is a time when nature comes to life and the first signs of growth and vitality appear. Imbolc is traditionally associated with, among other things, the sheep lambing season and baking. This Sabbath honours constant change and new beginnings. You can celebrate Imbolc by lighting candles, cleansing energies and connecting with your inner hopes and dreams, creating symbols of spring on your altar and performing rituals that emphasise growth, new energy and promise.

February 1 or 2

Ostara

- A celebration of prosperity and balance: the Ostara Sabbath celebrates the vernal equinox, when day and night are in balance. It marks the awakening of nature to full bloom and the growth of life force. Ostara can be celebrated as a celebration of the renewal of life force and a new beginning. You can create your altar using spring colours such as green, yellow and pink. Add flowers, eggs and symbols of spring to the altar. Easter can be celebrated by creating balance in your life, planting seeds and honouring the renewal of nature.

20 or 21 March as a spring equinox

Beltane

- A celebration of fertility, life and love: the Beltane Sabbath celebrates the beginning of summer and the season of fertility. It is a time when nature flourishes and the life force is at its strongest. On Beltane, you can celebrate rituals that highlight fertility, love and creativity. You can create your altar using shades of green, red and white. Add flowers, grasses, plants and other symbols of spring, you can decorate it with wreaths, ribbons and symbols of love.

30 April or 1 May

Litha

- Litha Sabbath celebrates the summer solstice, when the day is at its longest and the sun is at its strongest. It is a time to celebrate the triumph of light and power over darkness. Litha can be celebrated outdoors, enjoying the sunlight and the beauty of nature. Youraltar can include shades of yellow, orange and red. Add symbols of the sun, flowers and herbs. You can spend Litha dancing, meditating and performing rituals that emphasise light, strength and respect for nature. Gathering wild flowers for Midsummer is also part of the Midsummer traditions of the mainstream culture. This beautiful custom has its roots in pagan traditions that honour nature.

It is important to collect wild flowers with care and respect. Choose healthy and beautiful flowers, and make sure you don't collect endangered or protected species. Collecting wildflowers also means exercising moderation to leave enough growth behind to continue growing.

20 or 21 June on the summer solstice

Sheep

1. A celebration of harvest and bounty. It is a time for gratitude, abundance and sharing. Sheep Sabbath is a time to celebrate rituals that emphasise abundance, gratitude and connection with nature. Youraltar can include shades of yellow, orange and red, as well as fruit, grain and other symbols of the harvest. You can participate in community events, make traditional dishes or give thanks to nature and the abundance of life.

1 or 2 August

Mabon

2nd Harvest Festival - A celebration of balance and gratitude. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest and prepare for winter. Mabon can be celebrated by focusing on balance, gratitude and connection with nature. Youraltar can include shades of red, orange and brown. Add symbols of the harvest, nuts and leaves. You can celebrate Mabon by meditating, doing rituals of gratitude or sharing time with loved ones.

21 or 22 September as an autumnal equinox

Samhain

3rd Harvest Festival - Celebration of Death and Spirits. It is the time when the boundaries between the spirit world and the physical world are thinnest. Samhain is a time to remember the past and honour the ancestors. You can celebrate Samhain by lighting candles, creating keepsakes on the altar and performing rituals that emphasise the connection between the spirit world and the past. Your altar can include shades of black, purple and orange. You can pause to remember the past and honour the presence of the spirit world

31 October or 1 November

Yule

- A celebration of the return of light and new beginnings, the Yule Sabbath celebrates the winter solstice, when the darkness recedes and the days begin to lengthen again. It is a time to rejoice in the return of light and a new beginning. Yule can be celebrated by lighting lots of candles, creating symbols of light on the altar and performing rituals that highlight the new beginning. Your altar can include shades of white, silver and gold. You can bake a Christmas bonfire, make gifts or meditate surrounded by the power of light and new energy.

On 21 or 22 December as a winter solstice

The celebration of each Sabbath is personal and may vary from one individual to another. The most important thing is to respect nature, connect with the inner world and celebrate the cycle of life. You can incorporate into your rituals and celebrations a variety of symbols, plants and elements that resonate with you and your spiritual path. The important thing is to find your own way of celebrating Shabbat that feels from your heart and supports your spiritual growth and connection to nature.

- Mikaela