Holy Days that Wiccans Celebrate
Yule – Dec 20-23
This the longest night, hence the shortest day of the year. Yule is considered by Wiccans to be either the year’s end or beginning. It’s a time to celebrate the return of light. This is when the newborn sun gives a nice new start and a new day. It’s a wonderful time for renewal and hope.
Imbolc Feb 2
Brigid or Imbolc – This is a time for cleansing and organizing your environment, mind, and your heart. You do this to prepare for the growth of the upcoming season. Expel the doldrums of late winter and get the fires of your inspiration and creativity going strong!
Ostara Mar 20-23
Now that light is increasing and winter is over. The days and nights are equal in length at the equinox. Springtime is here or will be soon. Ostara is a wonderful time of fertility, birth, and renewal. All the ice has thawed or is thawing out, it’s time to start the growing season for plants. Animals begin to stir more and more. The theme of the day is Growth.
Beltane May 1
Beltane is a Celtic word that means “fires of Bel” (Bel was a Celtic Deity). It’s time for a festival, a fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer. It celebrates fertility for the coming year and the beginning of the planting cycle. This festival will ensure that a season of growth and bountiful harvests. Beltane is light-hearted and joyful.
Litha Jun 20-23
This is the longest day and the shortest night of the whole year. The light is brilliant, it will begin to fade into the darkness as we approach Autumn and the planted crops are growing. The woods are flourishing and are at their fullest. Wildlife is in abundance, as well as people. Enjoy the joyous holiday!
Lammas Aug 1
This is a time for both hope and fear for ancient Pagans. The hope was for a bountiful and abundant harvest of food. They worried that their harvest wouldn’t be enough for the cold months and they would struggle and go without. Modern Wiccans concentrate on developing their abilities, facing fears, and take steps to protect themselves and their homes.
Mabon Sep 20-23
During this time the nights and days are of equal length for a sublime balance. It coincides with the final harvest of vegetables, fruits, and grains. It’s also called the Harvest Home and a time for thanksgiving. The wonderful beauty of summer is giving way to the desolation of winter and the darkness will overtake the light.
Samhain Oct 31
Too many Wiccans Samhain (Pronounced Sow-in) is one of the most important Sabbat as it marks the New Year. It’s a time to remember our ancestors and celebrate the harvest and everything that has been completed successfully over the year.
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