The Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is an annual cycle of eight Sabbats, marking the solar journey and the changing relationship between the Sun and the Earth. In many traditions, it serves as a spiritual map aligning human life with the rhythms of nature. Alongside these are Esbats, gatherings typically held during the full moon to honor lunar energy and perform ritual work.

The Eight Sabbats

Yule (Winter Solstice): Celebrates the longest night and the rebirth of the Sun as days begin to lengthen.

Imbolc (Early February): Marks the first stirrings of life and the purification of the hearth in preparation for spring.

Ostara (Spring Equinox): A day of perfect balance between light and dark, celebrating renewal and fertility.

Beltane (Early May): A high-energy fire festival honoring the peak of spring and the burgeoning life of the land.

Litha (Summer Solstice): Honors the longest day of the year when the Sun is at its full strength and power.

Lughnasadh (Early August): The first harvest festival, marking the initial reaping of grain and giving thanks.

Mabon (Autumn Equinox): The second harvest and a time of balance, focused on gratitude and preparing for winter.

Samhain (Late October): The final harvest and the Pagan New Year, when the veil between worlds is thinnest.

The Twelve Esbats

The Esbats are named based on the full moon cycle of each month:

Wolf Moon (January): A time for introspection and looking inward during the deep cold of winter.

Snow Moon (February): Focuses on spiritual cleansing and preparing for the coming growth.

Worm Moon (March): Marks the awakening of the earth as the soil begins to soften and life returns.

Pink Moon (April): Celebrates the blossoming of flowers and the vibrant energy of early spring.

Flower Moon (May): A peak time for fertility and abundance as nature reaches full bloom.

Strawberry Moon (June): Focuses on the ripening of fruits and the sweetness of the approaching summer.

Buck Moon (July): Represents strength and rapid growth, mirroring the new antlers of deer.

Sturgeon Moon (August): A time for abundance and harvesting the bounty of lakes and fields.

Harvest Moon (September): Centered on gratitude and gathering the main crops before the frost.

Hunter’s Moon (October): A moon for preparation and honoring the cycle of life and death.

Beaver Moon (November): Focuses on setting boundaries and preparing the home for the dark half of the year.

Cold Moon (December): A time for rest and endurance during the longest nights of the year.