Wiccans celebrate eight major holidays (Sabbats/Solar Holy Days) that occur at roughly 6 1/2 week intervals.

The Sabbats mythologically represent the yearly cycle of Maiden, Mother, and Crone of the Goddess and birth, marriage, maturation, and death of the God.

Samhain (October 31)

Known as the "Witches' New Year", this is one of the most important and revered Sabbats in the year.

Samhain marks the time when the souls of all who have died throughout the year pass over to the other side and all the souls of those who will be born in the next year come into our world. Its celebrations are oriented toward mourning and letting go of those who have died.

Also Called; All Hallows Eve, Blood Harvest, Day of the Dead, Halloween, Hallowmass

During Samhain, Wiccans have a "dumb supper" which is a meal that is shared with those who have gone before. An extra plate is set and filled with food for those who are no longer with us.

After the meal, the food is usually set outside for whatever creature comes along. Nobody speaks during this meal. Meals can consist of the root crops and last fruits of the harvest as well as meat and game dishes. Some only eat meat on Samhain.

Mythologically, this is the time when the Goddess mourns the slain God and She contemplates the coming birth of her child. The Goddess is honored in her Crone aspect. Samhain celebrates the death of the God.

Yule (December 21)

Yule is a holiday that has been transmuted into Christmas. It is a time when winter is upon the land and longest night of the year. Its celebration includes the burning of the yule log (Yule trees are Pagan and decorated each year) which is lit before the Sun goes down and tended all night until the Sun comes up the next morning.

Its feast includes the traditional "Christmas foods" - cookies, candy, roast, stew. Presents are exchanged over the days starting at Yule and continuing through the Twelfth Night (January 6 - an official Christian holiday known as Little Christmas that starts twelve days after Christmas).

Also Called; Winter Solstice

Mythologically, this is the time when the Goddess gives birth to the Sun God. Mother Bertha is the Crone who gives presents and steals bad children. Yule celebrates the birth/rebirth of the Sun God.

Imbolg (February 1& 2)

Imbolg is the time when winter is still on the land, but spring is coming. It is the time when it is readily apparent that the days are lengthening and the time when dark, long nights end. Imbolg is usually the coldest time of the year. It is the time of the birth of the new lambs (called Immilch or time of new milk).

Also Called; Bride, Brigid's Day, Candlemas, Imbolc, Immilch

Imbolg is celebrated with a bonfire and blessing of tools (called Brigid's day because she is the Goddess of the forge and blesses the tools). The blessing of tools brings a fertility of ideas and of the soil.

Mythologically, the Goddess has recovered from the birth of Her child (lived and getting stronger, will survive). This is the time when the Goddess is renewed as Maiden after the birth of Her child. It is also the time of dedication and initiation.

Oestara (March 20)

Oestara occurs 1/4 of the year after Midsummer and represents mid-autumn. It is the Autumnal Equinox (one of the quarter days of the year that occurs when the sun crosses the equator on its apparent journey southward) and is a Lesser Sabbat and Law Holiday in modern Witchcraft.

Because it is a Lesser Sabbat, it is one of the two holidays that may or may not be celebrated (depends on your correspondence with spring and where you live). Oestara involves the concept of the symbolic sacrifice of the spirit of vegetation (John Barleycorn). Astrologers know this as the date on which the sun enters Libra.

Also Called; Autumnal Equinox, Harvest Home, Mabon

Oestara begins on its eve (originally celebrated September 25). It is the day the God of light is defeated by His twin God of darkness (night conquers day). It is the time of the grain harvest (in some areas) and period of the highest energy within the animal kingdom.

It is the time of the main harvest and the feast of grains, fruits, and vegetables. Wiccans offer their first and best fruits to the Gods as thanks for fertility. It is celebrated with painting eggs.

Mythologically, it celebrates the change from the Goddess half/dark half of year to God half/light half of year. The Sun God is growing fast and is vital and healthy. The Goddess has changed from Crone to Maiden (young girl ready to grown with her son/consort).

Beltane (April 30/May 1)

Beltane is the second biggest holiday celebrated by Wiccans. It is a fertility festival and time of spring and the planting of crops. There is a Beltane lottery where a "May Queen" and "Green Man" are chosen and become the living representatives of the Goddess and God.

It celebrates union, mating, and marriage of the Goddess and God. This office is considered sacred and usually open to Initiates only. Beltane is frequently celebrated with a feast of spring plants, asparagus, new greens, and other early plants.

Also Called; Cethsamhain, May Eve, Roodmas, Walpurgis Night

Mythologically, the Goddess and God achieve puberty and become sexually aware. Beltane celebrates their wedding. The Goddess is changed from Maiden to Mother.

Litha (June 21)

Litha is the longest day of the year. It is the time to get together, visit, and relax. It is the time when crops and gardens are planted. Litha is celebrated with a feast of strawberries and other fruits and greens.

Also Called; Midsummer, Summer Solstice

Lammas (August 1)

Lammas celebrates the first fruits of the harvest. The days are getting shorter and a big feast is part of the rite (often with a corn dolly or homemade breads).

Lammas is the time of the main grain harvest (God in his guise as John Barleycorn). Some hold Lughnasadh games and contests of athletics.

Also Called; Luchnasadh