Published by Practitioners of Wicca celebrate eight Sabbats each year. The Wheel of the Year is basically a Wiccan calendar. It shows the different Sabbats in order.
The first Sabbat is Yule. It falls on the Winter Solstice, in the Northern Hemisphere this is usually between December 20 and 23. In the Southern Hemisphere, it falls in June. Yule is the longest night of the entire year. It is on this day that the Goddess gives birth to the God and the sun returns to Earth. On this day altars are decorated with winter colors such as white, pale blue, and silver. Evergreen branches, mistletoe, pinecones, bells and evergreen wreaths are also used to decorate altars. Silver and white candles are placed on the altar at this time. Solar symbols are used to honor the sun’s return.
Imbolc is the second Sabbat of the year and falls on February 2. Imbolc is the celebration of the beginning of the end of winter and it reminds us that spring is on its way. The Ancient Romans called this celebration Lupercalia. The Ancient Egyptians also celebrated a special day on February 2; the birth of the goddess, Nut. Red and white are the colors most often associated with Imbolc. Green is also used to symbolize life returning to the Earth. Flowers such as the crocus, daffodil and snowdrop are used to decorate altars.
Ostara falls on the Spring Equinox, usually between March 20 and 23. It is the celebration of spring finally arriving, winter ending and the fertility of the Earth. The origin of the word “Ostara” comes from the Germanic goddess of spring, Eostre. Green and purple flowers are used to decorate altars. Symbols of polarity, such as the yin-yang, are also used because Ostara is a time of balance between light and dark. Dying eggs is also an Ostara tradition. Traditionally, eggs were dyed red to symbolize fertility.
Beltane is the fourth Sabbat of the year. It is the celebration of the abundance and fertility of the Earth and the success of the crops. It is observed on May 1. The Maypole is a widely-known Beltane tradition, though many do not know its origins. Acorns, flowers, and other fertility symbols are used on altars on Beltane.
Litha falls on the Summer Solstice. Litha is the longest day of the year, the opposite of Yule. It is believed that Stonehenge was the created as a place to celebrate Litha.
Lughnasadh, or Lammas, is on August 1. It is the celebration of the success of the crops and the beginning of the harvest. Symbols of the harvest, such as small bundles of grain, are used to decorate Lammas altars. Reds and other autumn colors are used as well.
Mabon is the Autumnal Equinox. It is at this time that the God prepares for his death. It is a time to give thanks for what you have. This is the second time of year when there are equal amounts of light and dark. Colors such as yellow, orange, red, and brown are used to decorate altars, as are apples.
Samhain is the final Sabbat of the year. It falls on October 31 and is the time when the God dies and prepares to be born again at Yule. Samhain is a good time for trying to contact the dead because the veil between the worlds is thinnest. Sunset on Samhain is the beginning of the next year for Wiccans. Pumpkins and gourds are often carved and candles are placed inside. This helps the spirits of our ancestors find their way home.
