The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

The Wiccan calendar is often referred to as the "Wheel of the Year", emphasizing the cyclical nature of the world around us. Each holiday has a wealth of history and tradition surrounding it, but this page should explain the basics of each Sabbat and how we celebrate.



Yule

Approx. Dec 21

Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, Alban Arthan

The holiday of Yule was celebrated long before Christians adopted the date. Many of the Christmas traditions we see today stem from old Pagan customs. As the solstice, it is the longest night of the year. From this day forward, light begins to return and we celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God.

Traditions: lighting the Yule log, wreath making, gift giving

Correspondences: pine, holly, myrrh, cinnamon



Imbolc

Feb 2

Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigid's Day

Imbolc is a day to celebrate the first glimpses of Spring, and it is also dedicated to the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Non-Pagans celebrate today as Groundhog Day. Make new starts in life, as you give your home a thorough cleaning.

Traditions: Burning fires and candles, cleaning, making a bed for Brigid

Correspondences: carnation, rosemary, chamomile, milk



Ostara

Approx. March 21

Spring Equinox, Lady Day

This is another holiday that has been overlaid with Christian meanings (Easter). Eggs and bunnies are typical symbols, representing new birth and new life. Plant the seeds of long-term goals.

Traditions: Colouring eggs, decorating with flowers

Correspondences: jasmine, daffodil, lotus, new spring flowers



Beltane

May 1

May Day, Walpurgis Night

The God born at Yule is now a man, and the sacred marriage between God and Goddess is consumated. Beltane is a celebration of fertility, growth, love and passion. However you celebrate Beltane, do it with joy and happiness.

Traditions: Dancing around the May Pole, lighting bonfires

Correspondences: Rose, lilac, vanilla



Midsummer

Approx. June 21

Litha, Summer Solstice, Whitsun

Midsummer is the longest day of the year, and the strength of the Sun God begins to wane. The Goddess has left her Maiden form of Imbolc and is now in her Mother aspect. Refill your herb collection for the coming year.

Traditions: Fairy magick, collecting herbs

Correspondences: Orange, lemon, honeysuckle, vervain



Lammas

August 1

Lughnasadh,

As the first of the three harvest festivals, much of the symbolism for Lammas revolves around grains and bread. Sacrifices were common, though mostly symbolic, in order to ensure the continued success of the harvest.

Traditions: Bread baking, making corn dollies

Correspondences: corn, sandalwood, heather



Mabon

Approx. Sept 21

Autumn Equinox, Cornucopia

Day and night are equal again, and the weather grows colder as winter approaches. This is the second harvest festival. Rituals of thanks at this time have brought about the modern holidays of Thanksgiving. Take some time to think about what you are thankful for.

Traditions: Making and drinking of wine, share with the less fortunate

Correspondences: grapes, blackberries, cedar, patchouli



Samhain

Oct 31

Hallowe'en, All Hallows

Samhain (SOW-en) is the one Sabbat that is also widely celebrated amongst non-Pagans. The God has died, and the Goddess mourns him until his rebirth at Yule. It's the last harvest festival, and the end of the Wiccan year.

Traditions: Divination, honouring the dead, carving Jack o' Lanterns

Correspondences: pumpkins, apples, sage, mugwort

In modern folklore, a Blue moon is the second Full Moon in one calender month, which happens about every 2 years. So has the moon actually appeared blue? Yes! During major volcanic eruptions, the volcanic ash rised into the atmosphere, and the ash clouds make the moon appear blue.



For Witches today, the Blue Moon is a time of magick and mystery. On the night of the Blue Moon, the magickal energy is powerful and enduring. Spells cast during a Blue Moon are said to hold until the next one. This is a fantastic time to work for love, protection, wisdom, or try your hand at divination. A classic Goddess to work with is Selene. This Greco-Roman Full Moon Goddess is generous to Witches. Light a blue candle for the Moon and a white candle for Selene. Then face the light of the Blue Moon and make your request.



"On this night of Selene's magickal Blue Moon,

Lady hear my request and grant me a boon.

Work your loving magick in each aspect of my life,

Bless me with wisdom and protection both day and night."



I put this in "story" because of the Blue Moon information. Credit: Ellen Dugan



The first Full Moon is May 2nd, at 6:09 am. The colour to wear today is brown.



The second Full Moon is 31st, at 9:04 pm. The colour to wear for this Blue Moon is white.



I wanted to add that Joan of Arc passed May 30th, 1431.

This year we have 2 full moons in the month of May, which means an abundance of fairy and nature spirit activity. this month's Full Moon is also called the Dryad Moon. The Dryads are female spirits of the woodlands. These attendants of Artemis are the guardians of wild places in forests, groves, and woodlands. The Dryads are not typically seen, but their dancing energy can be sensed if you have an open mind and pure heart. To protect your yard, garden, or favorite grove of trees, call on the Dryads during the first Full Moon on May. Travel to your favorite natural place and sit quietly beneath the trees, feeling the moonlight filtering down on you. Then say the charm (which follows) out loud. Remember to leave the Dryads an offering of milk and honey in thanks for their assistance.



"The first Full Moon in May is a time of great power,

I call forth the Dryads to guard both leaf and flower.

Now weave your protective energy through time and space,

With laughter and joy may you guard this natural place."



This came out of the Witches Datebook, 2007