Welcome, Seeker. This is the school reference shelf for the turning year: the eight sabbats of the Wheel of the Year, in their order, with what each festival marks and simple ways to keep it at home. These dates follow the Northern Hemisphere seasons. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, your wheel turns six months on from these dates, and the festivals follow your own seasons.
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Samhain falls from October 31 to November 1 and marks the end of the harvest and the start of the dark half of the year. Traditionally it is the final harvest festival, and many practitioners hold that the veil between the living and the dead grows thin, making it a time for remembering ancestors.
Its themes are endings, gratitude, and reflection. At home, a practitioner might set a photograph or a favorite food of a loved one on the altar, light a black or orange candle, and share a silent meal in their honor. Carved pumpkins, apples, and nuts suit the season, along with a farewell to the year ending.
Yule falls around December 21, at the winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. From this point the days lengthen again, and traditional lore treats the festival as the rebirth of the sun. Evergreens, holly, and the Yule log speak to life holding on through the darkest stretch of winter.
Its themes are hope, rest, and returning light. At home, a practitioner might hang evergreen boughs, light a gold or red candle at sunset, and bake spiced bread or ginger cookies. A simple rite is to sit in the dark a moment, then light one candle and name one hope for the growing light ahead.
Imbolc falls on February 1 and marks the first stirrings of spring, when ewes begin to lamb and early seeds are blessed for planting. Traditional lore links it with Brigid, goddess and saint of fire, healing, and poetry. Many practitioners treat it as a festival of purification and fresh beginnings after winter.
Its themes are renewal, inspiration, and the returning spark of light. At home, a practitioner might place white or pale yellow candles in every window at dusk, set out milk, butter, and oat cakes, and make a Brigid cross from rushes or straw. A simple rite is a spring cleaning of one room, done with intention.
Ostara falls around March 20, at the spring equinox, when day and night stand equal in the Northern Hemisphere. Traditional lore treats it as a festival of balance and fertility, when seeds are sown and the land wakes fully. Eggs, hares, and early flowers are its oldest symbols, all speaking of new life.
Its themes are balance, growth, and beginnings. At home, a practitioner might dye or paint eggs in green, yellow, and pink, plant seeds in a pot for the altar, and serve eggs, greens, and honey cakes. A simple rite is a walk at dawn to notice signs of spring, then one seed planted for a goal.
Beltane falls on May 1 and marks the height of spring and the coming of summer. Traditional lore treats it as a festival of fertility and fire, when cattle were driven between two bonfires for blessing and protection before going to summer pasture. Many practitioners celebrate it as the union of the land and the season of growth.
Its themes are passion, abundance, and blessing. At home, a practitioner might weave a flower crown, set red, green, and white candles on the altar, and serve strawberries, oatcakes, and fresh dairy. A simple rite is to light two candles and pass a wish or a tool between their flames for blessing.
Litha falls around June 21, at the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Traditional lore treats it as the height of the sun's power, a season of strength, abundance, and protection before the turn toward dark. Bonfires on hilltops are among its oldest customs, lit in honor of the sun.
Its themes are power, gratitude, and protection. At home, a practitioner might gather herbs such as St John's wort and lavender, set gold and orange candles on the altar, and serve fruits, salads, and honey. A simple rite is to rise at dawn, greet the sun, and give thanks aloud for one thing the year has brought.
Lughnasadh falls on August 1 and marks the first harvest of the year, when grain is cut and loaves are baked from new wheat. It is also called Lammas, a name from the blessing of that first loaf. Traditional lore links it with the god Lugh and with gratitude for the land's giving as the year turns.
Its themes are gratitude, skill, and sharing. At home, a practitioner might bake a loaf, set wheat, corn, and gold or brown candles on the altar, and serve bread, berries, and ale or cider. A simple rite is to break the loaf, give thanks, and share it with family, friends, or neighbors.
Mabon falls around September 22, at the autumn equinox, when day and night stand equal again. Traditional lore treats it as the second harvest festival, when fruits, grapes, and grains are gathered and stored against winter. Many practitioners use it as a thanksgiving for the year's abundance and a moment to restore balance before the dark half.
Its themes are thanksgiving, balance, and letting go. At home, a practitioner might place apples, squash, and corn on the altar, light brown or russet candles, and serve apple dishes, root vegetables, and cider. A simple rite is to list the year's blessings, give thanks for each, and set one burden down.
THE WITCHERY SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT
Blessed be.