Wheel of the Year and the Sabats

The wheel of the year describes the cycle of the seasons. Throughout this cycle there are 8 main celebrations called 'Sabats'. Sabats are celebrated to honor the god and the process of birth, life, death and re-birth. 

Pagans often celebrate their New year at Samhain. (31st October) Samhain is more commonly celebrated as 'Halloween'. Millions go out dressed in capes and hats without really realizing the origin of the celebration.

It has become very commercialised in recent years- it therefore is important for us to uphold our traditions and beliefs and to educate others when possible. Samhain is a time to pay respects and celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have passed on. It is believed that on this day the veil between the two worlds is at its very thinnest- so some like to use this opportunity to communicate with friends or relatives who are no longer with us.
Scrying and divination is very effective at this time of year.





Yule or Winter Solstice (21st December) is a where the return of the sun is celebrated. The legend of the holly and oak king tells how from midsummer to midwinter the Holly king rules the land (hence the connection with holly used at Christmas time). From midwinter through to midsummer as the light returns- the Oak king then regains his reign over the land. Both kings are just different faces of the one Sungod sometimes looked at as brothers.  At yule the Oak king is re-born. Traditions include the decorating of a yule log, decorating a yule tree, kissng under the misletoe, and exchanging gifts.

Often covens may re-enact the battle between the Holly King and the Oak King

 
Imbolc or Candlemas (February 2nd) actually translates to 'in the belly' or 'ewes milk' and refers to the start of spring and the birth of new things. The Strength of the sun god continues to grow.

The Celtic Goddess Briget is often honoured at this time- she is the goddess of poetry, of healing...and of midwifery! Traditionally many candles are lit at this celebration to welcome in the spring. Throughout the year I try to save up all the leftover candle wax to be melted down and made into new fresh candles for the year ahead (just a little something I enjoy doing myself).





Ostara or Spring Equinox (March 21st-22nd) is named after the goddess Eostre- the Goddess of spring and fertility.

This is a perfect time for anything fertility related- from sowing seeds to starting a family. The goddess Eostre was often pictured with a rabbit or a hare at her side- which has been adopted in more recent years to give us our all famous 'Easter Bunny'. Due to the link with fertility- the Egg is also one of the Goddess Eostre's symbols- which has also been taken on to bring us our 'Easter Eggs'. The female fertility hormone Estrogen also originates from her name. 

Popular crafts at this celebration include painting Ostara Eggs and potting plants to be given away as gifts. 








Beltane (April 30th-May1st) is also known as 'May day'. It is a festival of union- and commonly handfastings (pagan equivalent to marriages) are performed.  The legend now tells how the young god has grown and matured into a man- where the goddess and the god now become united as lovers. Maypoles and maypole dancing are very common traditions at this time of year. The weaving of the ribbons reinforces the unity between male and female.  

Maypole at Dovedale Camp

Litha/Summer Solstice (21st-22nd June) is the time of the year where the sun god is most powerful. This is the longest day of the year- and with the sun gods peak, the threat of returning to the darkness is looming and the reign is handed over to his brother the Holly King. It is tradition to stay up on the eve of the solstice to watch the sunrise. Bonfires are sometimes lit to represent the light and heat of the sun at this peak time.



Lammas (August 1st/2nd) was the very first Sabat I ever celebrated so it always stands out as being special for me. I performed my very first ritual and self dedication on Lammas so it holds a special place in my heart. Lammas is all about the harvest and the gathering of the crops.

The story goes that the Sun god sacrifices his power to the healthy growth of the crops leaving him weakened- and dieing- a self sacrifice for other to survive. Often corn dollies are made, and fruit and vegetables are gathered and placed on the alter. Making Lammas bread is another tradition- and I have had some fun with this one (my baking skills leave much to be desired). I like to go berry picking and spend time in nature appreciating what mother earth provides for us. I always become motivated to eat everything fresh rather than processed and find myself looking to local markets rather than supermarkets. 




Mabon (september 21st-23rd) is the autumn equinox and the second harvest. At this time there is equal day and equal night and a time to give thanks for the harvest we have received. The leaves begin to change colour and natures beauty is to be appreciated at this time by spending time outside. At mabon we mourn the sun god as he begins to weaken and fade away- but rejoice for what he has brought us and have faith in his return.

....the cycle then repeats itself, and is on going. The cycle of birth followed by death followed by re-birth.