Wheel of the Year

Here’s the Deal with Sabbats

Are you ready? This one is going to get a bit scientific LOL!

The term “Wheel of the year came about in the mid-1960’s at the height of the neo-paganism movement. I have determined through research that this is because our ancestors took the end of harvest and the cycling of death and rebirth throughout those sessions seriously. For their dates, they counted the cycles of the moon, rather than a calendar date. In our history, Sabbats were celebrated on the full moons nearest to the equinoxes and solstices. Using the full moons to count the sabbats made practical sense in an agrarian society. It helped in timing agricultural activities, such as planting and harvesting, as well as in coordinating communal gatherings, ceremonies, and feasts.

But, regardless, we don’t have to be exactly rigid in our celebration dates. Do you think that if our ancestors missed a solstice that the crops went unplanted? unharvested? That winter stopped? Not at all, and there is no point in wasting that energy because you missed one specific day!!

There is, if course, a peak moment of Sabbats… a strongest point, if you will, if you need that energy for specific work, but Sabbats last long enough for thought, ritual, afterthought, and contemplation. The good news is that this gives us ample time to hold our festivities (use or spare a spoon or two, if necessary) and still bless each one well as we usher it in.

Four of our Sabbats (Yule, Ostara, Litha, and Mabon) astrological events – solstices and equinoxes, and change peak dates year to year within a few days.

Mabon (Fall equinox) and Yule (Winter Solstice) however last approximately a week if you just search for the specific dates.

The other four Sabbats (Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas/Lughnasadh, and Samhain) are approximately halfway marks between each equinox or solstice and technically last approximately a 24 hour period the same dates each year, with their energies being a 3 day spread (1 before and 1 after). Their peaks are generally said to peak at midnight or high noon, depending on the event

During my posts about Sabbats, I’ll give you the date spreads as well as peak times. Remember: solstices and equinoxes can vary slightly year to year and hemisphere to hemisphere. My information is for the northern hemisphere, US Eastern Standard Time. A quick Google search will give you your best peak times.

However, as witchcraft is about intent, use these days as you see fit, and hold rituals as you will. Intent is your only boundary, and blessings and offerings are always appreciated.

These dates can vary by a day or two depending on the specific tradition and hemisphere (Northern or Southern). Here is a list of the sabbats and their approximate dates on the modern calendar in the NORTHERN HEMISPHERE:

Samhain: October 31st – November 1st

• Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time to honor ancestors and spirits.

Yule: December 20th – 23rd (Winter Solstice)

• Yule celebrates the rebirth of the sun and the gradual lengthening of days. It is a festival of light and warmth during the darkest time of the year.

Imbolc: February 1st – 2nd

• Imbolc heralds the first signs of spring and the return of light. It is associated with purification, growth, and new beginnings.

Ostara: March 20th – 23rd (Spring Equinox)

• Ostara celebrates the arrival of spring and the balance of day and night. It is a time of fertility, renewal, and planting.

Beltane: April 30th – May 1st

• Beltane marks the beginning of summer and is a celebration of fertility, passion, and the blossoming of life. It often involves dancing around the Maypole and other festivities.

Litha (Midsummer): June 20th – 23rd (Summer Solstice)

• Litha celebrates the peak of the sun’s power and the longest day of the year. It is a time of abundance, growth, and celebrating the light.

Lammas/Lughnasadh: August 1st – 2nd

• Lammas (or Lughnasadh) marks the first harvest and the beginning of the grain harvest season. It is a time of giving thanks for abundance and the fruits of labor.

Mabon: September 20th – 23rd (Autumn Equinox)

• Mabon celebrates the second harvest and the balance of day and night once again. It is a time of thanksgiving, reflection, and preparation for the darker months.

For the SOuthern Hemisphere, they switch:

• Samhain: April 30th – May 1st
• Yule: June 20th – 23rd (Winter Solstice)
• Imbolc: August 1st – 2nd.
• Ostara: September 20th – 23rd (Spring Equinox)
• Beltane: October 31st – November 1st
• Litha (Midsummer): December 20th – 23rd (Summer Solstice)
• Lughnasadh: February 1st – 2nd
• Mabon: March 20th – 23rd (Autumn Equinox)

Until next time,