Wiccan Holidays: Wheel of the Year Explained 2023 dates

[Mr. Ed]

Wiccan Holidays: Wheel of the Year Explained (with 2023 dates)​

by Ceridwen
One of the best ways to deepen your connection to nature and your practice is to start to incorporate rituals for the Wiccan holidays into your yearly schedule.
When people think of Wicca and witches, they tend to think of magic. But Wicca is about so much more than that.
This article will go into the eight main holidays. Unlike some other religious traditions, the Wheel of the Year splits the year into eight perfectly equal segments.
This gives you a chance to recharge and renew your gratitude in nice even spacing throughout the year.
The holidays are all based on natural processes and the natural world. This lends these special days of the year greater weight than more random holidays that come on our made-up calendar.
This overview won’t go into any specific rituals or ways to celebrate these holidays. I’ll leave those for other articles.
Dates for the current 2023 Wiccan holiday wheel of the year are at the end of the article.

Contents hide
Four Greater Sabbats (Wiccan Holidays)
Samhain
Imbolc
Beltane
Lughnasadh
Four Lesser Sabbats (Wiccan Holidays)
Yule
Ostara
Litha
Mabon
Final Remarks
2023 Wiccan Holiday Dates

Four Greater Sabbats (Wiccan Holidays)​

The Wiccan holiday calendar traditionally begins with Samhain. In modern times, we call this Halloween or the Day of the Dead.
The four greater sabbats are the ones that fall exactly between the solstices and equinoxes. It may seem odd to mark the “cross-quarter days” as more fundamental (and greater) than the “quarter days” coming from the sun itself.
But life in ancient times was based on the seasons, and the Four Greater Sabbats mark the seasons. It makes sense that Samhain would be considered most important because it aligns with the shortening of the day and the descent of the sun.
The sun is vital to survival, and early Samhain traditions had a lot to do with fire and burning in a call to the sun. It marks the start of the dark part of the year.
The word sabbat might sound like the Jewish “Sabbath,” but it actually just translates to “gathering.”
Our modern calendar isn’t perfect, and so these days fall within a few days’ range. I’ll give an approximation here. You can look up when they actually are for any given year.

Samhain​

If you only celebrate one of these, make sure it is Samhain. This falls on Oct 31 (or Nov 1).
This special day is when the veil between this world and the other world is the thinnest. Magic is strongest on this day.
Most civilizations came to this realization and celebrate this holiday in some from The Day of the Dead in Mexico to Diwali in Hinduism to modern-day Halloween.
Samhain should traditionally be celebrated with a fire festival or bonfire. But this depends on your particular form of Wicca.
Other common ways to celebrate involve communing with spirits or fae. At the start of the Wiccan holiday calendar, it is often common to perform divination for the coming year.

Imbolc​

This occurs on February 1. The sun has been returning and the harshest days of winter are mostly behind us.
For these reasons, in Gaelic traditions, Imbolc is the start of Spring. The importance of this day has made its way to other traditions in the form of Candlemas of Catholicism and Groundhog’s Day in modern secular times.
The day is typically celebrated with feasts and candles. The candles are symbolic of the sun’s return. The feast comes from Saint Brigid, the Goddess of Fertility.
Because the day is associated with purification, it is customary to clean and open up the house after the dark hibernation of winter. This is where the notion of Spring cleaning comes from.
Check out my guide to Brighid, Goddess of Imbolc.
Here’s a ceremony to celebrate 2023 Imbolc.

Beltane​

Beltane is May 1. It is the Gaelic start of Summer. There is little doubt that this is why Christians adopted Easter to be around this time (to be in sync with Pagan “rebirth” rites).
This holiday occurs opposite Samhain and is also marked by a bonfire. Traditionally, you keep one flame to light all other flames for the year. This flame is extinguished and re-lit each from the Beltane fire.
The most common ways to celebrate are with flowers, dancing, and bright colors. This is where the May Bush and Maypole traditions came from.
Here you can get a free full script for celebrating 2023 Beltane.

Lughnasadh​

This occurs on August 1 and is the beginning of the harvest season. It is mostly centered around harvest foods.
There is typically another feast, but also ritual offerings of fresh-grown fruits.
Historically, it is common to celebrate with athletic contests and other competitions in honor of the god Lugh (hence the name).
This is why you often see things like apple bobbing contests and three-legged races in small-town, modern Fall Festivals.
The day is also often used for commitment ceremonies or even renewing of the vows.

Four Lesser Sabbats (Wiccan Holidays)​

These are the four Wiccan holidays that are determined by the solar cycle. While these might seem more fundamental than the Greater Sabbats, they were less essential to living than the Greater Sabbats.
These are important, but in ancient times, the Greater Sabbats had to do with planting, harvesting, and herd rotations. Without food, there would be no life.
Still, it is worth celebrating the Lesser Sabbats, because they are powerful days as well. The sun’s position is impossible for any human to change.
Again, remember that the dates are approximate. Any good calendar will have the exact dates for that year on it.

Yule​

Yule occurs on December 21. It is the Winter Equinox, the shortest day of the year.
This is probably the most common holiday in the world across all cultures. It is celebrated as Christmas and Saturnalia and the Winter Solstice.
It is common to incorporate sacrifice into any Yule celebration. The goal is to convince the sun to return. Evergreen plants—such as holly, mistletoe, and pine trees—are often central because they have somehow not succumbed to the darkness and shed their leaves.
It is easy to see how the Christmas tree made it into modern times.
For a 2023 Yule Ceremony to perform, check out: Yule 2023 Ceremony Guide for Wiccan Practitioners.

Ostara​

This is the Vernal Equinox and occurs around March 20. It marks the start of Spring in our modern understanding of the term.
Celebrations of Ostara are fairly similar to that of Imbolc and Beltane. Together, these three are sometimes known as “The Three Spring Celebrations.”
Ostara often has rituals associated with fertility. This is why eggs have made their way to modern-day Easter.
Check out: Ostara 2023 Ceremony Guide for Wiccans.

Litha​

This is the Summer Solstice and occurs around June 20. It is a celebration of the longest day of the year.
In Druidic traditions, this holiday is the most important. It marks when the sun is about to start its descent. Ancient artifacts like Stonehenge were made to align with this day.
Litha is associated with devotion. It is common for marriage ceremonies and vow rituals to the Goddess to take place on this day.
Check out: Litha 2023 Ceremony Guide for Wiccans.

Mabon​

This is the Autumnal Equinox and occurs around September 21. In many traditions, it represents the harvest. It is a time of thanksgiving.
Rituals center on gratitude for the abundance of new food. It is the middle of the “Three Harvest Festivals.”
Rituals tend to involve wine and feasting. Celebrations tend to be larger, involving friends and family. Rituals help center you and reflect on the good things.
For a Mabon ceremony, check out my Mabon 2023 Ceremony Guide.

Final Remarks​

This is meant to be a brief overview. In later articles, we’ll look at some very specific incantations, rituals, and rites you can perform on each of these Wiccan holidays.

2023 Wiccan Holiday Dates​

Holiday	2023 Date
Samhain	Tuesday, October 31
Yule	Thursday, December 21
Imbolc	Wednesday, February 1 – February 2
Ostara	Monday, March 20
Beltane	Monday, May 1
Litha	Wednesday, June 21
Lughnasadh	Tuesday, August 1
Mabon	Friday, September 22

2023 Wiccan Holiday dates
For an excellent set of rituals on these Pagan and Wiccan holidays to get started, check out the thorough book on the subject by Maureen Murrish by clicking here:

 

[Mr. Ed]

Yule 2023 Ceremony Guide for Wiccan Practitioners​

by Ceridwen

As most of you know, Yule is the Pagan precursor to Christmas. It is right around the corner. Yule 2023 starts on December 21, 2023 and usually lasts for 12 days.
For other Wheel of the Year dates, check out my article on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year.
It marks the shortest day of the year, also known as the Winter Solstice. It is a time for introspection. The old year is ending; the new year is beginning.
We are surrounded by a barren and cold landscape. It is nice to reflect and be thankful for nature and what it provided by seeing where it is now absent.
It is also traditionally a time for sacrifice (think of the Yule log tradition).
Contents hide
What Is Yule?
The History of Yule
How to Celebrate Yule 2023
Making a Wreath
Reenact the Story of Frigga
Yule Foods
The 12 Days of Yule
Yule Ceremony Script
Conclusion
References

What Is Yule?​

Yule is the name given to the winter solstice celebration. It is a festival that celebrates the return of the sun, and it marks the shortest day of the year.
The word “yule” is actually derived from an old Norse word, jól, meaning “wheel”. The Pagan tradition of Yule revolves around a wheel that symbolizes time, which has come full circle and now starts again, as in a never-ending cycle.

The History of Yule​

The celebration of yule was common in Viking society and was often celebrated with feasting and drinking mead. The Vikings would wear animal skins as part of their clothing and decorate their homes with evergreen boughs or holly branches.
Of course, Yule survives in many cultures and religions to this day because Constantine wanted to convert Pagans to Christianity in the 4th century.
Christians claim that Christmas is because Jesus was born on December 25, but in reality, this date was chosen to match up with the Saturnalia celebrations that were already going on.
This is why so many aspects of Christmas make no sense.
Yule is about turning to the vegetation that seemed to survive the terrifying disappearance of the sun and using it to honor the gods and nature to make sure that the sun would return.
This is why pine trees and holly are used for decoration.
Even the “12 Days of Christmas” came from the original 12 day celebration of Yule, where each day was devoted to something different.

How to Celebrate Yule 2023​

To celebrate Yule 2023, you can gather with your friends and family to honor the year. There are many ways to celebrate, but here are a few suggestions:

• Do a sacrificial ritual to the Sun (described below).
• Make a wreath by hand to connect with the evergreens.
• Make a Winter altar.
• Hold a bonfire.
• Make a Yule log.
• Reenact the story of Norse Goddess Frigga about mistletoe.
• Do the 12 Days of Yule

Let’s look at a few more of these in depth. A full ceremony/ritual is given later.

Making a Wreath​

As with all artistic and crafty things, it is often easier to watch a demonstration.
If you want to make a wreath, here is an excellent guide to watch:

Reenact the Story of Frigga​

What you’ll need:
A costume: You can either make your own or buy one online.
Props: You’ll need a few props to help you get into character. A Norse-style sword and shield are a must, and you might also want to have a fur cape or a horned helmet.
A sense of adventure: Frigga was known for her travels, so make sure you’re ready to explore the world (in your imagination).
You can write a play about the story or just have the participants know the gist of it and improvise.
Frigga was the Norse goddess of love. Frigga had two boys, one of whom was visually impaired. Loki, the malevolent figure, fashioned an arrow from mistletoe wood and shot Frigga’s blind son with it.
The blind son died, and the goddess’ tears created the white berries of mistletoe.
When Frigga’s blind son was resurrected, the Nordic goddess chose to make mistletoe a symbol of love and fertility in Scandinavia, necessitating a kiss between people meeting beneath the mistletoe.

Yule Foods​

This Yule, why not try one of these foods to celebrate the Winter Solstice? They’re all perfect for the occasion and will help you get in the mood for the holiday.

• Spiced Apple
• Roast Chestnuts
• Red courant glazed ham
• Rosemary potato roll

I won’t go into recipes because this isn’t a cooking site and everyone’s tastes are different.

The 12 Days of Yule​

If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can do the full 12-day celebration. Each night you will devote to a different aspect of Yule:

1. Mother Night (Módraniht)
2. The Wild Hunt
3. Mani and Darkness
4. Aegir, Njord, and Freyr
5. Community and hospitality
6. Eir and Healing
7. Thor and fidelity
8. Skadi and Ullr
9. Odin, Fathers, and honor
10. Sunna and Light
11. Valkyries and Warriors
12. Wassail

You may need to look up some ways to celebrate these, but a simple poem reading or reflection on the values can be a good way to do it.

Yule Ceremony Script​

The following is a sample script for a Yule ceremony. Feel free to adapt it to suit your needs.
Remember, the key purpose of the ceremony is to call back the light and welcome the sun. For this reason, we will direct the ritual toward Goddess Hepa. Feel free use any other deity or non-religious symbol you’d like associated with light or the sun.
For this you will need:

• 3 branches that have no leaves (dead branches)
• Black cloth
• A yellow candle

If this is going to be more religious in nature, you can use your Wiccan altar, otherwise, you will need a place for the candle to rest.
Begin the ceremony just as the sun is setting.
Light the candle.
Gently swipe each branch through the flame so that you do not put out the fire. As you do this say:

Goddess Hepa
Keeper of the flame
Rejuvenate this wood
And to us the same
Light of day
Descends away
Darkness no more
We beg of yore

Now take the branches and wrap them in the black cloth. As you watch the sun set, toss the bundle toward the horizon.
Continue:

Thus completes our plea
Hepa, warmth, and thee
The day shall return
and and sun shall burn.

Finish the ceremony by each reflecting on one good and bad moment from the year and one hope for the coming year.

Conclusion​

The Yule 2023 Ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate the shortest day of the year and all that the season has to offer. It’s a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying the harvest, and taking a moment to reflect on the year that has passed.
If you’re interested in hosting your own Yule ceremony, we’ve put together a guide to help you get started. This includes everything from the history of Yule to tips for creating a meaningful ceremony.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this special occasion!

 

[Mr. Ed]

What is Wicca?​

The term Wicca can scare a lot of people away from a practice that would otherwise bring meaning to their life. Is it a religion? Is it a tradition? Are there rules?
Every person will probably have a different answer to these questions, and that’s okay. I’ll use this article to explain how I think about these things so that you can have some understanding of the rest of the site.
Contents hide
What is Wicca?
So…What is Wicca?
Does it Work?
Yeah, But What About Magic?
Are Wiccans Witches?
How Do I Get Started?
Elemental Magic
Tarot
General Wicca
Spells
Goddess Invocations
Tools and Supplies
Ceremonies

What is Wicca?​

My training in Wicca began back in the late 1990s. There were some prominent books out at the time, but far, far fewer than today.
I guess you could say my understanding came a lot from the early books of Scott Cunningham. My journey has evolved my philosophy of Wicca, and I haven’t even read those books in a decade.

But I’m sure those sentiments linger as a core part of me.

So…What is Wicca?​

Wicca is a religion in a sense. Most practices aim at creating a personal connection with nature and the divine. The religion is not organized, and it does not have a set of beliefs that must be held. There are no religious texts that must be held as truth.
In this sense, many might consider Wicca a spiritual path rather than a religion. There are endless debates about how Wicca fits into other religious paths, but my personal philosophy is that Wicca should be open and accepting of all faiths.
There can be Christian Wiccans that use ancient traditions to build a deeper relationship with their Christian understanding of God. There can be atheist Wiccans that emphasize practices that build their relationship to nature.
It is up to the individual to figure out how the craft of Wicca fits into their lives and beliefs. We live in an age of natural destruction, and so the more people who develop a reverence for nature, no matter how contradictory their beliefs may look to an outsider, the better it will be for our planet and future as humans.
Disclaimer: I am not saying we should tolerate groups that intend to persecute us. There has been enough persecution over the centuries. I’m only emphasizing that a person’s current religious affiliation should not exclude them from exploring Wiccan practices.
Here’s an article on the Importance of Wicca in 2022.

Does it Work?​

Wicca technically descends from the oldest shamanic traditions of humankind.
Ask anyone who has participated in a shamanic ritual if it worked, and they will laugh. Sweat lodges and peyote ceremonies truly alter a person’s consciousness. These practices can awaken lifelong changes in a person as they realize the world as seen in front of them is not the whole picture.
Ask anyone who has performed sacred music in a large choir or danced to a primal drumbeat about their experiences. They will talk about how the whole world melted away, and they were left with profound indescribable feelings and a connection to nature and the other people around them.
Ask anyone with a long practice of meditation if it has benefits. They will describe the loss of sense of self and feelings of gratitude.
No reasonable person questions the ability of rituals, especially those descending from shamanic spiritual traditions, to naturally alter our consciousness to commune with nature and the divine.
It is a testament to many people’s bias against the term “Wiccan” to then wonder if the same types of practices “work.” Whether you call it God, the Goddess, the Divine, nature, or the human spirit, it doesn’t matter.
Wicca is the practice of ritual to commune with this transcendent, universal aspect. This is also why it is such a deeply personal journey. Every person will find variations that work better for them.

Yeah, But What About Magic?​

As you can see, Wicca and magic are not the same. Wicca is a path of spirituality that uses magic. Magic is an often misunderstood term. It refers to the transformations that occur when performing Wiccan rituals.
All things have energy and/or spirits associated with them. These altered states produced from ritual let us see these underlying aspects to move and alter them. Magic should be used to improve ourselves and the world around us.
Nature and the divine aspect are far more powerful than we can ever imagine. Anyone who tries to do harm or bend nature to their will is in for some trouble. You get back what you put in threefold (often called the “threefold rule”).
If your main purpose in studying Wicca is to learn spells to curse or cause someone harm, you would be far better going a different path.
I’ll reiterate that magic is natural, not supernatural. Wiccan rituals tap into the already present natural energy to do magic. Though the process can be awe-inducing and transformative, there is nothing paranormal about it.
Wicca is a union with the natural, not a subversion of it.
Check out my whole article on Do Wiccan Spells Work?

Are Wiccans Witches?​

This, again, is a tricky question. Many Wiccans identify as witches and many do not. I may occasionally use the term “witch” to refer to all genders of Wiccan practitioners in the context of magic.
This already feels a bit awkward, because, as I pointed out above, I would like the site to be inclusive. The term “witch” carries a lot of baggage, and it can serve to turn people away unintentionally.
I will not try to specify “warlock” or other terms for a male witch.

How Do I Get Started?​

Here are the beginner’s guides I’ve written so far. From there, you can explore the site to your heart’s content.

Elemental Magic​

• Elemental Magic for Beginners
• Water Spells
• Air Spells
• Fire Spells
• Earth Spells
• The Importance of Nature in Wiccan Practice

Tarot​

• Beginner Tarot
• Choosing a Tarot Deck
• Intermediate Tarot
• List of All Tarot Articles
• A Guide to the Major Arcana
• A Guide to the Minor Arcana
• Why You Should Keep a Tarot Journal
• A Guide to Intuition in Tarot
• A Guide to Incorporating Tarot into Wicca

General Wicca​

• Clarifying Paganism from a Wiccan Perspective
• The Witch Types
• Setting up a Wiccan Altar
• Wiccan Holidays
• Wiccan Books
• Wiccan Symbols
• Magick Square Sigils
• Do Spells Work?
• Wicca for Beginners
• The Wiccan Rede
• Best Online Wiccan Schools
• Starting a Wiccan Meditation Practice
• Spirituality for Beginners
• What Real Witches Believe
• The 13 Goals of a Witch
• Choosing a Witch Name
• What is Norse Wicca?
• The Types of Wiccan Magic
• What is Seax-Wica: A Guide to Seax Wicca

Spells​

• Protection Spells for Loved Ones
• Wiccan Crystal Magic
• Wiccan Love Spells
• Hex Removal Spell
• Dragon Spells
• Moon Magic
• The Ethics of Love Spells

Goddess Invocations​

• Goddess Brighid Invocation
• Goddess Nyx Invocation
• Goddess Aradia Invocation
• Goddess Diana Invocation
• Water Goddess Invocations

Tools and Supplies​

• Choosing an Athame
• Make Incense from Kitchen Scraps
• Charm Bag Recipes
• Wiccan Garden Supplies
• Incense Holders
• Types of Incense
• Wiccan herbs and herbal magic
• Lithomancy stones
• Making witch bells
• Stones for Protection: 8 Protective Crystals
• Magical Tools in Wicca: A Guide
• Make a Pentacle
• Make a Poppet
• Make a Book of Shadows Journal

Ceremonies​

• Mabon 2023
• A Wiccan Wedding ceremony script
• Yule 2023
• Imbolc 2023
• Ostara 2023
• Summer Solstice and Litha 2023
• The Power of Sound in Wiccan Ritual
• Creating Your Own Wiccan Rituals: Tips and Tricks

 

[Mr. Ed]

I am not convinced that Wicca is right for me based on the opposition i would receive should I begin practicing it. On the other hand what if Christianity was second Paganism, would I site the same reasons for not practicing Christianity?
I hate being one to follow a majority but in this case I prefer to follow no one or nothing I disagree with.
Although paganism may be of value regarding the natural occurrences of the earth, moon and stars, I would not worship these things for fear of spousal rejection and retribution.

It’s a pity to be so grounded in one tradition since birth and be surrounded by the same group of people who support the one tradition not having the option to experience other traditions.

 

[Lewkat]

Leave the word Magic out of Wicca, and I like it as a celebration of nature in all its lovely forms. Christmas is similar, except we celebrate the birth of Christ. Both are similar in winter, for each symbolizes the emergence of darkness to light. In reality, the 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 25th culminating in Epiphany on Jan. 6th.

 

[oldaunt]

Pretty interesting, really, understanding christianity adopted a lot of it as their own. Have you considered looking into Buddhism? It might be a good fit for you.

 

[Mr. Ed]

Does it Work? Wicca technically descends from the oldest shamanic traditions of humankind. Ask anyone who has participated in a shamanic ritual if it worked, and they will laugh. Sweat lodges and peyote ceremonies truly alter a person’s consciousness. These practices can awaken lifelong changes in a person as they realize the world as seen in front of them is not the whole picture. Ask anyone who has performed sacred music in a large choir or danced to a primal drumbeat about their experiences.
They will talk about how the whole world melted away, and they were left with profound indescribable feelings and a connection to nature and the other people around them. Ask anyone with a long practice of meditation if it has benefits. They will describe the loss of sense of self and feelings of gratitude.
No reasonable person questions the ability of rituals, especially those descending from shamanic spiritual traditions, to naturally alter our consciousness to commune with nature and the divine. It is a testament to many people’s bias against the term “Wiccan” to then wonder if the same types of practices “work.” Whether you call it God, the Goddess, the Divine, nature, or the human spirit, it doesn’t matter. Wicca is the practice of ritual to commune with this transcendent, universal aspect. This is also why it is such a deeply personal journey. Every person will find variations that work better for them.

I have a question about the above insert asking “does it work”? It is a natural phenomimum for religious ceremonies, rhythmic drum beats, song and music sets the mood for the emotional and sensory response. If these same influencers occurred outside of religious ceremony would individual response be the same?
People can get a lot out of religion. Don’t let religion rob you of your identity.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I see Buddhism as a physical manifestation of movement (chi) and flow, encompassing the 4 elements: air, fire, water and earth. Although we all in some ways are aware of the 4 elements, most, including myself have not learned to separate one from another to attain maximum results.

 

[Paco Dennis]

What an interesting study you have done here. My x-wife was practicing Wiccan. She and a group of maybe 10 other women would go out in nature. They would dance and chant/sing and celebrate being part of natures cycles. Some men were involved also.
From Quora :
Most of them simply prefer to be called “witch”. A few like the term “mage” if they are into high ceremonial magick. Older male witches are sometimes also called a “sage”.

The term “warlock” is a rather negative moniker and means someone who has started a “witch war”. Very few male witches like to be called a warlock and some might take a lot of offense at it, so you’re best not to use that term at all.

The Bewitched TV show in the later 60’s popularized the idea that male witches were “warlocks” but that only applies in the TV show and not among male witches today.

And never call a male witch a “mitch”, unless his name actually is Mitch.
Thanks for the great presentation!
Side note. Most Buddhists have accepted that there are five elements.

What are the five 5 elements of Buddhism?

Godai (五大, lit. "five – great, large, physical, form") are the five elements in Japanese Buddhist thought of earth (chi), water (sui), fire (ka), wind (fu), and void (ku).

 

[oldaunt]

I see Buddhism as a physical manifestation of movement (chi) and flow, encompassing the 4 elements: air, fire, water and earth. Although we all in some ways are aware of the 4 elements, most, including myself have not learned to separate one from another for maximum results.

It is also a way of life that embodies love for all things, and creates a serene soul.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I would like to explore elements of air, water, fire, wind and space, but no one to my knowledge, in my area, takes these things seriously in a relationship with life. People get hung up on promoting the me in life they lose track of the many factors that contribute the me they worship.

 

[Repondering]

My consciousness is, has been, and always will be on a spiritual journey. I don't know if it ever had a beginning or will have an ending, but I do know that this current material life is a part of that journey.
This thread and the attached information resonates with me in a meaningful way and I'll be coming back to 'craftofwicca.com' for more exploration.
Thank you, Mr. Ed.

 

[oldaunt]

I would like to explore elements of air, water, fire, wind and space, but no one to my knowledge, in my area, takes these things seriously in a relationship with life. People get hung up on promoting the me in life they lose track of the many factors that contribute the me they worship.

Why do others get to make your life decisions for you?

 

[Supernatural]

Wiccan Holidays: Wheel of the Year Explained (with 2023 dates)​

by Ceridwen
One of the best ways to deepen your connection to nature and your practice is to start to incorporate rituals for the Wiccan holidays into your yearly schedule.
When people think of Wicca and witches, they tend to think of magic. But Wicca is about so much more than that.
This article will go into the eight main holidays. Unlike some other religious traditions, the Wheel of the Year splits the year into eight perfectly equal segments.
This gives you a chance to recharge and renew your gratitude in nice even spacing throughout the year.
The holidays are all based on natural processes and the natural world. This lends these special days of the year greater weight than more random holidays that come on our made-up calendar.
This overview won’t go into any specific rituals or ways to celebrate these holidays. I’ll leave those for other articles.
Dates for the current 2023 Wiccan holiday wheel of the year are at the end of the article.

Contents hide
Four Greater Sabbats (Wiccan Holidays)
Samhain
Imbolc
Beltane
Lughnasadh
Four Lesser Sabbats (Wiccan Holidays)
Yule
Ostara
Litha
Mabon
Final Remarks
2023 Wiccan Holiday Dates

Four Greater Sabbats (Wiccan Holidays)​

The Wiccan holiday calendar traditionally begins with Samhain. In modern times, we call this Halloween or the Day of the Dead.
The four greater sabbats are the ones that fall exactly between the solstices and equinoxes. It may seem odd to mark the “cross-quarter days” as more fundamental (and greater) than the “quarter days” coming from the sun itself.
But life in ancient times was based on the seasons, and the Four Greater Sabbats mark the seasons. It makes sense that Samhain would be considered most important because it aligns with the shortening of the day and the descent of the sun.
The sun is vital to survival, and early Samhain traditions had a lot to do with fire and burning in a call to the sun. It marks the start of the dark part of the year.
The word sabbat might sound like the Jewish “Sabbath,” but it actually just translates to “gathering.”
Our modern calendar isn’t perfect, and so these days fall within a few days’ range. I’ll give an approximation here. You can look up when they actually are for any given year.

Samhain​

If you only celebrate one of these, make sure it is Samhain. This falls on Oct 31 (or Nov 1).
This special day is when the veil between this world and the other world is the thinnest. Magic is strongest on this day.
Most civilizations came to this realization and celebrate this holiday in some from The Day of the Dead in Mexico to Diwali in Hinduism to modern-day Halloween.
Samhain should traditionally be celebrated with a fire festival or bonfire. But this depends on your particular form of Wicca.
Other common ways to celebrate involve communing with spirits or fae. At the start of the Wiccan holiday calendar, it is often common to perform divination for the coming year.

Imbolc​

This occurs on February 1. The sun has been returning and the harshest days of winter are mostly behind us.
For these reasons, in Gaelic traditions, Imbolc is the start of Spring. The importance of this day has made its way to other traditions in the form of Candlemas of Catholicism and Groundhog’s Day in modern secular times.
The day is typically celebrated with feasts and candles. The candles are symbolic of the sun’s return. The feast comes from Saint Brigid, the Goddess of Fertility.
Because the day is associated with purification, it is customary to clean and open up the house after the dark hibernation of winter. This is where the notion of Spring cleaning comes from.
Check out my guide to Brighid, Goddess of Imbolc.
Here’s a ceremony to celebrate 2023 Imbolc.

Beltane​

Beltane is May 1. It is the Gaelic start of Summer. There is little doubt that this is why Christians adopted Easter to be around this time (to be in sync with Pagan “rebirth” rites).
This holiday occurs opposite Samhain and is also marked by a bonfire. Traditionally, you keep one flame to light all other flames for the year. This flame is extinguished and re-lit each from the Beltane fire.
The most common ways to celebrate are with flowers, dancing, and bright colors. This is where the May Bush and Maypole traditions came from.
Here you can get a free full script for celebrating 2023 Beltane.

Lughnasadh​

This occurs on August 1 and is the beginning of the harvest season. It is mostly centered around harvest foods.
There is typically another feast, but also ritual offerings of fresh-grown fruits.
Historically, it is common to celebrate with athletic contests and other competitions in honor of the god Lugh (hence the name).
This is why you often see things like apple bobbing contests and three-legged races in small-town, modern Fall Festivals.
The day is also often used for commitment ceremonies or even renewing of the vows.

Four Lesser Sabbats (Wiccan Holidays)​

These are the four Wiccan holidays that are determined by the solar cycle. While these might seem more fundamental than the Greater Sabbats, they were less essential to living than the Greater Sabbats.
These are important, but in ancient times, the Greater Sabbats had to do with planting, harvesting, and herd rotations. Without food, there would be no life.
Still, it is worth celebrating the Lesser Sabbats, because they are powerful days as well. The sun’s position is impossible for any human to change.
Again, remember that the dates are approximate. Any good calendar will have the exact dates for that year on it.

Yule​

Yule occurs on December 21. It is the Winter Equinox, the shortest day of the year.
This is probably the most common holiday in the world across all cultures. It is celebrated as Christmas and Saturnalia and the Winter Solstice.
It is common to incorporate sacrifice into any Yule celebration. The goal is to convince the sun to return. Evergreen plants—such as holly, mistletoe, and pine trees—are often central because they have somehow not succumbed to the darkness and shed their leaves.
It is easy to see how the Christmas tree made it into modern times.
For a 2023 Yule Ceremony to perform, check out: Yule 2023 Ceremony Guide for Wiccan Practitioners.

Ostara​

This is the Vernal Equinox and occurs around March 20. It marks the start of Spring in our modern understanding of the term.
Celebrations of Ostara are fairly similar to that of Imbolc and Beltane. Together, these three are sometimes known as “The Three Spring Celebrations.”
Ostara often has rituals associated with fertility. This is why eggs have made their way to modern-day Easter.
Check out: Ostara 2023 Ceremony Guide for Wiccans.

Litha​

This is the Summer Solstice and occurs around June 20. It is a celebration of the longest day of the year.
In Druidic traditions, this holiday is the most important. It marks when the sun is about to start its descent. Ancient artifacts like Stonehenge were made to align with this day.
Litha is associated with devotion. It is common for marriage ceremonies and vow rituals to the Goddess to take place on this day.
Check out: Litha 2023 Ceremony Guide for Wiccans.

Mabon​

This is the Autumnal Equinox and occurs around September 21. In many traditions, it represents the harvest. It is a time of thanksgiving.
Rituals center on gratitude for the abundance of new food. It is the middle of the “Three Harvest Festivals.”
Rituals tend to involve wine and feasting. Celebrations tend to be larger, involving friends and family. Rituals help center you and reflect on the good things.
For a Mabon ceremony, check out my Mabon 2023 Ceremony Guide.

Final Remarks​

This is meant to be a brief overview. In later articles, we’ll look at some very specific incantations, rituals, and rites you can perform on each of these Wiccan holidays.

2023 Wiccan Holiday Dates​

Holiday	2023 Date
Samhain	Tuesday, October 31
Yule	Thursday, December 21
Imbolc	Wednesday, February 1 – February 2
Ostara	Monday, March 20
Beltane	Monday, May 1
Litha	Wednesday, June 21
Lughnasadh	Tuesday, August 1
Mabon	Friday, September 22

2023 Wiccan Holiday dates
For an excellent set of rituals on these Pagan and Wiccan holidays to get started, check out the thorough book on the subject by Maureen Murrish by clicking here:

Thanks @Mr. Ed . I've been following Wicca since aged 12 after finding my great-grand-mother's Book of Shadows...

 

[hearlady]

She and a group of maybe 10 other women would go out in nature. They would dance and chant/sing and celebrate being part of natures cycles.

Reminds me of the opening of Outlander.

 

[Supernatural]

Reminds me of the opening of Outlander.

Speaking of "Outlander". Was chatting with cousin earlier today, she asked if I was watching or knew of that series. She mentioned it was on Netflix.

However, it isn't on UK's Netflix, precisely not on my subscription. It was found , nevertheless, available on Lionsgate+ which I haven't a subscription too.

Heard it's pretty good. Bummer!

 

[hearlady]

Speaking of "Outlander". Was chatting with cousin earlier today, she asked if I was watching or knew of that series. She mentioned it was on Netflix.

However, it isn't on UK's Netflix, precisely not on my subscription. It was found , nevertheless, available on Lionsgate+ which I haven't a subscription too.

Heard it's pretty good. Bummer!

Oh, too bad. It is good! I hope something changes and it will available.

 

[hearlady]

Speaking of "Outlander". Was chatting with cousin earlier today, she asked if I was watching or knew of that series. She mentioned it was on Netflix.

However, it isn't on UK's Netflix, precisely not on my subscription. It was found , nevertheless, available on Lionsgate+ which I haven't a subscription too.

Heard it's pretty good. Bummer!

 

[Supernatural]

Thank you for this @hearlady !

I've heard it's based from a novel. I'll be checking online for it. I'm off to Wikipedia

UPDATE: Found Paperback on Amazon. Also found series on DVDs in my local store. Great, I'll be able to watch it. PS Daughter sang this title song at a concert accompanied by a pipe band. It was meant to find us