Wicca is centered around four great festivals which record in chronological order the birth, growth, and decline of the fruits of the earth. These festivals and four lesser festivals correspond to natural cycles of Nature (seasons, planting and harvest, animal fertility) and the cycles of the Sun (Solstices and Equinoxes).
The New Year (October 31 - November 1) - This is the beginning of the Witch Year, as the Wheel once again begins the eternal cycle of life. Good weather is ending, and all the crops have been harvested. The womb of the Mother is lying dormant. Now is a time for introspection and understanding your inner self. It is the time of the Crone, filled with wisdom and quiet illumination from within. On this day the veil between this world and the spirit realm is at it's thinnest. The festival of the last harvest focuses on divination and our departed ancestors.
Winter Solstice (December 20-23) - The Winter Solstice marks the rebirth of the Sun God. His light begins to grow at this time. Although still young and weak, the days are getting longer now. This is the time for family. The traditional solstice tree comes from Germanic heritage, to appease the god of winter. It was decorated with lights to encourage and honour the sun. The tinsel was significant to encourage the melting of the snow, and it was decorated with fruits of the last harvest to give thanks and to ensure a bounty for the next planting season.
Candlemas (February 2) - On this Welsh Sabbat we celebrate midwinter and the beginning return of the sun. This is the time when the Celtic fire goddess, Brighid, acts as midwife to Spring. The sun is closest to earth at this time, although in the northern hemisphere we do not feel it. Now we bring light into our lives, and begin to make plans for our harvest. The period of death and silence has now ended, and we are entering time of rebirth, purification and the performing of cleansing rituals.
Spring Equinox (March 20-23) - The festival of the Goddess Eostar is a time of equal day and equal night. This is often celebrated with eggs (beginnings) and rabbits (fertility). It is now time to lay the seeds of new projects and new directions that you have meditated on throughout the cold months. Now is the time to start taking action. (Many pagan traditions use this particular sabbat for initiations. new roads, a new breath.) This is an ideal time to perform fertility rites.
May Day (April 30 - May 1) - This Sabbat is a celebration of the loving union of the Goddess and God. It is their sacred marriage. (This is when the God and Goddess concieve the spring for the following year born at Imbolc.) At this time, life is renewing itself. Birds and animals are mating. In the fields, newly planted seeds are beginning to grow. Great fires are lit to honor the fertility God, and the maypole is erected with bright ribbons entwined around it. Celebrated with your loved one, now is the time to lay in the fertile soil and germinate those seeds you planted. This is the time to fertilize your dreams.
Summer Solstice (June 20-23) - The Midsummer sun is at it's strongest, as this is the longest day of the year. The Sun God is at his peak of power. Now is a time to get out and enjoy yourself with others. The seeds have been planted, and you are tending your garden, but also there is a break in the gardening as things have taken root. The summer night invites outdoor celebration.
Lughnasadh (August 1) - This festival of the early harvest marks the dying of the Sun God. Although the sun is still hot, the God's light is fading. Eating what the harvest has yielded is symbolic of taking in the Sun God's energy, so that life continues.
Autumn Equinox (September 20-23) - The middle of the harvest is marked by equal day and equal night. Now it is time to reap what we have sown, giving thanks for the harvest and the bounty we are enjoying. We celebrate rest after hard work. The crops are gathered in, and winter is still a month and a half away. As we move closer to the hearth, the longer evening hours giving us time to catch up on our reading, munching on popcorn balls and caramel apples and sipping home-brewed mead or ale.