There are eight festivals observed by the Wiccans. They refer to these festivals as Sabbats. From the eight festivals in the Wheel of the Year, four fall on the Solstices and Equinoxes. This period is called “quarter days” or “Lesser Sabbats”. The rest, that fall midway between these periods, are called “Greater Sabbats”.
Winter Solstice or Yule occurs right around December 22. It is considered as the time of greatest darkness and is the longest night of the year.
On February 22, Wiccans celebrate Imbolc, also referred to as Candlemas. It is time on the Wheel of the Year associated with the beginning of growth. It is also one of the four “Fire Festivals” in the Wheel. Traditionally, it is the time for initiations in the Wiccan society.
Right around March 20 to 23 is the Spring Equinox or Ostara. Before Ostara is Candlemas and followed by Beltane.
Following Ostara is Beltane which is the other “Fire Festival” or Greater Sabbats. This festival signifies fertility and is celebrated around April 30 or May 1.
Midsummer Solstice or Summer Solstice is one of the four solar holidays in the Wheel of the Year. It indicates the season for harvesting, hand-fasting, and traditionally, weddings.
The first of the three Autumn Harvest Festivals is the Lammas or Lughnasadh. In the northern hemisphere it is celebrated on August 1 and is celebrated by baking bread shaped like a god. The bread is then symbolically sacrificed and then eaten
On or about September 21 is the Autumn Equinox or Mabon. It is the second harvest festival and signifies the approach of winter. Autumn Equinox is also a ritual for thanksgiving.
Finally, there is the Samhain or the Last Harvest which is the time for reflection. It is considered to be the most important Sabbats and is held on October 31 or November 1. It is also the time Wiccans honor the lives of those who passed on.
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