Wicca is a modern pagan religion rooted in ancient traditions that honors the cycles of nature through a sacred calendar known as the Wheel of the Year. This calendar is made up of eight Sabbats. These seasonal festivals mark the Earth’s natural rhythms, agricultural milestones, and spiritual energies.

These Sabbats are divided into two types:
• Quarter Sabbats (Solar Festivals): Solstices and Equinoxes
• Cross-Quarter Sabbats (Fire Festivals): Midpoints between them

Here’s a month-by-month guide to all eight Wiccan holidays celebrated throughout the year:

Imbolc – February 1st or 2nd
Themes: Purification, new beginnings, inspiration
Also Known As: Brigid’s Day, Candlemas
Imbolc marks the awakening of the Earth from winter’s slumber. It honors Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fertility, healing, and poetry. Wiccans light candles and fires to welcome the return of the sun and plant seeds of intention for the coming year. It’s a time of hope and preparation for spring.

Ostara – Around March 20th (Spring Equinox)
Themes: Balance, renewal, fertility
Also Known As: Eostre, Vernal Equinox
Ostara celebrates the balance of light and dark as the day and night become equal. Named after a Germanic goddess of spring, this holiday is all about growth, blossoming, and new life. Eggs, rabbits, and flowers are common symbols, and many Wiccans perform rituals to welcome abundance and joy.

Beltane – May 1st
Themes: Love, passion, vitality
Also Known As: May Day
Beltane is a fiery celebration of fertility and sensuality. Traditionally, bonfires were lit and maypoles were danced around as a symbol of unity between masculine and feminine energies. This Sabbat celebrates life, blossoming love, and the lush, fertile Earth.

Litha – Around June 21st (Summer Solstice)
Themes: Power, energy, abundance
Also Known As: Midsummer
Litha is the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its peak. It honors the Sun God in his full strength and the fertility of the Earth Goddess. Wiccans celebrate with outdoor rituals, sunlit gatherings, and offerings to nature. It’s a time of joy and personal empowerment.

Lughnasadh (Lammas) – August 1st
Themes: Gratitude, harvest, transformation
Also Known As: First Harvest
Lughnasadh, or Lammas, marks the beginning of the harvest season. Named after the Celtic god Lugh, it celebrates grain, bread, and the fruits of one’s labor. Wiccans give thanks for abundance and start preparing for the darker half of the year.

Mabon – Around September 21st (Autumn Equinox)
Themes: Balance, reflection, thanksgiving
Also Known As: Second Harvest
At Mabon, day and night are equal once again. This is a time to honor the balance between light and dark and give thanks for the bountiful harvest. Wiccans often share feasts with seasonal foods, decorate with autumn colors, and prepare spiritually for introspection.

Samhain – October 31st
Themes: Death, remembrance, transformation
Also Known As: Witches’ New Year, Halloween
Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) is one of the most sacred Sabbats. It marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the spiritual new year. The veil between the worlds is thinnest, making it a powerful time for ancestor honoring, divination, and connecting with spirits. Candles are lit, offerings are made, and loved ones who have passed are remembered.

Yule – Around December 21st (Winter Solstice)
Themes: Rebirth, light, hope
Also Known As: Midwinter
Yule celebrates the rebirth of the Sun God, who begins to grow in strength once more as the days start to lengthen. Wiccans light candles and decorate trees to symbolize the light in the darkness. Yule is filled with traditions of joy, togetherness, and the promise of spring’s return.
Honoring the Wheel of the Year

Each of these Sabbats offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Earth’s cycles, reflect on your spiritual path, and celebrate the ever-turning wheel of life. Whether you’re a solitary practitioner or part of a coven, observing these holidays can deepen your connection to nature and your own inner rhythms.
You don’t have to celebrate them all to benefit. Even a simple ritual, shared meal, or moment of mindfulness can help you align with the season and bring more magic into your everyday life.

Are You Celebrating the Wheel of the Year?
Do you honor all eight Sabbats, or focus on a few that speak to you most? Let us know in the comments which Wiccan holiday is your favorite and how you celebrate it!