What are the Holidays?

SAMHAIN (SAU-en) October 31:

This is the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year. The cycle of harvest is complete, and we acknowledge the death in preparation for new life. Because it is the balance point between the old year and new, we consider that the " veil between the worlds " is thinnest at this time. This "veil" is what separates the Spirit Worlds from the physical world. At this time of year, we remember our departed, and invite them to join us in celebration. We listen to the voices of the Spirits to gain wisdom for the coming darkness of winter.

YULE December 21:

This date is flexible, since the holiday is actually celebrated on the Winter Solstice. The actual date might vary by a day or so from year to year. Yule is a Solar holiday, where we celebrate the re-birth of the Sun. It is a major turning point on the Wheel of the Year because at this point, although it is still cold and dark, the sun is now beginning to wax again and gain in strength.

IMBOLC February 1:

I usually refer to this holiday as the "Festival of Seeds", and it has become one of my most important holidays. At this point on the Wheel, we celebrate the new life that is now beginning to stir within the womb of the dark earth. The gradually lengthening days assure us that new life is beginning. This is the holiday when we bless the seeds that we will plant in the spring (both literal seeds and seeds of inspiration for our lives.) We begin to stir from our winter hibernation. (think "Ground Hog Day")

OSTARA March 21:

(Spring Equinox, date varies.) Many traditions from this holiday have been adopted by Christianity as "Easter". Ostara is a time of great fertility of the earth, when new life is now apparent and bursting forth from the greening earth. Rabbits and colored eggs all represent this aspect of fertility. Spiritually, we begin to take action on the "seeds" we planted at Imbolc.

BELTANE May 1:

Beltane is a favorite holiday for many Wiccans, for it is a celebration of great joy and laughter. The dark grip of winter is now over, and the Earth has renewed Herself in glorious splendor. The sap is stirring in the plants and ourselves. We sing, dance the Maypole, and feast.

MIDSUMMER June 21:

(Summer Solstice, date varies.) Also called "Litha". This is another Solar holiday, when the Sun has reached His height of strength. This is a turning point, for from now until Yule, the sun begins to wane. We celebrate the strength of the sun as the Green Man, and His power to grow the plants and animals.

LAMMAS August 1:

Also called "Lughnassad". This is the celebration of the first harvest. The fruits of our labors are now beginning to manifest, and we can begin to reap what we have sown. It is a celebration and encouragement of abundance, both physically and spiritually.

MABON September 21:

(Fall Equinox, date varies) This is the main harvest celebration, when we begin to gather in our harvest in earnest. It is also our version of "Thanksgiving", and we give thanks for all that we've received and acknowledge the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf.

Holidays never need to be celebrated by elaborate ritual or celebrations. Quite often I celebrate merely by acknowledging the holiday and reflecting on the progress I have made at each turning point on the wheel. Solitary holiday meditations are just as valid as grand group celebrations, although holidays such as Beltane are admittedly more fun when celebrated with a group.

~Flame RavenHawk