Pagan Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is a bible (sort of literally) for all pagans, Wiccans, and witches. The ancient symbol depicts the eight festivals observed by these religions. These celebration days, known as Sabbats, follow a seasonal calendar and are split into four solar festivals (known as the Lesser Sabbats) and four seasonal festivals (known as the Greater Sabbats) set in between them.  

The exact date of both solstices and equinoxes shifts between 19^th-24^th of their respective months each year as they’re tied into the astrological moment of changes in the sun and moon. This means there is a celebration almost every six weeks so there is always something exciting coming up soon. Here is the history, dates, and celebration ideas for the 24/25 Wheel of the Year:

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1. Yule (Saturday 21^st December 2025)

What it symbolises The first of the Lesser Sabbats; the Wiccan goddess (as the Mother) gives birth to the Wiccan god during the long night of the winter solstice. Wider pagans will celebrate the soon to be longer days and the return of the sun. Pagans will set their intentions for the year ahead, much like new year’s resolutions.

How to celebrate Decorate a tree and make wreaths. Burn a Yule log to protect your home and bring good luck for the year to come. Welcome the warmth of the sun with friends and family. Head down to Brighton for the Burning of the Clocks event.

2. Imbolc (Saturday 1^st – Sunday 2^nd February 2025)

What it symbolises Imbolc is a traditional holiday for Wiccan and witch initiations and rededication among covens. Its roots can be found in Celtic traditions and is in kin with a welcoming of spring and the fertility of the season.

How to celebrate Leave offerings tied to small spring trees. Plant seeds with your Yule intentions in mind to help them grow. Make a straw doll or cross to bring blessings to your home.

3. Ostara (Thursday 20^th March 2025)

What it symbolises Ostara is the spring equinox and is a holiday of abundance. Sound familiar? It’s the roots of the word Easter. For Wiccans and other witches, this is when the goddess has evolved to her Maiden aspect and the god has become a young man. The fertility of the year is growing with lambs, hares, and eggs becoming the focused imagery of this Sabbat.

How to celebrate Enjoy a huge feast and celebrate with a party. Make a flower crown from spring flowers. Take a walk through a local forest. Cook recipes with eggs.

4. Beltane (Thursday 1^st May 2025)

What it symbolises Ah Beltane! Mostly known for the huge bonfires, partying, and raunchy behaviour (think films like The Wicker Man and Midsommar). For Wiccans, however, this is actually when the god and goddess come together with an emphasis on romance and love. This day is also considered a time when the veil between life and death is the thinnest (like Samhain).

How to celebrate Light a bonfire and party with friends and family. Decorate and dance around a Maypole. Decorate your home in wreaths, flowers and garlands.

5. Litha (Saturday 21^st June 2025)

What it symbolises Litha is a celebration of the longest day of the year, and in Wicca, is when the god is at his full power and celebrates his marriage to the goddess as was promised at Beltane. Pagans give thanks for the year so far and ask for a bountiful harvest.

How to celebrate Eat fresh fruits and pick herbs. Declare love for your significant other. Make a dream pillow to keep away nightmares.

6. Lughnasadh (Friday 1^st August 2025)

What it symbolises Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-na-sa) is the first harvest festival in the pagan calendar and marks the start of grain harvesting. In Wiccan traditions, Lughnasadh is the start of the god’s power declining.

How to celebrate Try learning a new skill. Bake bread and other yummy goods. Reflect on your intentions from Yule and Imbolc.  

7. Mabon (Monday 22^nd September 2025)

What it symbolises Mabon marks the autumn equinox and the second harvest festival when fruits and vegetables are harvested as well as the start of autumn. This is a second opportunity to give thanks for the harvest and all the good things from this year so far.

How to celebrate Bake or cook with apples. Meditate and reflect. Walk through your local woods. Make a broom to sweep out negative energies.

8. Samhain (Friday 31^st October 2025)

What it symbolises Samhain, or best known as Halloween, is seen as the Wiccan New Year. It is also the time when the veil between ours and the Otherworld is at its thinnest and when it is easiest to contact spirits from the other side. It is a time to honour ancestors and those who have passed and to ask for guidance. In Wicca tradition this is when the god dies and the goddess is at her full power, awaiting the birth of the god next Yule.

How to celebrate Bake soul cakes for those who have passed. Bob for apples. Carve a turnip lantern. Host a ball or attend one with your coven or friends (dress up required!).

Many places in Scotland and England observe these pagan festivals with street processions, bonfires, and festival markets. Keep an eye on our upcoming events page for details of the events we love best.