The Wheel of the Year is a cycle of eight seasonal festivals observed by Wiccans, many Druids, and a large share of other Pagans. Four mark the solstices and equinoxes. Four fall at the midpoints between them.
How the Wheel Works
The festivals follow the natural year: the lengthening and shortening of the days, and the round of planting, growth, harvest, and rest. Each one is an occasion for ritual, a shared meal, and reflection on the season in the land and in one's own life.
The four solar festivals are fixed by astronomy, so their calendar dates shift by a day or so from year to year. The four cross-quarter festivals have customary dates. In many traditions a festival begins at sunset on the evening before.
The Wheel in its present form of eight festivals dates from the middle of the twentieth century, although each festival draws on much older seasonal customs. Wiccans call the festivals sabbats.
Quick Reference
| Festival | Usual date | Also called | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samhain | October 31 to November 1 | Hallows, Summer's End | Final harvest; remembrance of the dead |
| Yule | On or about December 21 | Winter Solstice, Midwinter | Longest night; return of the sun |
| Imbolc | February 1 to 2 | Candlemas, Brigid's Day | First stirrings of spring |
| Ostara | On or about March 20 | Spring Equinox | Balance of day and night; new growth |
| Beltane | May 1 | May Day | Beginning of summer; fertility of the land |
| Litha | On or about June 21 | Summer Solstice, Midsummer | Longest day; height of the sun |
| Lughnasadh | August 1 | Lammas | First harvest; grain and bread |
| Mabon | On or about September 22 | Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home | Second harvest; thanksgiving |
The Eight Festivals
Samhain
October 31 to November 1
Samhain (usually pronounced SOW-in) marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. For many Pagans it is the most solemn festival of the year and is regarded as the turning of the old year into the new. It is a time to remember and honor the dead. Families may set a place at the table for those who have died, tell their stories, and visit graves.
Samhain is a religious observance. It falls at the same time as the secular holiday of Halloween and should not be confused with it.
Yule
Winter Solstice, on or about December 21
Yule celebrates the longest night and the rebirth of the sun. Observances include lighting candles or a Yule log, keeping vigil until dawn, decorating with evergreens, feasting, and exchanging gifts. For Heathens Yule is one of the great feasts of the year and may last twelve nights.
Imbolc
February 1 to 2
Imbolc marks the first signs of returning life in the depth of winter. It is associated with the Irish goddess Brigid, with hearth and home, with poetry and healing, and with the lighting of candles. It is a traditional time for dedication, new undertakings, and the cleaning and blessing of the house.
Ostara
Spring Equinox, on or about March 20
At the spring equinox day and night are of equal length and the light is growing. Ostara celebrates balance, new growth, and the planting of seeds, both in the garden and in one's own plans. Eggs and spring flowers are common symbols.
Beltane
May 1
Beltane welcomes the beginning of summer. It celebrates the fertility of the land, the joy of being alive, and love and partnership. Traditional customs include bonfires, gathering flowers and green branches, and dancing around a maypole. Many handfastings are held at this season.
Litha
Summer Solstice, on or about June 21
Litha, or Midsummer, is the longest day of the year. Pagans gather outdoors to greet the sunrise, light bonfires, and give thanks for the strength of the sun, knowing that from this day the light begins to wane. Many public Pagan festivals and outdoor gatherings take place around this date.
Lughnasadh
August 1
Lughnasadh (LOO-nah-sah), also called Lammas, is the festival of the first harvest, especially of grain. It is named for the Irish god Lugh. Bread baked from the new grain is blessed and shared, and the day has long been associated with games, fairs, and gatherings of the community.
Mabon
Autumn Equinox, on or about September 22
At the autumn equinox day and night are again in balance and the dark begins to grow. It is the second harvest, of fruit and late crops, and a time of thanksgiving and of sharing with those in need. The name Mabon came into use in the 1970s. Many Pagans simply call the day the Autumn Equinox or Harvest Home.
Not Every Pagan Keeps the Wheel
The eight-festival calendar is widespread but not universal. Heathens keep feasts such as Yule, Midsummer, and Winter Nights. Hellenic, Roman, and Kemetic polytheists follow calendars reconstructed from ancient sources. Some Pagans mark the full moons above all, and some observe the festivals on the nearest weekend so that a community can gather. When a particular person's observance matters, as it does for an employer or a teacher, ask that person.
Notes for Schools and Employers
- These are religious holy days. A request for time off to observe one should be handled in the same way as a request to observe a holy day of any other religion.
- Observance often begins the evening before and may include a night-time ritual. An employee may ask to leave early on the eve, or to start late the next morning.
- Samhain and Yule are the dates most often requested. Both fall at busy times in schools and in retail. Planning ahead helps everyone.
- Solstice and equinox dates vary slightly from year to year. Our annual Holiday Accommodation Calendar lists exact dates.
- Do not assume. A Pagan student or employee may observe all eight festivals, a few, or a different calendar altogether.
For more detailed guidance, see A Guide for Educators and A Guide for Employers.
This page was last reviewed by the Education Review Committee in September 2026.