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Rituals & Sabbats

The Wheel of the Year turns through eight sacred festivals — each a doorway into the rhythms of nature, the divine, and yourself.

In Wicca, the year is a sacred cycle — a living story of birth, growth, harvest, and rest. The eight sabbats mark the turning points of this cycle, aligning us with the sun, the seasons, and the eternal dance of the God and Goddess. Each sabbat is an invitation to pause, celebrate, and deepen your connection to the natural world.

Samhain — The Witch's New Year — when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest.

Cross-Quarter · Autumn

Samhain

October 31

The Witch's New Year — when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest.

Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year. It is a time to honor those who have passed, commune with ancestors, and reflect on endings and new beginnings. Divination, ancestor altars, and dumb suppers are traditional practices.

Practices

  • ✦Ancestor altar
  • ✦Divination & scrying
  • ✦Dumb supper
  • ✦Candle vigil
  • ✦Releasing what no longer serves

Colors & Herbs

BlackDeep orangePurpleSilver
MugwortWormwoodRosemaryApple
Yule — The Winter Solstice — celebrating the rebirth of the sun and the return of light.

Solstice · Winter

Yule

December 21

The Winter Solstice — celebrating the rebirth of the sun and the return of light.

Yule is the longest night of the year, a time to welcome back the sun. Wiccans celebrate the rebirth of the Oak King and the promise of longer days ahead. Traditions include the Yule log, evergreen decorations, candle lighting, and feasting with loved ones.

Practices

  • ✦Yule log ritual
  • ✦Candle lighting ceremony
  • ✦Evergreen decorating
  • ✦Gift giving
  • ✦Wassailing

Colors & Herbs

RedGreenGoldWhite
HollyMistletoePineFrankincense
Imbolc — First stirrings of spring — a festival of purification and new beginnings.

Cross-Quarter · Late Winter

Imbolc

February 1

First stirrings of spring — a festival of purification and new beginnings.

Imbolc honors Brigid, goddess of fire, healing, and poetry. It marks the first signs of spring returning — the days are noticeably longer and the earth begins to stir. Candle lighting, home cleansing, and making Brigid's crosses are traditional practices.

Practices

  • ✦Brigid's cross weaving
  • ✦Home cleansing & blessing
  • ✦Candle dedication
  • ✦Seed planting intentions
  • ✦Fire gazing

Colors & Herbs

WhiteSilverPale yellowLight blue
SnowdropAngelicaBasilBay laurel
Ostara — Spring equinox — balance, fertility, and the awakening earth.

Equinox · Spring

Ostara

March 21

Spring equinox — balance, fertility, and the awakening earth.

Ostara celebrates the balance of day and night and the full arrival of spring. The earth is fertile and alive with new growth. Egg decorating, planting seeds, and working with the energies of renewal and balance are central to this sabbat.

Practices

  • ✦Egg decorating & blessing
  • ✦Seed planting ritual
  • ✦Nature walk & offerings
  • ✦Balance meditation
  • ✦Spring altar creation

Colors & Herbs

Pastel yellowPale greenLavenderPink
VioletJasmineRoseDaffodil
Beltane — Fire festival of passion, fertility, and the height of spring.

Cross-Quarter · Spring

Beltane

May 1

Fire festival of passion, fertility, and the height of spring.

Beltane is one of the most joyful sabbats — a celebration of life, love, and the union of the God and Goddess. Bonfires, maypole dancing, flower crowns, and outdoor feasting are traditional. It is a time of vitality, creativity, and passionate energy.

Practices

  • ✦Bonfire jumping
  • ✦Maypole dancing
  • ✦Flower crown making
  • ✦Handfasting
  • ✦Outdoor feast & celebration

Colors & Herbs

RedWhiteGreenGold
HawthornRoseLilacMint
Litha — Summer solstice — the sun at its peak, a time of power and abundance.

Solstice · Summer

Litha

June 21

Summer solstice — the sun at its peak, a time of power and abundance.

Litha is the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its most powerful. It is a time to celebrate abundance, vitality, and the fullness of life. Sunrise rituals, herb gathering, and fire ceremonies honor the sun's peak power before the days begin to shorten.

Practices

  • ✦Sunrise ritual
  • ✦Herb gathering & blessing
  • ✦Fire ceremony
  • ✦Sun water charging
  • ✦Gratitude offerings

Colors & Herbs

GoldYellowOrangeWhite
St. John's WortLavenderChamomileSunflower
Lughnasadh — First harvest — gratitude for abundance and the turning of the year.

Cross-Quarter · Summer

Lughnasadh

August 1

First harvest — gratitude for abundance and the turning of the year.

Lughnasadh (also called Lammas) is the first of three harvest festivals. It honors the grain harvest and the sacrifice of the God, whose energy begins to wane. Bread baking, grain weaving, and giving thanks for abundance are central practices.

Practices

  • ✦Bread baking ritual
  • ✦Grain weaving
  • ✦Harvest feast
  • ✦Gratitude ceremony
  • ✦Corn dolly making

Colors & Herbs

GoldOrangeBrownYellow
WheatCornSunflowerHeather
Mabon — Autumn equinox — balance, reflection, and the second harvest.

Equinox · Autumn

Mabon

September 21

Autumn equinox — balance, reflection, and the second harvest.

Mabon is the Wiccan Thanksgiving — a time of balance, gratitude, and preparation for the dark half of the year. Day and night are equal once more. It is a time to reflect on what has been harvested in your life and to give thanks before turning inward.

Practices

  • ✦Gratitude altar
  • ✦Apple harvest ritual
  • ✦Balance meditation
  • ✦Autumn walk & offerings
  • ✦Releasing ceremony

Colors & Herbs

Deep redOrangeBrownGold
AppleSageRosemaryThistle

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