In the wheel of the year there are eight holy days called sabbats (SAH-bats). Four sabbats mark seasonal changes caused by the sun, known as “quarter days”. The other four sabbats fall between the quarter days and are known as “cross quarter days” or “fire festivals”. They are celebrated in honour of the God, as they represent the story of his cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. I'll go into more detail for each of the sabbats as it draws near, but for now, here is a brief description.
Sabbats
Yule (youl) is a quarter day held on the winter solstice, December 21st or 22nd. This is the shortest day of the year, and it marks the beginning of the return of the sun and the birth of the God.
Imbolc (IM-bulk) is another fire festival held on February 2nd. This day commemorates the longer hours of sunlight and the earliest beginnings of spring.
Ostara (OH-star-ah) occurs on March 21st or 22nd and is one of the quarter days. This is the spring equinox marking the balance of the light and the dark.
Beltane (Bell-tain) is on May 1st, though it officially begins at moonrise the night before. This fire feast is another of the most sacred days as it marks the union of the God and Goddess.
Litha (LEE-tha) marks the summer solstice on June 21st or 22nd. This is the longest day of the year, and the time when the God is most powerful.
Lughnasadh (LOO-nah-sah) is a fire festival on August 1st. Like other fire festivals, celebrations begin at sundown the night before. This sabbat marks the death of the God, his power having been transferred to the crops, and therefore becoming a willing sacrifice as the crops are harvested.
Mabon (MAY-bon) is the autumn equinox, September 21st or 22nd. This quarter day signifies the balance of light and dark just as Ostara did.
Esbats
A time for personal growth, healing and blessings of new projects. This is a good time to consecrate new tools or objects.
Waxing Moon
Attraction magick is performed at this time, bringing things to us such as a better job, new love, or increased financial security.
Full Moon
This is a time or cleansing and protection magick and divination. The full moon represents the Goddess at her most powerful, so this is the time for powerful magicks.
Waning Moon
Banishing and clearing magick is done during this phase.
Dark Moon
The dark moon occurs in the three days prior to the new moon. This is not a time for magick, but for meditation and replenishing energies.
Sidhe (shee) Moon
This is the Dark Moon before a Blue Moon. This is the time for deeply personal internal or shadow work.
January - Wolf Moon
This moon is a time for working on personal issues that involve no one else but yourself. This is a good time for protection rites and for reversing spells.
February - Storm Moon
This is the time to love yourself. Accept responsibility for what wrongs you’ve done, and forgive yourself. Make future plans at this time. Purification, growth and healing rites and spells are called for now.
March - Chaste Moon
The Chaste Moon is a time for new beginnings. A time to break through illusions and see the truth, especially personal truths. The light and the dark are in balance. This is a time for growth, prosperity and exploration.
April – Seed Moon
This moon is about emotional control and growth. This is a good time for working on your self confidence and self reliance. Take advantage of opportunities, this is the time for change.
May – Hare Moon
This is the time to forge and strengthen connections with supernatural protectors and beings. Work on your intuition and get in touch with nature.
June – Mead Moon
The Mead Moon is a time for decision making and taking responsibility. Remember to reward yourself for your positive traits. Protection, strengthening and prevention magicks are especially effective now.
July – Hay Moon
This is the time for dream work, divination and meditation on spiritual goals. Success and prosperity magicks are done at this moon.
August – Corn Moon
This moon is the time for harvesting, gathering and appreciation. Vitality, health and friendship magicks are done now.
September – Barley Moon*
The Barley Moon is a time to organize and clear out the clutter, whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.
October – Blood Moon*
This is the moon for inner cleansing. Meditate on karma and reincarnation. Now is the time for justice, balance and letting go.
*The full moon closest to the sabbat Mabon is also called the Harvest Moon. It can be used specifically to call in favours or to add extra protection.
November – Snow Moon
This is the month of transformation. It is time to strengthen connections with the god or goddess closest to you.
December – Oak Moon
This is a time of death and renewal. Magicks should focus on endurance and provision to see you through.
Blue Moon – Goal Moon
The 13th moon is called the Blue Moon. If any month should have 2 full moons, the second moon is the Blue Moon. The ancient Celts followed a lunar calendar and their year corresponded with the 13 moons, but our modern calendar is not set up the same way. This is the time to set goals for yourself and review your successes and failures over the last year.