In this post we go over the Wiccan calendar and go in-depth with the holidays the Wicca celebrate.
The Wiccan calendar, known as the Wheel of the Year, consists of eight major holidays called Sabbats, which are divided into Greater Sabbats and Lesser Sabbats, each with its unique significance tied to the changing seasons and nature’s cycles.
In addition to Sabbats, Wiccans also celebrate Esbats, lunar rituals held during the full moon, allowing for spellwork, divination, and connection with the moon goddess’s energy, and various Wiccan traditions emphasize specific festivals and rituals related to Sabbats and Esbats, each with its distinct focus and practices.
Wicca Meaning: What is a Wiccan?
What is Wicca?
Wicca is a spiritual belief system deeply rooted in ancient traditions, primarily centered on the worship of a dualistic divine force represented by the God and the Goddess. This faith places a strong emphasis on harmony, balance, and nature. Wiccans perceive the interconnectedness of all things and strive to build a profound relationship with the natural world, which they believe modern society has often lost touch with.
Wicca is decentralized and lacks a single, organized religious structure. Instead, it consists of numerous independent covens or practitioners, each with its unique perspective on how to practice Wicca. One core belief shared among Wiccans is that of gender polarity, wherein the God embodies masculine energy associated with the sun and light, while the Goddess represents feminine energy tied to the Earth and the Moon.
The practice of Wicca revolves around rituals, celebrations, and festivals aligned with the Wheel of the Year, marking the turning points of seasons and lunar cycles. It is a form of witchcraft, but Wiccans distance themselves from misconceptions about Satanism or harmful practices, focusing instead on balance, harmony, and the well-being of all.
What is a Wiccan?
A Wiccan is an individual who follows the spiritual beliefs and practices of Wicca. Wiccans revere the God and the Goddess as dual deities representing masculine and feminine energies in the natural world. They believe in the interconnectedness of all things and emphasize their relationship with nature, which they consider essential for personal and collective well-being.
Wicca is not a centralized religion; it comprises diverse practitioners and covens, each with its interpretations and rituals. This decentralization allows Wiccans the freedom to craft their personalized spiritual practices.
Wiccans perform rituals and celebrations, often linked to the Wheel of the Year, marking seasonal and lunar transitions. These rituals involve the use of tools like stones, herbs, and crystals to raise spiritual energy. Importantly, Wiccans emphasize ethical considerations, asking whether their actions will benefit everyone involved before performing any ritual or practice.
Wiccans aim to maintain balance and harmony, and they reject any associations with harmful or malevolent practices. The focus remains on spirituality, nature, and interconnectedness.
- Check out Everything About Wicca here.
The Wiccan Calendar
The Wiccan calendar, known as the Wheel of the Year, consists of eight major holidays called Sabbats. These Sabbats are connected to the seasons and the cycles of nature. They help Wiccans attune themselves to the Earth’s rhythms and celebrate the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
What are Wiccan Holidays Called?
Wiccan holidays are called Sabbats. These Sabbats are divided into two categories: Greater Sabbats and Lesser Sabbats. The Greater Sabbats, or cross-quarter days, fall between the equinoxes and solstices. The Lesser Sabbats, or quarter days, coincide with the equinoxes and solstices.
The Wiccan Sabbats
The Wiccan Sabbats are the eight main festivals in the Wiccan calendar. They are Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha (Midsummer), Lammas, and Mabon.
These Sabbats are important because they allow Wiccans to honor the changing seasons and the natural world. They provide opportunities to perform rituals in harmony with each Sabbat’s unique energies and themes.
The Sabbats are significant as they help Wiccans connect with nature, practice their craft, and deepen their spirituality:
For instance, Samhain is the Wiccan New Year and a time to honor the spirit world.
Yule celebrates the Sun God’s rebirth during the winter solstice.
Imbolc marks the first signs of spring and the goddess’s recovery.
Ostara celebrates the arrival of spring. Beltane is a time of fertility and passion. Litha signifies the height of the Sun’s power.
Lammas is the first harvest festival, and Mabon marks the autumn equinox and a time of thanksgiving for the harvest.
Esbats in Wicca
In addition to the Sabbats, Wiccans also celebrate Esbats, which are lunar rituals. Esbats are typically held during the full moon, and they serve as opportunities for spellwork, divination, and connecting with the goddess’s energy.
While not as widely recognized as the Sabbats, Esbats are an integral part of many Wiccan traditions, particularly those that emphasize the worship of the moon goddess.
During Esbats, Wiccans gather to honor and draw power from the full moon. They may perform rituals related to personal growth, healing, or psychic development.
Esbats provide a time for reflection, meditation, and focusing on one’s magical intentions.
These lunar celebrations are essential for maintaining a strong connection with the moon’s energy and the goddess’s feminine aspects, balancing the solar emphasis of the Sabbats.
List of Wiccan Traditions, Festivals & Holidays
| Sabbat | Major Traditions & Celebrations |
|---|---|
| Samhain | Ancestor Honoring, Divination, Rituals |
| Yule | Winter Solstice Celebrations, Rebirth |
| Imbolc | Candlelight Rituals, Purification |
| Ostara | Spring Equinox Celebrations, Fertility |
| Beltane | Maypole Dancing, Passion, Fire Rituals |
| Litha (Midsummer) | Bonfires, Sun Worship, Healing Rites |
| Lammas | Harvest Festivals, Grain Offerings |
| Mabon | Autumn Equinox Celebrations, Gratitude |
| Esbat Tradition | Major Holidays/Festivals |
|---|---|
| Gardnerian Esbats | Full Moon Rituals |
| Alexandrian Esbats | Full Moon Celebrations |
| Dianic Esbats | Full Moon Gatherings |
| Celtic Esbats | Full Moon Festivals |
| Seax-Wica Esbats | Lunar Celebrations |
| Eclectic Esbats | Personalized Esbat Rituals |
| Faery Esbats | Faery Moon Gatherings |
| Druidic Esbats | Druidic Lunar Practices |
| Feri Esbats | Feri Moon Rituals |
| Wiccan Tradition | Major Festivals/Holidays |
|---|---|
| Gardnerian Wicca | Sabbats, Esbats |
| Alexandrian Wicca | Sabbats, Esbats |
| Dianic Wicca | Sabbats, Women’s Mysteries |
| Celtic Wicca | Sabbats, Celtic Festivals |
| Seax-Wica | Sabbats, Anglo-Saxon Holidays |
| Eclectic Wicca | Sabbats, Personalized Rituals |
| Faery Wicca | Sabbats, Faery Lore |
| Druidic Wicca | Sabbats, Druidic Practices |
| Feri Tradition | Sabbats, Feri Practices |
These Esbat traditions typically involve rituals and gatherings held during the full moon to connect with lunar energies and perform magical workings. Each tradition may have its unique approach and focus during Esbat celebrations.
Recommended Resources
A Light Among Shadows is a guide to self-love and being that helps you overcome negative self-talk, instill genuine self-acceptance, and overcome self-hate and resentment by making sense of people’s level of consciousness and your spirituality.
Shadow Work for Beginners Series helps you beat negative patterns and beliefs, integrate your shadow, heal your inner child, reclaim your projections, build emotional maturity, and take back your life by becoming whole.
Shadow Work for Relationship Series helps you heal your attachment style, navigate relationship issues, and build a healthy, mature relationship.
Advanced Shadow Work is an ongoing publication with continued in-depth insight and practical advice you won’t find anywhere else on the internet for practicing shadow work, self-awareness, inner healing, spiritual development, and more!
Social Media:
TikTok | Instagram | Threads
Twitter | Pinterest | Podcast | YouTube
Approved Tools
Tarot Cards (incl. Manifestation Manual ebook) provide insight and intuitive guidance for personal growth and decision-making.
Chakra Crystals (incl. Ancestral Healing ebook) can bring balance and harmony to your mind, body, and spirit.
Book of Shadows (incl. Shadow Work Journal) is your own special journal that you fill up with your energetic intentions as you scribe your own inner practices to be passed down to others.
Subliminal Bundle uses different hypnosis tracks to subconsciously improve your health, love life, motivation, self-love and much more.
These products are not affiliate links, we do not get a commission when you purchase these tools. We are supportive of our partnership with Sinful Goods for offering small websites a chance to promote their brands.
About:
Intro | Life Lessons | Newsletter | Coaching
Sensual Shadow Play is practiced through BDSM experiences. If you are 18+ and are interested, go here.
