Current Moon
| Witches' Wheel of the Year |
|
Samhain (pronounced sow-een) - October 31 Also known as the Witches' New Year, Samhain is the last of three harvest holidays. It is the renewal of the Wheel of Life and the Wheel of the Year. It is also the time when the veil between the two worlds is the thinnest making divination extremely popular at this time. Deities: Crone goddesses, Sacrificial, Aging/Dying, Death & Otherworld Gods Colors: Black and orange Symbols: Cauldron, jack o'lantern, mask, besom, balefire Yule or Winter Solstice - December 20 or 21 This is the shortest day and longest night of the year. It symbolizes the rebirth of the God. Bayberry candles are often burned until they go out to ensure wealth and happiness Deities: Newborn Gods, Triple Goddesses, Virgin Goddesses Colors: Red and green Symbols: Yule log, evergreen, holly, wreaths, spinning wheel. Candlemas - February 1 or 2 This is the first of the three spring fertility holidays. It symbolizes the end of winter and embraces the change from old to new. It also honors the Goddess as the waiting bride of the God (Sun). Deities: Virgin or Child Goddesses, God as young men or boys Colors: Lavender, white, pale yellow, silver Symbols: Candles, brides, grain dollies, burrowing animals Ostara or Spring Equinox - March 20 The second fertility holiday. It is a celebration of balance of night and day (light and dark). Deities: Youthful God/desses, Warrior Gods, Deities awakening to sexuality Colors: Pastels (green, yellow, pink) Symbols: Eggs, equilateral crosses (ie: Brigid's cross), butterfly Beltaine - May 1 Last of the fertility holidays. It honors love, union and new life. Deities: Flower Goddesses, Divine Couples Colors: Red and white Symbols: Maypole, eggs, baskets, flowers Midsummer or Summer Solstice - June 20 or 21 Also called Lithia, this holiday celebrates the longest day of the year with the Sun at its peak of power. Deities: Gods at their peak of power, Pregnant Goddesses Colors: Green, red and gold Symbols: Fire, mistletoe, solar discs, feathers, blades Lammas - August 1 or 2 Also called Lughnasadh after the God Lugh. This is the first of the harvesting holidays and celebrates the grain harvests. Deities: Harvest and Grain Deities, New Mother Goddesses Colors: Gold, green, yellow, gray Symbols: All grains and breads, threshing tools Mabon or Autumn Equinox - September 21 or 22 The second of the harvest holidays. This celebrates the vine harvests and wines. Deities: Wine Gods, Harvest Deities, Aging Deities Colors: Orange, rust, maroon, brown Symbols: Apples, wine, vines, garlands, gourds, cornucopias |