ones, pets, relationships or situations. In some rituals, those who have departed are invited to attend and typically this is a time when the ‘veils are thin’ between different realities.
Yule
is also known as
Midwinter
and the shortest day. This is 21st December in the northern hemisphere and 21st June in the southern hemisphere. Now is the time that the sun is reborn, viewed as the God in Wiccan traditions. The days grow longer, life is stirring in the earth and our dwindling supply of food will soon be replenished. There is much to celebrate.
Imbolc
(pronounced Immolc) is also known as
Candlemas
or
Brides Day
and falls around the 1st/2nd February in the northern hemisphere and 1st/2nd August in the southern hemisphere. Spring is starting to be seen and thoughts are on purification (spring cleaning!) and rededication. Traditionally young women would be thinking about finding a husband and many people would be dowsing the future and looking for omens. Wiccans choose this time for initiations.
Spring Equinox
or
Vernal Equinox
is also known as
Ostara
This falls around the 21st March in the northern hemisphere and 21st September in the southern hemisphere. Now night and day are equal – the God is strong and the Goddess returns to her maiden status after a period of death during the winter months. Ostara is viewed by some as the source for the Easter Christian festival.
Beltane
or
May Day
occurs on the 1st May in the northern hemisphere and 1st November in the southern hemisphere. We are now into the second half of the year and the festivals represent a reversal of their opposites on the Wheel. Beltane opposes Samhain and celebrates light and fire.