Wheel Of The Year

The Wheel of the Year follows the eight seasonal festivals that mark the turning of the year, from the dark of Samhain to the light of midsummer. It is kept by people of many paths, simply as a way of living more closely with the seasons. Each festival has its own colours, crystals and traditions, and this is where you will find the ritual goods for each one.

The eight festivals

• Samhain, 31 October: the Celtic new year, for honouring ancestors and protection
• Yule, around 21 December: the winter solstice and the return of the light
• Imbolc, 1 February: the first stirrings of spring and the hearth
• Ostara, around 20 March: the spring equinox, balance and new growth
• Beltane, 1 May: the fire festival of fertility and joy
• Litha, around 21 June: the summer solstice and the height of the sun
• Lammas (Lughnasadh), 1 August: the first harvest and gratitude
• Mabon, around 22 September: the autumn equinox and the second harvest

Marking each festival

Many people set a small seasonal altar with a coloured cloth, a candle and a few crystals for each festival. Our Wheel of the Year crystal sets gather seven tumblestones for each Sabbat, and our spell candles and ritual bowls complete the altar.

Samhain is next. Read our Samhain guide for traditions, crystals and a simple ancestor altar.