Goddesses for all seasons © Anita Ryan-Revel 2000.

In the Wiccan calendar, there are four main days of power, (Sabbats), all revolving around the Solstices and Equinoxes - the astronomical beginnings of the seasons, and with deep connection to the agricultural year. In the southern hemisphere, the Sabbats don't always align with the traditional understanding of goddess spirituality - for example, Easter is named after the Spring goddess Eostre, whose feast day is celebrated in the northern hemisphere's Spring time (Mar 20 - 23). In the southern hemisphere, Easter lands in Autumn, not an entirely appropriate time to be celebrating "new life"! Nevertheless, we can still celebrate the essence of each Sabbat.

Click on the map to read about the Sabbat or a goddess that is remembered at that time.

Yule (Winter Solstice), the time of the shortest day of the year, the sun begins its path out of winter towards Spring. 20 - 23 June.

Candlemas, or Imbolc (Brigid's Day) - the light of rebirth grows stronger. It is a time for purification as we continue to emerge from the dark of winter. 1 August

Spring Equinox, when the day and night are equal length. By now, we are feeling re-energised and are ready to burst forth with renewed energy. 20 - 23 Sept

Beltane (May Day in the northern hemisphere). The name is derived from the Celtic god Belenus, and is a time to celebrate fertility and the earth's ripe abundance. 31 October

Summer Solstice (or Litha), when the sun reaches its zenith, and then turns southward and the days begin to shorten. Make hay while the sun shines! 20 - 23 December

Lammas (Harvest Festival), a time of thanksgiving and preparation for the dark, cold winter and the death of nature. 2 February

Autumn Equinox (or Mabon), a time when nature declines, draws back into bounty, readying for winter and its time of rest. 20 - 23 March

Samhain (Hallowe'en) The most sacred holiday celebrated throughout the Wheel of the Year is Samhain (pronounced sow-en), which may mean "summer's end". Samhain is the time to celebrate the Crone, the wise one, the healer. 1 May