Winter Solstice

Also known as Yule, this is the shortest day of the year, and the longest night. We celebrate the re-birth of the Sun God at the depth of the dark, and the beginning of the waxing half of the year. The Winter Solstice occurs between December 20 and 23. This festival is celebrated by fire and the use of the yule log. The colors of the season, red and green, are of original Pagan descent. The act of cutting and decorating a yule tree and exchanging gifts are also Pagan derivatives. In some traditions, the yule ritual depicts the continuing battle of the Oak King and the Holly King.

Candlemas

Candlemas is the first of the three Spring Festivals. Candlemas is a time for new beginnings, changes, and looking forward. This is the time to welcome the spring and the first light on the waxing year. It is the celebration of the Goddess Brigid. Candlemas is also known as Imbolc, Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Oimelc, and Brigid's Day among other names.

Spring Equinox

The second of the three Spring Festivals, Spring Equinox is also known as Ostara. This Sabbat invites the fertility energy of the earth to awaken. It is also a celebration of balance when the light and dark are equal. We celebrate the return of Spring as the light slowly gains in strength over the dark.

Beltane

The last of the three Spring Festivals, Beltane is also known as Mayday, Walburga, or Festival of Tana. Beltane represents the fertility and love energy awakening in humans. It is a time for love, union, enjoying the fruitfulness of the earth, and of course....the maypole. The festival is in honor of Bel, the god of light. In some traditions, Beltane is the time for shifting the role of Maiden-Aspect of the Goddess to a new priestess.

Summer Solstice

Often referred to as Midsummer or Litha, Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. This holiday represents the Sun God is all his glory. This is a celebration of passion and success. This is a time of abundance. Summer Solstice marks the beginning of the second half of the year. Some traditions depict the death of the Oak King and the birth of the Holly King to reign.

Lammas

also known as Lughnassadh or Cornucopia, Lammas is the First of the Three Harvest Festivals. Lammas represents the beginning of the harvest cycle. Lammas is the celebration of the Fire God Lugh. This is the beginning of the dark.

Autumn Equinox

Also referred to as Mabon, This is the second of the three Harvest Festivals. Light and Dark are equal for a moment and as the light fades the darkness increases. It is a time of rest between the first gathering of grain and the final harvest at Samhain, as well as a time of reflection.

Samhain:

Also known as Halloween, Shadowsfest, Martinmas, Festival of the Dead or Old Hallowmas.Samhain in considered the Witches' New Year.This is a time that we reflect on our deceased family and friends.This is the last of the three harvest Sabbats. On this night, the veil between the worlds is weakest. It is usually a very formal and serious ritual.