As the Earth dances through its yearly cycle, we witness the subtle yet profound transformations in nature—each change not just a shift in the weather but a signal of the deeper rhythms of the cosmos.
In the practice of witchcraft, these transitions are not merely observed; they are celebrated through the sacred Sabbats marking the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days.
| Sabbat | Date | Actual Date |
| Lammas/Lughnasadh | 2nd February | 4th Feb 2024 |
|
Mabon |
20th-23rd March | 20th March 2024 |
| Samhain | 1st May | 5th May 2024 |
| Yule | 20th-23rd June | 21st June 2024 |
| Imbolc | 1st August | 7th August 2024 |
| Ostara | 20th-23rd September | 22nd September 2024 |
| Beltane | 31st October | 8th November 2024 |
| Litha | 20th-23rd December | 21st December 2024 |
Sabbats of the Witchcraft Year
Each Sabbat is a window into the soul of nature and a mirror reflecting our connection to the world and its ancient traditions:
Lammas/Lughnasadh (2nd February, observed 4th February 2024) Lughnasadh, or Lammas, heralds the festival of first fruits and grains, a time when ancient peoples paused the hard labor of agriculture to revel in the bounty of the earth. Named after Lugh, the Celtic god of light and sun, and celebrated with his consort Rosmerta, the Earth Mother, this day is imbued with energy, transformation, and the success of a harvest well-reaped. The alternative name, Lammas, originates from “Loaf Mass,” celebrating the vital grains that give us our daily bread.
Mabon (Autumn Equinox, 20th March 2024) Mabon marks a time of balance between day and night, leading us from light into darkness, from warmth to cold. This equinox is a period of giving thanks and embracing the balance in life. It echoes the tale of Demeter and Persephone, where the earth’s dormancy is linked to Persephone's descent into the underworld, illustrating the cycle of death and rebirth.
Samhain (1st May, observed 5th May 2024) Often recognised as Halloween, Samhain signifies the Witches' New Year and is a profound time for honouring the dead. This period when the veil between worlds is thinnest is ideal for ancestral connection and psychic endeavours, guarded by the wise Crone, a figure of deep spiritual knowledge and guidance.
Yule (Winter Solstice, 21st June 2024) Yule, the shortest day and longest night, celebrates the rebirth of the sun. It’s a time of joy and renewal where we embrace the return of light to the earth, a celebration deeply woven into the fabric of various cultures, each marking the solstice in its unique way.
Imbolc (1st August, observed 7th August 2024) Imbolc or Brigid's Day signals the first stirrings of spring and the return of light. It is a festival celebrating renewal, purity, and fertility, honouring Brigid, the goddess of hearth and home, and reflecting the freshness of the Maiden aspect of the triple goddess.
Ostara (Spring Equinox, 22nd September 2024) Ostara ushers in spring, a time ripe with potential and new life. It celebrates the Maiden goddess with symbols of fertility like eggs and rabbits, reminiscent of ancient festivals and the natural rejuvenation of the earth.
Beltane (31st October, observed 8th November 2024) Beltane is a fiery festival of passion and fertility, perfectly contrasting with Samhain. It is a time for igniting desires and dreams, often marked by rituals of union and the celebration of sensuality.
Litha (Summer Solstice, 21st December 2024) Litha, the peak of summer, is celebrated on the longest day of the year. It is a time of light, abundance, and honouring the earth's lush beauty. Traditions involve acknowledging the power of the sun and the mythological magic of dragons and faeries.