WHEEL OF THE YEAR

Eight specific Pagan festivals mark and celebrate the seasonal changes seen in nature during the ever-turning 'wheel of the year'. There is an emphasis on the agricultural cycle, and adherents use these times to connect with the land, reflect on how the changes in nature reflect changes in self and community, observe long-term patterns of stability and change, and to make ritual and celebration. The following dates are somewhat arbitrary since they may depend on other factors such as planetary alignments (at the equinoxes and solstices), the proximity of sunrise and sunset, since the festivals tend to last for some days (particularly when happening at a weekend) and since not all of the eight festivals are celebrated or accepted by all Pagans. In order, these festivals are: Samhain (Halloween), 31 October; Yule (Winter Solstice), 21 December; Imbolc, 2 February; Spring Equinox, 21 March; Beltane (May Day), 1 May; Summer Solstice, 21 June; Lammas, 31 July; Autumnal Equinox, 21 September.