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Oimealg (Imbolg)
Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g) literally translates to ewes (female sheep) milk. In old times, this was the season where winter food supplies were beginning to run out and herd animals were pregnant and swollen with milk. Oimealg was a time to gather supplies and worship the Celtic goddess Brigid, who they hoped would bring lasting fire and fertility. Today, Wiccans celebrate Oimealg and the ancient Goddess Brigid by lighting bonfires and re-kindling the wood in their hearth. -
Ostara (Eostara)
Ostara is the celebration of the Spring Equinox and of the Goddess (identified as Eostre or Mother Earth, whose symbols are the rabbit and the egg). As legend has it this is the time where the Goddess has concieved a child with the Sun God. Wiccans take this time to celebrate the fertility of the Earth and new life. They will also plant herb gardens (for later use in spells or remedies) and cover their home altars with flowers, seeds, jasmine or flowery incense, and jasper gems. -
Beltane
Beltane literally translates to "fire of bel" and is a celebration of the blossoming Earth. In old Celtic times it was a celebration of sexuality. Young people would spend the night in the woods then wake up the next morning and dance around the Maypole, meanwhile older married couples would remove their wedding rings for the one night. These days Wiccans celebrate by lighting bonfires at night and Maypole dancing. Some sects do this skyclad (nude) while others keep it family friendly. -
Litha
Litha, also known as Midsummer, is a day of inner power and brightness. It's a day to celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year with fire and water, night and day, and other symbols of the triumph of light over darkness. This is a day for Wiccans to spend time outdoors chanting and meditating with friends and family. Feasting is done with fruits and wine. -
Lammas
Lammas literally translates to "loaf festival". It is a celebration of harvest, since this is the time of year where grains are ready to be harvested, spring plants are dropping seeds, and fruits are ripe. In old times there would be a feast to recognize the end of harvest. Today, Wiccans celebrate by feasting with family or Coven members. Some will save the seeds from the fruits they eat during the feast and plant them to grow into a symbol of their connection with the God and Goddess. -
Mabon
Mabon, (pronounced MAY-bun) is the Autumn Equinox. At this point in the year the day and the night are divided equally. This is a celebration of balance where Wiccans pay respect to the impeding darkness and thanks to the waning sunlight that gave them harvest. This is a day for family and appreciating and reflecting on the year and all the good and bad things that have made it. This is the pagan version of Thanksgiving. -
Samhain
Samhain means “End of Summer”. It is usually celebrated on the 31st of October (Halloween) and is a day of ancestoral worship. On this day the veil that separates the spirit world from our world is at it’s thinnest, so it is believed that spirits and ancestors come down to roam in our world. In old times, food offerings were left on doorsteps and altars for the dead, but these days Wiccans use lit candles to help guide the spirits of loved ones home and carved pumpkins to ward off evil spirits. -
Yuletide
Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) is the night where the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. This is a celebration of the sun’s “rebirth” and the lengthening of days. In old times this was a pagan feast lasting 12 days where pagans would decorate homes with holly and ivy and people would harvest on cider and apples and burn a ceremonial Yule log. Today, Yule is celebrated by Wiccans almost exactly like Christmas is celebrated by Christians.
