The Wheel of the Year

In this post I shall discuss the "Wheel of the Year", the festivals contained within it and the significance each festival has to Pagans.

Samhain
October 31st
At this time, the barrier between our world and the otherworld is at its thinnest.
Symbolic death of the God, who will be reborn at Yule.

Yule
December 22nd
As this is the day the God is reborn, it is believed that as the days grow longer, the God grows at the same rate. Traditionally Yule logs, Yule trees and the exchange of presents will occur at this time.
Symbolic rebirth of the God.

Imbolc
February 2nd
The celebration of fertility, inspiration and purification. The awakening of life deep within the earth, even if it is not visible yet. Traditionally, lamps throughout the house will be lit for a couple of minutes to honour the God as the sun grows stronger.
The God is growing stronger with each day that passes.

Ostara
March 21st
The first true day of spring. The day and night are equal in length and plants are beginning to bud/sprout. This is the time to free yourself of anything holding you back in your past. Traditionally Pagans will colour eggs, collect wildflowers, walk in natures beauty or maybe cultivate herb gardens on this day.

Beltane
April 30th
The celebration of love and desire and honouring the fertility of the earth. Traditionally the time to be 'Handfasted' (Pagan Marriage). This is a time of self-growth, love, union and self-discovery.
Symbolic union between the God and Goddess.


Litha/Midsummer Solstice
21st June
Nature is at its peak strength, this is considered the best time to perform rituals and spells. Traditionally, bonfires will be lit to honour the God.
The God is at the peak of his power.


Lammas/Lughnasadh
August 1st
A time of thanking for the food we are given. Plants are withering, but are leaving seeds as a promise of rebirth. Now is the time of teaching. Traditionally, weaving and making corn dollies can be done along with baking bread and decorating the altar with fruits of the harvest.
The God is slowly weaking, the Goddess is turning to the Crone

Mabon/Alban Elfed
September 21st
The days are equal in length, again. Now is a good time to walk the forest, gathering dried plants for altar decoration or herbal magic.
The God is losing strength, the Goddess is mourning him. 

Conclusion
There are multiple different names for every holiday, different traditions will call it whatever they think explains the festival for what it is. Each festival resembles what is happening in nature at the moment - what is happening to the God and Goddess.

See you soon!

Blessed Be, Joel


References
BBC, 2006. The Pagan Year. [online] 

Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/holydays/year.shtml

[Accessed 25 October 2010].

Wicca Chat, 2010. Pagan Wheel of the Year. [online]

Available at: http://www.wicca-chat.com/paganyear.htm

[Accessed 25 October 2010].