Wiccan seasons

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WICCAN WHEEL OF THE YEAR CALENDAR

Honour the changing seasons and lunar phases with rituals and celebrations. 

The Wheel of the Year in the Southern Hemisphere is shifted by six months compared to the Northern Hemisphere, so the festivals align with the actual local seasons of Australia, New Zealand, and southern regions. The cycle begins around late March in autumn and moves through winter, spring, and summer

• Samhain: 30 April. The start of the dark half of the year, honoring ancestors and the veil thinning.
  
• Imbolc: 1–2 August. The first signs of spring; a time for purification and new beginnings.
  
• Beltane: 31 October. Celebrating the peak of spring, fertility, and the blooming of nature.
  
• Lugnasad (Lughnasadh): 1 February. The start of the grain harvest, offering gratitude for the first fruits of the earth.
  

The Solar Festivals (Quarters)

• Mabon: 20–23 March. Autumn Equinox; a period of balance, giving thanks, and preparing for winter.
  
• Yule: 20–23 June. Winter Solstice; the shortest day and longest night, celebrating the rebirth of the sun.
  
• Ostara: 20–23 September. Spring Equinox; a time of new growth, blooming, and renewed energy.
  
• Litha: 20–22 December. Summer Solstice; the longest day of the year, celebrating the peak of the sun's power.

More information on each lower down x 

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MOON PHASES

• New moon - Ideal for setting intentions, planting seeds, starting projects, and inviting in new energy. 
• Waxing moon - the phase between new and full. Ideal for growth, attraction, momentum, and progress.
• Full moon - Ideal for release, manifestation, culmination, or celebration.
• Waning moon - the phase between full and new. Ideal for release, letting go, banishing, and clearing. This is a powerful time for cord cutting, shadow work, or breaking habits.

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Yule (Midwinter, Winter Festival)

Southern Hemisphere Date: June 21
Northern Hemisphere Date: December 21

The rebirth of the sun, bringing hope for the coming spring and symbolising renewal and the return of the light. Yule is celebrated as the winter solstice and marks the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere but the depth of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a time of rebirth and renewal as the sun begins its return toward longer days, bringing hope for spring. Traditionally, Yule involved feasting, candle lighting, and fire rituals to honour community and light in darkness. Today it remains a festival of reflection, warmth, and hope.

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Imbolc

Southern Hemisphere Date: August 7
Northern Hemisphere Date: February 3

A time of new beginnings and the awakening of the natural world after the dark winter months. Imbolc marks the midpoint between winter and spring. It is associated with the first signs of life stirring in the earth and with intentions for the coming fertile season. Lighting candles, planting seeds, and setting new-year intentions are all traditional practices, focusing on inner and outer growth.

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Ostara

Southern Hemisphere Date: September 23
Northern Hemisphere Date: March 20

A time of renewal, growth, and the return of life to the earth after winter. Ostara celebrates balance between light and dark as day and night are roughly equal. It’s a season of renewed energy, planting, and embracing growth. Rituals often involve eggs, flowers, and feasts, symbolising fertility and the blossoming earth.

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Beltane

Southern Hemisphere Date: November 7
Northern Hemisphere Date: May 4–5

A time to celebrate fertility, growth, and abundance, and to honour the sacred union between the god and the goddess. Beltane heralds the arrival of summer and embodies passion, fertility, and creativity. Traditionally marked by dancing, maypoles, and outdoor gatherings, it’s a celebration of life’s abundance and vitality.

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Litha (Summer Solstice)

Southern Hemisphere Date: December 21
Northern Hemisphere Date: June 20–21

A time of abundance, growth, and the peak of the solar year. Litha marks the longest day of the year and is traditionally celebrated with bonfires, outdoor gatherings, and rituals honouring the sun’s life-giving energy. It’s a feast of light, vitality, and connection with nature at its most abundant.

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Lammas

Southern Hemisphere Date: February 4
Northern Hemisphere Date: August 6–7

A time of the first harvest, when grains and fruits begin to ripen and are gathered. Lammas recognises the first harvest of the growing year. Traditionally, people gave thanks for the earth’s bounty, baked bread from newly harvested grain, and shared feasts with community. Today Lammas remains a festival of gratitude, sharing, and celebration of abundance.

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Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

Southern Hemisphere Date: March 22
Northern Hemisphere Date: September 22–23

A time to give thanks for the bounty of the earth and to prepare for the coming winter. Mabon marks the second harvest and balance of light and dark. It’s a season to give thanks, reflect on cycles of life, and celebrate abundance with feasting, storytelling, and community rituals.

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Samhain (Halloween, All Hallows' Eve, and the Day of the Dead)

Southern Hemisphere Date: May 5
Northern Hemisphere Date: November 6–7

A time to honour ancestors, reflect on life and death, and mark the onset of winter. Samhain is the festival that closes the seasonal cycle, honouring the ancestors and embracing the thinning of the veil between worlds. Rituals often involve remembrance, divination, and candle lighting to connect with loved ones who have passed.

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