The Wheel of the Year is followed by many people who honor the turning of the seasons through eight annual festivals known as Sabbats. These celebrations consist of four solar festivals and four seasonal ones, returning each year around the same key dates.
As a nature-centered spiritual path, Neopaganism places deep value on the cycles of the natural world. The Wheel of the Year offers a way for Pagans, Wiccans, and anyone drawn to Earth-honoring traditions to align their spiritual practice with these rhythms.
In this guide, we include both Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere versions, so each celebration can be observed in harmony with the land and seasons where you live.
Northern Hemisphere Sacred Festivals
| Sabbat | Traditional Date | Astronomical Date (EST) |
|---|---|---|
| Lammas | August 1 | August 7, 1:14 am |
| Mabon (Autumn Equinox) | September 21 | September 22, 9:05 pm |
| Samhain | October 31 | November 6, 5:27 pm |
| Yule (Winter Solstice) | December 21 | December 21, 3:50 pm |
| Imbolc | February 1 | February 3, 9:54 pm |
| Ostara (Spring Equinox) | March 21 | March 20, 9:46 am |
| Beltane | May 1 | May 5, 6:35 pm |
| Litha (Summer Solstice) | June 21 | June 21, 3:24 am |
🗓️ The 2026 Wiccan & Pagan Holiday Calendar includes a detailed calendar of Sabbats, Esbats, and other pagan observances.
Southern Hemisphere Sacred Festivals
| Sabbat | Traditional Date | Astronomical Date (AEST) |
|---|---|---|
| Lammas | February 1 | February 7, 4:14 pm |
| Mabon (Autumn Equinox) | March 21 | March 23, 12:05 pm |
| Samhain | May 1 | May 7, 8:27 am |
| Yule (Winter Solstice) | June 21 | June 22, 6:50 am |
| Imbolc | August 1 | August 4, 12:54 pm |
| Ostara (Spring Equinox) | September 21 | September 21, 12:46 am |
| Beltane | October 31 | November 6, 9:35 am |
| Litha (Summer Solstice) | December 21 | December 21, 6:24 pm |
Why Sabbats Are Different in Each Hemisphere?
Since the Wheel of the Year follows the natural cycle of the seasons rather than fixed calendar months, the Sabbats are shifted by about six months between hemispheres. When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa.
Honoring the Sabbats in harmony with your local seasons helps keep the celebration connected to the land and its natural rhythms.
Why Sabbat Dates Shift Each Year?
In the Wheel of the Year, there are two common ways to date the Sabbats: traditional dates and astronomical dates. Both systems are valid. One follows tradition and symbolism, while the other follows precise solar timing.
- Traditional dates are fixed and symbolic. For example, Imbolc is usually celebrated on February 1 and Lammas on August 1. These dates come from long-standing folk traditions and modern Pagan practice, where the focus is on marking the seasons in a simple, repeatable way rather than following the exact position of the Sun each year.
- Astronomical dates, on the other hand, are based on the actual movement of the Sun. In this system, Sabbats fall at the exact midpoint between solstices and equinoxes, or at the moment a solstice or equinox occurs. Because the Earth’s orbit is not perfectly even, these midpoints change slightly every year. That is why in 2026 Imbolc falls around February 3–4, and Lammas around August 7 when calculated astronomically.
What Each of These Holidays Is About
Below, you will find a simple and meaningful introduction to each of the eight Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year. These seasonal festivals follow the natural cycles of light, the changing seasons, and the rhythms of life itself.
Each Sabbat carries its own message, shaped by ancient rituals, traditions and the living world around us. For those who work with lunar cycles, our Lunar Calendar for 2026 is a perfect complement to the Wheel of the Year grimoire page.
Imbolc, the Return of the Light 🕯️
- Dates (2026):
- Northern Hemisphere: February 1 (astronomical peak Feb 3–4)
- Southern Hemisphere: August 1 (astronomical peak Aug 3–4)
- Alternative names: Imbolc, Imbolg, Brigid’s Day
- Theme / season: Late winter, renewal, hope
Imbolc is a festival of new beginnings and quiet renewal. It marks the moment when winter starts to loosen its grip and the first signs of spring appear. Traditionally linked to Brigid and Candlemas, Imbolc is about cleansing, inspiration, and setting intentions for what you want to grow in the coming months.
To explore Imbolc symbols, traditions, and simple rituals, visit: Imbolc, the Return of the Light.
Ostara, the Spring Equinox 🌱
- Dates (2026):
- Northern Hemisphere: March 21 (equinox March 20)
- Southern Hemisphere: September 21 (equinox Sept 22)
- Alternative names: Ostara, Spring Equinox
- Theme / season: Balance, rebirth, spring
Ostara celebrates the Spring Equinox, when day and night are equal. It is a time of balance and fresh energy, when nature awakens and life begins to grow again. This Sabbat honors fertility, harmony, and the return of light.
Learn how to celebrate Ostara and connect with spring energy here: Ostara, the Spring Equinox.
Beltane, the Sacred Union 🔥
- Dates (2026):
- Northern Hemisphere: May 1 (astronomical peak May 5–6)
- Southern Hemisphere: October 31 (astronomical peak Nov 5–6)
- Alternative names: Beltane, May Day
- Theme / season: Late spring, fertility, passion
Beltane is a joyful fire festival celebrating life, love, and abundance. It marks the height of spring, when nature is vibrant and full of movement. Traditionally, Beltane honors passion, creativity, and the fertile energy of the land.
Discover Beltane traditions, symbols, and rituals here: Beltane, the Sacred Union.
Litha, the Summer Solstice 🌻
- Dates (2026):
- Northern Hemisphere: June 21 (summer solstice)
- Southern Hemisphere: December 21 (summer solstice)
- Alternative names: Litha, Midsummer, Summer Solstice
- Theme / season: Peak of summer, light, strength
Litha celebrates the longest day of the year, when the Sun is at its strongest. It is a time of confidence, growth, and celebration. This Sabbat honors light, vitality, and the fullness of life before the slow return toward darkness begins.
Learn more about Litha and Midsummer magic here: Litha, the Summer Solstice.
Lughnasadh/Lammas, the First Harvest 🥖
- Dates (2026):
- Northern Hemisphere: August 1 (astronomical peak Aug 7)
- Southern Hemisphere: February 1 (astronomical peak Feb 7)
- Alternative names: Lammas, Lughnasadh
- Theme / season: First harvest, gratitude, effort
Lammas is the first harvest festival of the year. It honors the fruits of hard work and the gifts of the Earth. This Sabbat is a time to give thanks, reflect on what you have achieved, and share abundance with others.
Explore Lughnasadh and Lammas recipes and symbols here: Lughnasadh/Lammas, the First Harvest.
Mabon, the Autumn Equinox 🍁
- Dates (2026):
- Northern Hemisphere: September 21 (equinox Sept 22)
- Southern Hemisphere: March 21 (equinox March 22)
- Alternative names: Mabon, Autumn Equinox
- Theme / season: Balance, second harvest, reflection
Mabon marks the Autumn Equinox, when day and night are equal once more. It is a festival of balance, gratitude, and preparation. This Sabbat invites reflection on what has been gathered and what should be released as the year turns inward.
Learn how to celebrate Mabon and the Autumn Equinox here: Mabon, the Autumn Equinox.
Samhain, the Witches’ New Year 🎃
- Dates (2026):
- Northern Hemisphere: October 31 (astronomical peak Nov 6)
- Southern Hemisphere: April 30–May 1 (astronomical peak May 6)
- Alternative names: Samhain, All Hallows
- Theme / season: End of harvest, ancestors, transformation
Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It is a powerful time for honoring ancestors and reflecting on life, death, and transformation. Traditionally, Samhain is seen as a moment when the veil between worlds feels thinner.
Go deeper into Samhain symbols and traditions here: Samhain, the Witches’ New Year.
Yule, the Winter Solstice 🎄
- Dates (2026):
- Northern Hemisphere: December 21 (winter solstice)
- Southern Hemisphere: June 21 (winter solstice)
- Alternative names: Yule, Winter Solstice
- Theme / season: Rebirth of the Sun, rest, hope
Yule celebrates the longest night and the rebirth of the Sun. Even though it is the darkest time of the year, it carries a message of hope and renewal. This Sabbat honors rest, reflection, and the promise that light will return.
Learn more about Yule traditions and Winter Solstice magic here: Yule, the Winter Solstice.
Honoring the Wheel of the Year is a way to stay in tune with the natural flow of the seasons. Each Sabbat reflects an important stage in life’s ongoing cycle, reminding us of times to grow, to celebrate, to let go, and to begin again.
By learning about the meaning and roots of these festivals, you can build a deeper connection with the land, the seasons, and the quiet wisdom found in nature itself.
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