The Wiccan calendar contains 8 days of power, four of which are determined by the solstices or equinoxes, which are the astronomical beginnings of our four seasons. The other four ritual occasions are based on old folk festivals. The four sabbats that are associated with the agricultural cycle and bearing cycles of animals are Imbloc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain (Cunningham, 1988). The names of these days are Celtic in origin. The other four sabbats are based upon the solstices and equinoxes and are Yule, Ostara, Litha and Mabon. Many of these sabbats have been used as a basis for Christian religions.

Samhain is the time we bid farewell to the God. The celebration is on October 31. The God is leaving, but it is only temporary, for His rebirth is near. Yule is celebrated on or around December 21, and is a celebration of the Goddess giving birth to a son, the God. Yule, the Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. Since the God is the sun, this sabbat celebration is a celebration of the rebirth of the sun. Imbolg is celebrated on February 2. It is seen as a day of recovery for the Goddess. She has gained back her strength after giving birth to her son. She is awakened by the light of the lengthening days. The God is also maturing into a boy. This is a time of beginnings and of new growth. Spring is coming. Ostara is celebrated on or around March 21. It is the first day of true spring. You can fell the energies of the earth gaining power. No longer are we bogged down by the cold darkness of winter. The Goddess covers the earth with fertility. It is a time of new growth. The God is also growing towards manhood. Beltane is celebrated on April 30. It is a celebration of the growth of the God to a man! He desires the Goddess. They fall in love and become as one. The Goddess is now with child. Litha, Midsummer, or the Summer Solstice is celebrated on or around June 21. The earth is alive with growth. The powers of nature have reached their highest point. The earth is awash in the fertility of the Goddess and the God (Cunningham, 1988). Lammas - Information is missing. Mabon is a celebration of the Autumn Equinox, celebrated on or about September 21. It is the end time of the harvest. Nature is preparing for its time of rest. Day and night are equal, and the God is preparing to leave his physical body. He is getting ready for his rebirth from the Goddess. She feels the growth and energy in Her womb even as his physical self declines.