Pagan High Holidays

Samhain - October 31st - This is the beginning and the end.  It is where we stand momentarily still on the Wheel of life, waiting for its course to start again.  The Sun God has died and given life again to himself within the Earth Mother.  It is the time when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest and we learn from those that have passed to the other side that every ending is also a new beginning. 

Yule - December 22nd (Winter Solstice) - This is the longest night of the year when darkness reigns supreme and yet there is the promise of the light returning.  The Great Mother has given birth again to the Sun God and He will bring hope and the promise of a strong and fruitful summer.

Imbolc - February 2nd - Also known as Brigid or Candlemas, this is the time of growing light and new beginnings.  New seeds and plans for the future are planted and we will watch them grow throughout the year.  The new light brings inspiration.  This is a good time to write poetry.

Eoster - March 21st (Spring Equinox) - Spring returns to us and the seeds begin to sprout.  The cold shackles of winter are broken and the Sun God, who was an infant at Imbolc, is now a child.  Light and Dark are in balance and a new harmony is felt in the fresh rain and the sweet smells of nature.

Beltane - May 1st - May day brings desire.  The Maiden of Spring and the growing young Sun God meet in the fields and perform the dance of life.  Great bon-fires are built to celebrate the warmth and the strength of the sun.

Litha - June 22nd (Summer Solstice) - Again the sun stands still, this time at His height.  The days are longest but are waning now.  The Sun King begins His journey towards death and rebirth while the seed which is Himself begins to grow in the Earth Mother.

Lughnasadh - July 31st - The eventual passing of the Sun God will bring our seeds to fruition yet they can not be harvested yet.  We sacrifice the light to bring new life.  Wheat, grain and a cornbread God figure decorate our altars.  Mother Goddess will soon again become the Reaper.

Mabon - September 21st (Autumnal Equinox) - Again, day and night are equal and the darkness grows.  This is the time of harvest to store up for the coming winter.  The Sun God moves off into the west and we follow him into the darkness and even though the shadow of death is upon us, we give thanks for the harvest we have reaped and the fruition of our seeds.