Pagan sp iritual beliefs closely connected to the cycles of life and Earth's ever changing seasons. Connected with these cycles and seasons are holy days and celebrations known as Sabbats. They take place within the Wheel of the Year, which represents the cycle of life, birth and death that continually unfolds in nature and the seasons. In total, there are eight Sabbats. They are spaced fairly evenly throughout the year and are categorized as Major and Minor Sabbats.

The Minor Sabbats

The Minor Sabbats are mainly based on Norse/Saxon traditions and are also known as Solar Festivals. These Sabbats occur at the time of the earth's equinoxes and solstices.

  • Mabon- Falls on the day of the autumn equinox and is one of three harvest festivals. Mabon is a time to give thanks for the blessings in life that one has.
     
  • Yule- A festival that is viewed in some Pagan traditions as the rebirth of the Sun God. A day of joyful festivities along with introspection and planning for the future.
     
  • Ostara- A day that is named after the Germanic goddess of spring. It falls on the day of the spring equinox. Ostara is celebrated as a time of rebirth and renewal.
     
  • Litha- Also known as Midsummer, Litha falls on the day of the summer solstice. Litha is typically a day of celebrating the sun, at its time of greatest strength.

The Major Sabbats

The Major Sabbats are based predominately on Celtic/Gaelic traditions and are also known as Fire Festivals or the Cross Quarters.

  • Samhain- Is the last of the three harvest festivals. Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain is traditionally a day of honoring departed ancestors and loved ones.
     
  • Imbolc- This day often falls on February 1st and is a day that honors the goddess Brighid. Viewed as a precursor to spring and a day the celebrates rebirth and the return of light.
     
  • Beltane- Also known as May Day and celebrated on May 1st. Beltane is a festival of light and is considered  by some Pagan traditions to be the first day of summer.
     
  • Lughnasadh- Is celebrated on August 1st and is the first of the three harvest festivals. Lughnasadh, pronounced Loo-na'-sa, gets its name from the Celtic god Lugh and is a time of celebrating harvest and abundance.

People who follow the various traditions of Wicca tend to celebrate each of the eight Sabbats, while Celtic Reconstructionists usually celebrate only the four Major Sabbats, although they often refer to them as festivals rather than Sabbats.

While each of the Sabbats has a particular meaning, how they are celebrated depends much upon a person’s spiritual and cultural traditions. But for the most part it is a time for people to come together, celebrate and honor the cycles of life.

Further Reading:

The Festival of Ostara

The Pagan Festival of Samhain

The Harvest Festival of Mabon

The Sacred Day of Imbolc

The Festival of Beltane