“Observe due measure, for right timing is in all things the most important factor.” — Hesiod
There are many dates and times throughout the year that are significant to practicing witches and wizards, and learning to work with these times to capture the magic and energy for wonderful new experiences can be an exciting part of your witchcraft journey!
That said, do not feel obligated to participate in any event solely because you feel you are “supposed to”. As with anything witchy, if you don’t want to, don’t! There’s no right or wrong way to be magical!
Witchy Holidays
Sabbats would be the technical term, these seasonal celebrations and feasts that make up the Wheel of the Year each offer a unique opportunity for magic and growth!
Yule or Winter Solstice is a time of reflection and rebirth. In the darkness of the shortened days there is a time to honor the past and reflect on its lessons for the future. Gathering with family, friends or celebrating solitarily, there is much power in the reflection of this season and it is good time to set your intent for the year.
Imbolc marks the midway point of winter and is the time to clear your mind and physical space to make way for new growth and opportunities to arise. Out with the old, in with the new, think of it as a prespring Spring cleaning! Let go of any lingering shadows from the prior year and fully embrace the new year’s glory.
Ostara or Spring Equinox marks the beginning of spring and is a time of balance as the length of day and night mirror each other. As a time of abundance and new beginnings, this is the perfect time to set intentions for growth! As the days grow longer, those hopes may rise and come to reality!
Beltane marks the halfway point to summer. The earth’s energy is thriving as the sun encourages growth and new blooms to emerge. It is a time for passion and love and there are many ceremonies intended to bring together individuals and covens in commitment and celebration.
Litha or Summer Equinox, the longest day and shortest night, of the year. It is the apex of light, the healing power of the sun is in it’s full glory and the world is filled with life. With abundance for mankind and nature it is truly a wonderful celebration, and in this time of abundance it is good to offer gratitude for what has been and ask continued support for what will be, as the days grow shorter and autumn approaches.
Lughnasadh marks the beginning of the harvest season, and is the midpoint between summer and autumn. The gratitude of midsummer carries over to this holiday as we give thanks and celebrate to prepare for the coming change of seasons. Whatever god(s) and/or goddess(es) you believe in-be sure to offer the first of your personal harvest to them to show your gratitude, or they may choose to withhold their blessings! (Loved Demeter in this episode)
Mabon the Autumn Equinox marks the end of the harvest season and offers a time to give gratitude for summers bounties once more as winter approaches. Light and dark, night and day are balanced once more, and the light must finally yield to the night. As you give thanks for natures gifts one last time, reflect on what you received, and what you can use it for going forward.
Samhain is the favorite sabbat of many witches and wizards, it’s also very thoroughly enjoyed by non-magical folk under its modern name of “Halloween”. It is a great time to go inward and reflect on the year as it marks the renewing of the wheel. It is also a great time to reflect on lost loved ones, and perhaps reconnect as the veil between worlds grows thinnest. Personally I love this sabbat for the card reading potential!
Mighty Moons
Esbats are typically recognized as the time of the full moon though some witches hold special ritual time for all of the moon’s phases. The full moon’s energy is incredibly potent and it is the perfect time for holding rituals to manifest your desires, for healing and restoring your aura or simply for divination. I primarily craft my spells during the full moon, finding Her energy guiding me and illuminating insights in my cards. New moon Esbats are also popular, as the time of the new moon is a time of rebirth, new beginnings, and can be a wonderful time to reflect and set intentions that can build and grow as the moon begins it’s next cycle.
Seasons of Looo– Change
“Gratitude for the turning of the seasons. May we attune our hearts to their enduring message of renewal.” — Kristin Granger
You might have noticed going through the sabbats that they are tied to the seasons and that gratitude is a consistent theme. Compare that to the quote above, and there certainly is a thread of truth to that thought, and so I feel it is worth while to take a little time to talk about how to change yourself and your thinking to align your practice with the change of seasons.
Winter: In the cold dark of winter, life seems to slow down. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, it is a time to reflect on the prior year and set intentions for the coming one. Spending time indoors pursing creative pursuits, or enjoying the limited daylight to capitalize on some extra magical outdoor activity like snowshoeing down your favorite trail or skating on the local pond. Be sure to remain grounded and connected with nature during this season, as staying inside from the cold too much can leave us detached from her lessons!
Spring: If you didn’t figure out your plans for growth in the coming year during winter, the clock is now ticking! As fresh growth washes away any lingering memory of colder times and daylight reclaims equal footing, the window of abundance has begun to open. Embrace the world’s new beginning with one of your own as you connect with the bloom energy and set the stage to grow with the world as it’s energy soars.
Summer: It’s the time to celebrate the beauty of life. The world is in full bloom, the harvests are beginning and there is abundance in all things. Enjoy nature, enjoy the sun, enjoy the world and offer gratitude as your aura thrives in the booming field of energy provided.
Fall: The end of the harvest, the end of the Year’s Wheel. This is the time to show appreciation for all of the insights, experiences, and gifts accrued through the year and prepare for the transition into the next year’s cycle. Reflect on the plans and intentions you set in the winter and spring, did they come to fruition? Did it go as you planned or were there surprises along the way? Lock in the lessons of this cycle, so you can begin the next better and brighter.
Z's Grimoire 
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