The Eight Sabbats

The Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is a modern Pagan calendar celebrating eight points throughout the changing seasons.

Although the eight festivals were brought together into the Wheel as we know it during the 20th century, many of the celebrations, customs and seasonal traditions that inspired it are much older.

The Wheel combines ancient Gaelic seasonal festivals such as Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain with the solstices and equinoxes, creating a cycle that follows the changing light, seasons, growth, harvest and rest throughout the year.

Today, the Wheel of the Year is celebrated in many different ways across modern Pagan traditions. You don't need to follow Wicca or any particular spiritual path to find meaning in these seasonal turning points — they can simply offer a way to reconnect with nature and notice the rhythm of the year.

❄️ Winter Solstice - Yule

Pronounced - Yool

Winter Solstice – Around 21st December

Yule marks the longest night of the year and the return of the sun's light. It is a celebration of hope, renewal and the promise that brighter days are ahead. Traditionally fires and candles were lit to welcome the returning sun.

Themes

• Hope
• Rest
• Family
• Reflection
• New beginnings

Associated colours
Red, Green, Gold and White

Common symbols
Evergreens, Holly, Pine Cones, Candles, Mistletoe

Celebrate Yule with Incessence
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🕯️ Imbolc

Pronounced - IM-ulk (also commonly IM-bolk)

1st–2nd February

Imbolc celebrates the first signs of spring as daylight grows stronger and nature begins to awaken. It is traditionally associated with Brigid, goddess of healing, poetry and inspiration.

Themes

• Renewal
• Purification
• Inspiration
• New ideas
• Growth

Associated colours
White, Cream and Pale Green

Common symbols
Snowdrops, Candles, Milk, Seeds

Celebrate Imbolc with Incessence
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🌸 Spring Equinox - Ostara

Pronounced - oh-STAR-ah

Spring Equinox – Around 20th March

At Ostara, day and night are perfectly balanced. The earth bursts into life as flowers bloom and animals begin raising their young. It is a festival of fresh starts and limitless possibilities.

Themes

• Balance
• Fertility
• New beginnings
• Joy
• Growth

Associated colours
Pastel Green, Pink, Yellow and Lavender

Common symbols
Eggs, Hares, Chicks, Spring Flowers

Celebrate Ostara with Incessence
Discover our handmade Ostara botanical wax melts, created with essential oils, herbs, flowers and natural resins inspired by the season.
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🔥 Beltane

Pronounced - BEL-tayn

30th April – 1st May

Beltane is one of the most joyful celebrations of the Wheel of the Year. Bonfires, dancing and flowers celebrate abundance, love and the height of spring.

Themes

• Passion
• Creativity
• Love
• Fertility
• Celebration

Associated colours
Red, Orange and Bright Green

Common symbols
Maypole, Hawthorn Blossom, Fire, Flowers

Celebrate Beltane with Incessence
Discover our handmade Beltane botanical wax melts, created with essential oils, herbs, flowers and natural resins inspired by the season.
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☀️ Summer Solstice - Litha

Pronounced - LEE-tha

Summer Solstice – Around 21st June

Litha celebrates the sun at its highest point in the sky and the longest day of the year. It is a time to appreciate abundance, vitality and the warmth of summer.

Themes

• Strength
• Success
• Gratitude
• Confidence
• Joy

Associated colours
Gold, Yellow, Orange and Green

Common symbols
Sunflowers, Oak Leaves, Herbs, Bonfires

Celebrate Litha with Incessence
Discover our handmade Litha botanical wax melts, created with essential oils, herbs, flowers and natural resins inspired by the season.
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🌾 Lammas (Lughnasadh)

Pronounced - LAM-us (LOO-nuh-suh.  You may also hear LOO-nass-ah or LOO-nuh-sah, depending on tradition/accent)

1st August

Lammas is the first harvest festival and a time to recognise the rewards of hard work. It reminds us to give thanks for what we have while preparing for the seasons ahead.

Themes

• Gratitude
• Prosperity
• Achievement
• Harvest
• Abundance

Associated colours
Gold, Amber, Brown and Orange

Common symbols
Wheat, Bread, Corn, Blackberries

Celebrate Lammas with Incessence
Discover our handmade Lammas botanical wax melts, created with essential oils, herbs, flowers and natural resins inspired by the season.
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🍂 Autumn Equinox (Mabon)

Pronounced MAH-bon

Autumn Equinox Around 21st September

The Autumn Equinox marks the point when day and night are once again approximately equal, as summer gives way to autumn. It falls within the traditional harvest season and is a natural time for gratitude, reflection and preparing for the quieter months ahead.

In modern Pagan traditions, the Autumn Equinox is often known as Mabon.

Themes

Balance • Reflection • Gratitude • Harvest • Letting go

Associated colours

Orange, Burgundy, Brown and Deep Green

Common symbols

Apples, Acorns, Autumn Leaves, Grapes

Celebrate Mabon with Incessence
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🎃 Samhain

Pronounced - SOW-en

31st October

Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Often regarded as the Pagan New Year, it is a time to honour ancestors, remember loved ones and reflect on life's continual cycle of endings and beginnings.

Themes

• Ancestors
• Protection
• Transformation
• Reflection
• Rebirth

Associated colours
Black, Purple, Orange and Silver

Common symbols
Pumpkins, Ravens, Cauldrons, Apples, Candles

Celebrate Samhain with Incessence
Discover our handmade Samhain botanical wax melts, created with essential oils, herbs, flowers and natural resins inspired by the season.
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Living with the Seasons

The Wheel of the Year reminds us that every season has a purpose. Spring inspires growth, summer encourages celebration, autumn teaches gratitude, and winter invites rest. By observing these natural cycles, many people find a greater sense of balance, mindfulness and connection with the world around them.

At Jewel of Noo, our handmade creations are inspired by these seasonal energies. From our Incessence Artisan Soy Wax Melts to our crystals, artwork and handcrafted gifts, every piece is created with care to celebrate the beauty and magic found throughout the turning of the Wheel.