The Pagan calendar is divided into twelve months, each with its own unique symbolism and significance. These months are based on the cycle of the seasons and the natural world, connecting Pagan practitioners to the rhythms of nature. The first month of the Pagan calendar is called January, which represents new beginnings and fresh starts. It is a time for setting intentions and making plans for the year ahead. This is followed by February, a month associated with love, purification, and fertility. It is a time for celebrating the bond between individuals and the potential for growth and renewal.
The planet Jupiter, later named in honor of the Teutonic god Thor.
Lammas Lammas, also referred to as Lughnasadh, is your latest reminder that a change is always on the horizon in this case, that change is the fast-approaching fall equinox. Regardless of what you observe or what you call it , these early-February holidays actually celebrate the same seasonal shift that Punxsutawney Phil is believed to predict the quickening of the year.
It is a time for celebrating the bond between individuals and the potential for growth and renewal. March brings the promise of spring and the return of life to the earth. It is a month of growth, rejuvenation, and the celebration of new possibilities.
How To Never Miss A Pagan Holiday Again
Keeping track of the eight main sabbats, or holidays, within Paganism is surprisingly difficult. Sure, most mainstream calendars come marked with the days of the solstices and equinoxes, but it's rare to pick up a planner that gives you a heads up about Lughnasadh. This is, in part, due to how Paganism and other nature-based faiths divide up the year.
Instead of 12 months, the Pagan calendar, which is more commonly referred to as the Wheel of the Year, is split up by quarter and cross-quarter days. The former group consists of the solstices and equinoxes (which mark the start of the four seasons), while the latter is made up of the days that mark the midpoint between each season.
Advertisement ADVERTISEMENTThat may sound like you have to adopt a whole new vocabulary to follow the Pagan year, but, once you see the Wheel for yourself, the pattern becomes much clearer. Below, get to know the Wheel of the Year, learn more about each of the Pagan sabbats, and make sure you finally write Lughnasadh into your planner.
Yule
This holiday occurs around the 21st or 22nd of December and celebrates both the winter solstice and the end of the year. You can observe it for yourself by lighting candles, planning a dinner party with friends, and planning ahead for the months and new year to come. And yes, for those who celebrate Christmas, you have Yule to thank for the tradition of bringing evergreen boughs (and whole trees) into your home at this time of year.
Imbolc
Imbloc falls around Groundhog Day, which was originally called Candlemas. Regardless of what you observe (or what you call it), these early-February holidays actually celebrate the same seasonal shift that Punxsutawney Phil is believed to predict: the quickening of the year. By February 1 or 2, everyone starts anticipating spring's arrival — and, in some parts of the world, there may already be signs of the changing seasons. Imbolc is your chance to get excited for the warmer months and even pull your lighter jackets out of storage.
Ostara
The spring equinox, as this sabbat is also known, signals the start of spring (on or around March 21) and the rebirth within nature that accompanies the season. This is a perfect time of year to start thinking about changes you can make in your personal life, whether you're vying for a promotion or hope to move homes soon. Around Ostara, "new" is synonymous with "good."
Beltane
You may know this sabbat by its more secular name, May Day, or by its traditions of lighting bonfires and performing maypole dances — but, at its heart, Beltane celebrates the divine feminine. May 1 marks the midpoint between Ostara and Litha, and from now until the summer solstice, the weather (and people's thoughts) will only continue to heat up. Embrace this holiday's sensual energy by flaunting your flirtatious side, or simply sit back and enjoy the warmth and bounty of nature.
Litha
By June 21, summer has a officially started — and Litha observations more than do justice to this balmy season. In honor of the longest day of the year, catch as many rays as you can and spend the day outside. Whether you're meditating and journaling in the park or chilling on a rooftop bar, simply taking advantage of this day's extra sunlight is a form celebration.
Lammas
Lammas, also referred to as Lughnasadh, is your latest reminder that a change is always on the horizon — in this case, that change is the fast-approaching fall equinox. Some may dread this sabbat, which falls on August 1, since it alludes to the end of summer, too. But, when viewed as a chance for a final summertime hurrah, Lammas is far from gloomy. Plus, it's the heads up we all need to start planning for the fall and winter now.
Mabon
September 21 kicks off autumn and nature's symbolic "winding down." As the leaves begin to fall, consider what's come to an end in your own life. The fall equinox is your opportunity to check in with yourself, see how far you've come since last autumn, and pay tribute to that progress.
Samhain
Sometimes called "Pagan Halloween," Samahain is actually Halloween's much older, more mature sibling, which happens to fall on October 31, too. The veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is believed to be at its thinnest on this day, so it's perfectly understandable if you find yourself in a darker mood than usual. Lean into those vibes and spend Samhain reflecting on deceased loved ones and considering the role that death plays in your life (keeping in mind that death doesn't have to be all that spooky).
Lammas
Lammas, also referred to as Lughnasadh, is your latest reminder that a change is always on the horizon — in this case, that change is the fast-approaching fall equinox. Some may dread this sabbat, which falls on August 1, since it alludes to the end of summer, too. But, when viewed as a chance for a final summertime hurrah, Lammas is far from gloomy. Plus, it's the heads up we all need to start planning for the fall and winter now.
April is a month of fertility and abundance, symbolizing the flourishing of life and the renewal of the earth. It is a time for planting seeds and nurturing growth. May is the month of Beltane, a festival of fertility and the celebration of the union between the divine masculine and feminine. It is a time for joy, passion, and the blooming of desires. June marks the beginning of summer and is associated with growth, abundance, and the energy of the sun. It is a time for embracing the warmth and vitality of the season. July is a month of harvest and abundance, symbolizing the culmination of the year's efforts and the reaping of rewards. It is a time for gratitude and reflection on the achievements of the past months. August brings the fiery energy of Lammas, a festival of gratitude for the first harvest and the sacrifices made for sustenance. It is a time for acknowledging the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of sharing. September marks the transition into autumn, a season of balance and introspection. It is a time for inner reflection, releasing what no longer serves, and preparing for the coming winter. October brings the celebration of Samhain, a festival of honoring ancestors and welcoming the darkness. It is a time for spiritual connections, divination, and remembering the cycles of life and death. November is a month of deep introspection and reflection, as the days grow shorter and the darkness prevails. It is a time for contemplation, solitude, and connecting with our inner selves. December is the final month of the Pagan calendar, representing the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. It is a time for rest, renewal, and the celebration of the rebirth of the sun. Throughout the Pagan calendar, the months serve as reminders of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. They provide a framework for Pagan practitioners to align themselves with the natural world and to honor the changing seasons. By connecting with the energy and symbolism of each month, Pagan individuals can deepen their spiritual practice and cultivate a greater sense of harmony with the cycles of nature..
Reviews for "How Pagan Calendar Months Can Enhance Spiritual Connection to Nature"
1. Emily - 2/5: I found "Pagan calendar months" to be quite confusing and difficult to follow. The book jumps from one month to another without any clear transitions or explanations. Additionally, the author uses a lot of obscure pagan terms without providing any definitions or context, making it hard for me to grasp the meaning behind the traditions and practices mentioned. Overall, I was left feeling frustrated and disconnected from the content of the book.
2. Jason - 2/5: As someone who is not familiar with pagan rituals and practices, I found "Pagan calendar months" to be highly inaccessible. The author assumes a certain level of prior knowledge and doesn't provide enough background information or explanations for the various celebrations and observances mentioned. I felt lost and left out, unable to fully engage with the material. It would have been helpful if there were more explanations and descriptions of the rituals and their significance for readers who are new to pagan spirituality.
3. Sarah - 3/5: While "Pagan calendar months" had its moments of intrigue, overall, I found it to be quite repetitive. The same themes and concepts seemed to be recycled throughout the book, making it feel monotonous and lacking in fresh insights. Additionally, I was hoping for more practical guidance or suggestions on how to incorporate pagan traditions into my own life, but the book mostly stayed at a theoretical level. It could have benefited from a more diverse range of perspectives and a more engaging writing style to hold my interest.