Wheel of the Year

The Festivals

ORANGE=The Four Great Fire Festivals

BLUE=notable observances / festivals

>>OÍCHE SAMHNA<<

October 31st to November 2nd.

SAMHAIN In Irish traditions, this is first of the FOUR GREAT FIRE FESTIVALS. Samhain, All Hallows Eve, and Halloween, also known as the Irish New Year . The veil between this waking world, and the world of the dead is weakest. It is a time for contacting ancestors, lost loved ones. Nights are longer, The Goddess is represented as the Crone(or TLACHTGA) this time of year, .

Mean Geimhreidh

December 21st.

YULE The Winter Solstice is observed. In Welsh traditions, this is the New Year. The Goddess is represented as Mother this time of year. This is the shortest day of the year.

>>LÁ FHEILE BRÍDE<<

February 2nd.

OIMELC Also known as Candlemas, Imbolc, or Imbolg. This is one of the FOUR GREAT FIRE FESTIVALS, and celebrates purification, coming of spring. Days are growing longer. This Festival honours the goddess Brighid.

Earraigh

March 21st.

MEAN EARRAIGH This Observance celebrates the Spring (Vernal) Equinox and fertility. Planting season starts. This is the second spring festival. Day and night are equal.

>>BÉLTAINE<<

May 1st.

BELTAIN This is one of the FOUR GREAT FIRE FESTIVALS. Also known as Mayday or Bealtaine. The beginning of Summer.The last of the three Spring Festivals. The Celts of the past use to light bonfires and passed cattle between them for purification. A time for marriages and dancing around the maypole.

Mean Samhraidh

June 21st.

MEAN SAMHRAIDH "Middle of Summer" The Summer Solstice observance, this is the longest day of the year and was widely celebrated with fairs, and processions. The celebration of the rise of the Oak King.

>>LÚGHNASADH<<

August 1st.

LUGHNASADH This is one of the FOUR GREAT FIRE FESTIVALS. "Feast of Bread" Lammas. This is the first Harvest Festival. Welcoming the coming of the Harvest.

Fomhar

September 21st.

MEAN FOGHAMAR The Autumnal Equinox observation. The second and main Harvest festival. This marks the beginning of preparation for the winter. Days and nights are equal.

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