The Oracle

The wheel of the year is used by pagans to show the seasonal points of the pagan calendar. In typical pagan fashion, it follows the age old idea of life, death and rebirth that are found within most cultures around the world. Every ending is, to most Pagan's the beginning of a new phase. And like all things within paganism, it is based on the natural cycles of nature. The wheel itself follows the natural cycles of the Sun and the Earth, but not the moon as this has a special place within Paganism.

The wheel of the year is a term to describe the turning of the seasons. Each major point on the wheel is marked by a Sabbat, or a holy night. The wheel is split into two sections, the Quarters which are the solar festivals (the equinoxes and the solstices) and the Cross-Quarters that are known as the fire festivals (these are usually held at the mid point of the season). There is some debate amongst pagans, as to when the wheel actually starts. Many see Samhain (October 31st) as the end of the cycle, and thus the beginning. Others prefer Yule as the start of the new cycle, as this is the time when the nights get shorter and the sun gains dominance in the sky. Considering that it is a wheel and thus a cycle it is all down to the individual where he or she believes the wheels ends and begins once more.

The following is a brief summary of each of the eight sabbat's, each one hold a different meaning and each is celebrated in accordance to its symbolism in nature.

Copyright Richard J Blackburn 2008