NEW MOON
When the moon is new, Her face is hidden within the darkness, taking the time to internalize time passed. Rituals at this time offer new beginnings and self/hidden knowledge.
WAXING MOON
Moving from new to full the moon's face begins to show slowly. This buildup of light offers time for rituals that require energy of the following: increase, growth, and gaining new insight in all aspects of life. The waxing moon gives us the opportunity to intensify what is already going well within our lives.
FULL MOON
The moon is at the height of her energy; therefore, this is the best time to raise the most amount of energy during workings. She is in full Mother aspect at this time and offers the most visible glory of the moon's power. Because of this, it is easier to draw down the energy when learning of her mysteries.
WANING MOON
Moving from full to new the moon's face begins to diminish. At this time, rituals can be done that help rid ourselves of problems, addictions, attitudes, or anything else that we need to lessen. (Remember ALWAYS “harming none”.)
BASIC WICCAN WHEEL OF THE YEAR
S A M H A I N
(pronounced “sow-in” the sow being pronounced like cow)
(October 31st -Nov 1st) also known as: Halloween, ShadowFest, Martinmas, Old Hallowmas. The Last Harvest. The Earth nods a sad farewell to the God. We know that He will once again be reborn of the Goddess and the cycle will continue. This is the time of reflection, the times to honor the Ancients who have gone on before us and the time of 'Seeing" (divination). As we contemplate the Wheel of the Year, we come to recognize our own part in the eternal cycle of Life.
NOVEMBER’S FULL MOON
is also known as Snow Moon, Dark Moon, and Wolf Moon. The Earth lies sleeping beneath a blanket of snow, gathering strength for new life in spring. This is the time for healing and communication. The zodiac association is Scorpio.
DECEMBER’S FULL MOON
is also known as Oak Moon, Cold Moon, Winter Moon, and Wolf Moon. This is the time of the Dark Lord; the Oak is his symbol, and the wood traditionally used for the Yule log. This is the time for rebirth. The zodiac association is Sagittarius.
YULE
(Around DECEMBER 22nd) also known as: Yuletide, Alban Arthan. Yule is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice had been associated with the birth of a "Divine King" long before the rise of Christianity. Since the Sun is considered to represent the Male Divinity in many Pagan Traditions, this time is celebrated as the "return of the Sun God" where He is reborn of the Goddess
JANUARY’S FULL MOON
is also known as Ice Moon, Wolf Moon, Snow Moon, and Cold Moon. Ice was deemed safe at this time for walking over in the northern cultures. This is a time for introspection, diverting your energy from worrying about others and concentrating on yourself. The zodiac association is Capricorn.
I M B O L C
(February 1st or 2nd) is also known as: Candlemas, Imbolg, Imbolgc Brigantia, Lupercus, Disting The earliest whisperings of Springtide are heard now as the Goddess nurtures Her Young Son. As a time of the year associated with beginning growth, Imbolc is an initiatory period for many. Here we plant the "seeds" of our hopes and dreams for the coming summer months. Imbolc is known as Bride’s Day in Ireland.
FEBRUARY’S FULL MOON
is also known as Ice Moon, Storm Moon, and Hunger Moon. At this time of the year, the waters of the earth are beginning to flow once again. This is still the time of blizzards and snowstorms. This is a time of growth and looking ahead towards the future by setting goals. The zodiac association is Aquarius.
Oak MARCH’S FULL MOON
is also known as the Storm Moon, Seed Moon and Maple Moon. The Oak moon was named for the king of trees as worshipped by the Druids. Now is the time to be realistic when making life decisions. The zodiac association is Pisces.
O S T A R A
(around March 21st but date may vary by more than two days )
also known as: Spring Equinox, Ostara, Alban Eiler, Esther, Eostre, Ostarun, ôstartag', Eastre, Eoastrae, Oestre The first true day of Springtide. The days and nights are now equal in length as the Young God continues to mature and grow. We begin to see shoots of new growth and swelling buds on the trees. Energy is building as the days become warmer with promise.
APRIL’S FULL MOON
is also known as Chaste Moon, Growing Moon, Hare Moon, Maiden Moon, and Planting Moon. This was the time when one began to notice the days getting longer, one could hunt again and could feel the return of the Maiden. This is a time of returning balance back into your life. The zodiac association is Aries.
B E L T A I N E
(April 30-May 1 - Western Hemisphere) also known as: Mayday, Walburga, Galan Mai, Shenn da Boaldyn, Bealtinne, Beltine, Beltain, Beal-tine, Beltan, Bel-tien, Beltein, Bealtuinn and Bealtaine The Land represented by the Goddess is now ripe and fertile and the Young God expresses His Love for Her. This is a time of joyous reveling as the first flowers of Summer are gathered in Their Honor. Also, the time of the famous Blue Ridge Beltane Festival---a never miss event!
MAY’S FULL MOON
is also known as Seed Moon, Hare Moon, and Bright Moon. The earth is becoming fertile again. This was the time for the planting rites. Now is the time for connecting with other beings and recommitting yourself to the Gods and the Earth. The zodiac association is Taurus.
JUNE’S FULL MOON
is also known as Mead Moon, Strawberry Moon, Honey Moon and Flower Moon. This moon lets us know that summer is coming, and we can start looking forward to the warm moonlit nights. This is also the time for lovers. Before the height of summer, use this time to strengthen your weaknesses. The zodiac association is Gemini.
MIDSUMMER
Summer Solstice, June 21st, also known as: Litha, Feill-Sheathain, Jani, Alban Hefin, Juhannus, Midsommarafton, Saint John's Eve. "Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you." -- Maori proverb. Solstice is the time when the sun appears to stand still in His yearly migration across the heavens. Be it in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere, the journey of the sun pauses, deliberately and when his journey resumes the tide of the year has once again begun to ebb and flow. Together we journey into separate halves of the year, very much two sides to the same coin, each coupled to the other, as Light is coupled to Dark, without Light there would be no Dark as without Dark there would be no Light -- much like we find without a path there would be no journey...
JULY’S FULL MOON
is also known as Hay Moon, Wort Moon, and Mead Moon. Pagans celebrate the summer with dancing, drinking, and song. The mead is now made for the coming Lammas celebration. This is the time for relaxing and enjoying the warm comfortable days and nights. The zodiac association is Cancer.
LUGHNASADH
(on or about August 1st) also known as: Lugnasad, Lammas, Cornucopia, Thingtide, Lammastide, Lughomass, Festival of Light, Latha Lunasdal. Falling midway between Summer Solstice and Autumnal Equinox is the cross-quarter holiday of Lughnasadh, which is the first in the trilogy of harvest festivals, Lughnasadh, Mabon and finally Samhain. It is at the time of Lughnasadh when the days suddenly seem to shorten and the nights grow longer
AUGUST’S FULL MOON
is also known as Corn Moon, Harvest Moon, and Barley Moon. This moon marks the beginning of the corn harvest and of drying herbs. This is the time for celebration with people who are close to you. The zodiac association is Leo.
SEPTEMBER’S FULL MOON
is also known as Harvest Moon, Barley Moon. The harvesters would gain extra time in the fields by the light of the harvest moon. What a wonderful time to view the gorgeous colors surrounding this month. The leaves are beginning to show a rusty tinge and beautiful shades are coming into life. This is a time of organizing and preparing for the coming months. The zodiac association is Virgo.
M A B O N
(around September 22nd) also known as: Alban Elfed, Winter Finding, Virginia Pagan Pride Day. Others. AUTUMN EQUINOX/MABON: (on or about September 21) The Second or Continuing Harvest. Now, as at Ostara, the days and nights are equal once again. Gardens are in full bloom and heavy with nature's bounty. There is a slight nip in the air already and preparations begin to prepare for the long cold months which are to come.
OCTOBER’S FULL MOON
is also known as Blood Moon, and Hunters Moon. This is the annual slaughter of all but breeding stock that took place at this time of the year. This is the time of seeking inner peace and truth. The zodiac association is Libra.
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