The Wheel of the Year
The wheel of the year is a series of 8 festivals spread throughout the year marking the seasons of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. It offers a way to attune to the cyclical nature of life and helps us to be present and to accept the current moment with gratitude. The truth of these cycles is also observed in the liturgical calendar, the daily cycle of the Earth’s rotation, and the very breath we breathe. Below are some themes of each feast. Would you add any to them?
Samhain
Closing of the harvest and gathering for winter. Leaves have fallen off the trees. End of one year and the beginning of another. Honoring of the dead. A “thin” time.
In the Christian calendar the feasts of All Saints Day & All Souls Day
In the daily cycle it is the beginning of the dark
In the breath cycle, it is the final exhalation
Winter Solstice/Alban Arthan
Darkest night and rebirth of the sun/spiritual new life. Seeds are germinating. Things are moving and growing but underground/unseen.
In the Christian calendar: The season of Advent & Feast of Christmas
In the daily cycle it is midnight
In the breath cycle it is the stillness and emptiness before inhalation
Imbolc
First signs of new life, buds and shoots. New life is growing but must still be nurtured and protected. Sowing of first seeds.
In the Christian calendar: The Feast of St Bridget, Candlemas, & Presentation of the Lord
In the daily cycle it is first light
In the breath cycle it is the first moment of inhalation
Spring Equinox/Alban Eilir
Emphasis on sowing seeds, rising power of the sun, preparation for summer. Leaves returning to the trees.
In the Christian calendar: Lent & Annunciation Day
In the daily cycle it is the dawn
Rising breath
Beltane
Emphasis on fertility and mating. Flowers in bloom and bees buzzing.
In the Christian calendar Easter & Pentecost
In the daily cycle it is the climbing sun
In the breath cycle near full inhalation
Summer Solstice/Alban Hefin
The height and the nadir. The height of greening in nature. Authentic self giving.
In the Christian calendar: John the Baptists’ Feast
In the daily cycle it is high noon
In the breath cycle It is the stillness before exhalation
Lughnasadh
First fruits and fruit ripening. Preparations for harvest. Playing games and sports.
In the Christian calendar: Lammas (Loaf mass)
In the daily cycle it is the afternoon sun
In the breath cycle It is the initial exhalation (pushing breath)
Autumn Equinox/Alban Elfed:
Fullness of harvest activities. The leaves falling from the trees.
Feast of the Archangels
In the daily cycle it is the setting sun
In the breath cycle it is mid exhalation
Key References:
https://druidry.org/druid-way/teaching-and-practice/druid-festivals/the-eightfold-wheel-of-the-year
