The Pagan Calendar
The modern pagan calendar bears many differences from the various calendars of the old earth religions. The Celtic cultures, the norse cultures and the descendant germanic cultures all had their own variations and their true meaning and composition is unsure today, lacking credible sources.
However, the modern reenactments such as Wicca, have built their own calendar breathing new life and meaning into some old ideas. Here is basic pagan modern calendar along with the calendar’s festivals:
Feb 2 (night of 1/2)
Imbolc
this holiday is dedicated to springcoming and to the goddess Brighid in the Celtic tradition. In the Wiccan tradition, it celebrates the element of fire (a symbol of the increasing power of the sun) and is dedicated to the God. Also, it is considered an omen of the year to follow. Some pagans considers this to be the New Year.
March 21 (night of 20/21)
Ostara
this holiday celebrates the spring equinox and the victory of light over darkness as now the daytime equals in length the nighttime. In Germanic tradition, it celebrates the goddess Eostre. In Wiccan tradition, it is a holiday of the Goddess and also represents the victory of life over death and the rebirth of nature.
May 1 (night of 30/1)
Beltane
the summer-coming is one of the old Celtic and Gaelic holidays still preserved in many places. Both day and night were traditionally spent in rituals meant to bring prosperity and good crops over the summer. Modern Wiccans also include rituals meant to strengthen and purify love.
June 21 (night of 20/21)
Litha
the midsummer holiday is a holiday of the Sun (thus fire). The name comes from the Germanic traditions and it means gentle as the breeze of the summer. It celebrates the supremacy of light, as now day is the longest.
Aug 2 (night of 1/2)
Lughnasadh
also known as Lammas, it is the celebration of the first harvest and as such it is accompanied by offering a small part of the harvest (usually represented by corn bread and/or sweet bread to the God and Goddess as thanks for the harvest.
Sept 24 (night of 23/24)
Mabon
the second harvest may occur anywhere between 21 and 24th of Septemeber and it is very similar to Lughnasadh, with the exception that now the offering usually consists of fruits.
Nov 1 (night of 31/1)
Samhain
The third harvest is also another of the old Celtic holidays and the one who survived the longest, being celebrated well after the end of the Middle Ages. In modern times, the Celtic revival movement and the modern Wiccans also celebrate the souls of those who have passed on, much in the spirit of the magic of Allhallows’ Eve but quite different from the modern Halloween. For many pagans, Samhain is considered as the New Year holiday of the calendar.
Dec 22 (night of 21/22)
Yule
the midwinter night is deeply rooted in Germanic traditions and is still celebrated with a variety of customs. Modern Wiccans celebrate the supremacy of night as it falls in the winter solstice when night is longest. This holiday symbolizes peace and is accompanied by various rituals for a peaceful transition to spring. Giving gifts to close friends and family as well as offerings to the God and Goddess is a common practice. In the Norse pagan traditions, Yule is also the New Year.