2 FEBRUARY 2008 ~ CANDLEMAS: This “high holiday” or “greater sabbat” marks the time when the first signs of life return to the land and the Goddess changes her robes for those of Maiden. Other names for this sabbat are Imbolc (which means “in the belly”) and Oimelc (”milk of ewes”), which refer to the imminent growing and lambing season. This date stays the same each year.

Note: Some pagans celebrate Candlemas “Old Style” when the sun has reached fifteen degrees Aquarius (4 February 2008; this date varies each year).

20 MARCH 2008 ~ LADY DAY: This “low holiday” or “lesser sabbat” falls on the Spring (or Vernal) Equinox, when day and night are equal. The Great Mother Goddess, who returned to her Virgin aspect at Candlemas, welcomes the young Sun God’s embraces and conceives a child to be born in 9 months at the next Winter Solstice. This date varies each year.

Note: Some pagans refer to this sabbat as “Ostara” or “Eostara,” which is historically incorrect. The festival of the Goddess “Eostar,” whose symbols are the egg and the hare, is separate and is best celebrated on the vernal full moon or esbat.

1 MAY 2008 ~ BELTANE: Second of the two most important “high holidays” or “great sabbats,” this festival celebrates the marriage of the Goddess and the God. This pagan holiday centers on flowers, Maypoles, and greenwood frivolity. This date stays the same each year.

Note: Some pagans celebrate Beltane “Old Style” when the sun has reached fifteen degrees Taurus (4 May 2008; this date varies each year).

20 JUNE 2008 ~ MIDSUMMER’S EVE: This “low holiday” or “lesser sabbat” falls on the Summer Solstice, when the Sun is at the peak of its power. This is the longest day and shortest night of the year. From this time onwards, the days gradually grow shorter again. This date varies each year.

Note: This sabbat is also known as Litha (based on a Saxon word meaning the opposite of “Yule” but for which there is no historical evidence of its use) and St. John’s Eve (Christian name).

1 AUGUST 2008 ~ LAMMAS: This “high holiday” or “greater sabbat” marks the first harvest. This is the feast of Lugh and of the Sacrificial King, who a gingerbread man most often represents these days. This sabbat is also known as Lughnassah, Lughnasadh, and Lamastide. This date stays the same each year.

Note: Some pagans celebrate Lammas “Old Style” when the sun has reached fifteen degrees Leo (6 August 2008; this date varies each year).

22 SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ MABON: This “low holiday” or “lesser sabbat” falls on the Autumnal Equinox, when once more the balance of day and night are equal. This sabbat is also the height of the harvest and is sometimes called Harvest Home. This date varies each year.

31 OCTOBER 2008 ~ ALL HALLOW’S EVE: One of the two most important “high holidays” or “grand sabbats,” this festival marks the beginning and end of the pagan year. It is the beginning of the resting season of the land, a time of remembrance of those who have gone before, and a time to pierce the veil between the worlds and divine what the coming year holds. This sabbat is also known as All Hallows, Hallow E’en, Halloween, and Samhain (meaning “summer’s end”). Depending on where you are from, “Samhain” is pronounced “sow-in” (in Ireland), “sow-een” (in Wales), “sav-en” (in Scotland), or “sam-hane” (in the US, where Gaelic is not spoken). This date stays the same each year.

Note: Some pagans participate in non-pagan Halloween festivities on 31 October and then celebrate All Hallow’s Eve “Old Style” when the sun has reached fifteen degrees Scorpio (6 November 2008; this date varies each year).

21 DECEMBER 2008 ~ YULE: This “low holiday” or “lesser sabbat” falls on the Winter Solstice, the longest night and shortest day, when the decreasing days give way to increasing light and life. The Goddess becomes the Great Mother and once again gives birth to the new Sun King. This sabbat is also known as Midwinter’s Eve. This date varies each year.

Sources: “The Witches’ Sabbats” byMike Nichols and “2008 Equinox, Solstice & Cross-Quarter Moments Website“