Turning the Wheel: Celebrating the Seasonal sabbats
Wheel of the Year Sabbat Magickal Series
At Modern Magickal Family, we teach the significance of the Sabbats—the seasonal festivals that mark the turning of the Wheel of the Year. Rooted in ancient traditions, these celebrations honor the cycles of nature, from the rebirth of the earth at Imbolc to the abundance of Lammas and the introspection of Samhain. To help families and individuals celebrate these the Wheel of the Year with intention and magick, there is an aligned workbook and guide that focuses on each specific Sabbat, offering rituals, crafts, recipes, and reflections tailored to the season. Use them to deepen your connection to nature, honor the cycles of the year, and create meaningful traditions with your loved ones and celebrate each Sabbat in a way that feels authentic and joyful. Whether you are exploring these practices for the first time or continuing a long-standing journey, these workbooks are designed to inspire and guide you through each celebration. By aligning with these sacred seasons, we help you cultivate deeper connections to nature, your loved ones, and your own magickal journey.
wheel of the year correspondences
Symbols of the Sabbats
Symbols of the Sabbats
Symbols of the Sabbats
Common symbols of the different Sabbats
Animals
Symbols of the Sabbats
Symbols of the Sabbats
Common animals of the different Sabbats
Crystals and Herbs
Symbols of the Sabbats
Crystals and Herbs
Crystals and herbs aligned to the different Sabbats
The Sabbats
Overview of the Sabbats
In the Sabbat Workbook Series, each Sabbat represents a unique point in the Wheel of the Year, offering an opportunity to connect with nature’s rhythms, harness the power of the seasons, and align your spiritual practice with the energies of the Earth. Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year, focusing on honoring ancestors and embracing transformation. Yule, the Winter Solstice, celebrates the rebirth of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness, inviting reflection and renewal. Imbolc heralds the first signs of spring, a time for purification, new beginnings, and spiritual awakening. Ostara, the Spring Equinox, embodies balance and growth, emphasizing fertility, renewal, and the blossoming of new opportunities. Beltane celebrates the full arrival of spring with a focus on passion, creativity, and connecting with the natural world’s vitality. Litha, the Summer Solstice, honors the power of the sun at its peak, symbolizing strength, abundance, and the height of life’s energy. Lammas, or Lughnasadh, marks the first harvest, encouraging gratitude for the fruits of labor and the celebration of abundance. Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, brings balance and reflection as the second harvest is gathered, inviting introspection and preparing for the quieter, inward energies of the coming months. Each Sabbat offers its own unique lessons, rituals, and celebrations that guide practitioners in aligning their lives with the cycles of nature and cultivating a purposeful, intentional existence.
Samhain (October 31 - November 1)
Samhain, often called the Witches' New Year, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter’s darkness. It’s a time of reflection, honoring ancestors, and recognizing the cycles of life and death. As the veil between worlds is believed to be thinnest during this Sabbat, it offers a powerful opportunity for spiritual connection and divination. Samhain teaches transformation and renewal through the acceptance of endings, paving the way for new beginnings.
Yule (Winter Solstice - December 21)
Yule marks the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, and the return of the sun’s light. This ancient celebration honors renewal, hope, and the cycles of nature. From evergreen trees to burning the Yule log, it’s a time to connect with the magic of the season.
Yule is a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. It reminds us of the eternal cycles of life, the balance of light and dark, and the power of community. The evergreen symbolizes life’s resilience, while the Yule log represents protection and prosperity.
In modern times, Yule invites us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with nature’s cycles. It’s a time for gratitude, releasing the past, and setting intentions for the coming year. Yule reminds us that even in the darkest times, the light will always return. It’s a celebration of hope, resilience, and the magic of the season.
Imbolc (February 1-2)
Imbolc, celebrated around February 1st or 2nd, is a Celtic festival marking the midpoint between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara). It is a time to honor the slow awakening of the earth from winter’s slumber and to celebrate the return of light and warmth. This festival symbolizes renewal, purification, and the potential for growth, much like the first stirrings of spring beneath the frozen ground.
Imbolc is also a time for setting intentions, clearing away the old, and inviting in new opportunities. This sacred celebration encourages us to connect with nature, embrace creativity, and nurture the "seeds" of growth we wish to cultivate in the coming months.
Ostara (Spring Equinox - March 20-23)
Ostara, the Spring Equinox, celebrates balance, renewal, and the arrival of spring. This Sabbat represents harmony between light and dark and emphasizes growth, fertility, and the blossoming of new opportunities. It’s a time to nurture seeds—both literal and figurative—planting the intentions that will shape the year ahead. Ostara encourages practitioners to embrace transformation, abundance, and the awakening of nature’s energies, bringing a sense of rejuvenation and hope.
Beltane (April 30 - May 1)
Beltane is a fiery celebration of passion, fertility, and the full arrival of spring. It’s a time to honor the earth’s vibrancy and celebrate the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. The Maypole dance and bonfires symbolize the union of the divine feminine and masculine energies, fostering creativity, love, and vitality. Beltane encourages practitioners to connect with the sensual, fertile energies of the Earth, nurturing personal and spiritual growth through passion and joy.
Litha (Summer Solstice - June 21)
Litha, the Summer Solstice, is the peak of the sun’s power, celebrating strength, abundance, and vitality. It’s a time of illumination and peak energy, representing the full blossoming of life and manifestation. Litha encourages practitioners to recognize their own power, harnessing the sun’s energy to bring their dreams and goals to fruition. It’s a time of celebration and gratitude for the abundance in life, connecting with nature’s vitality and the fiery energy of summer.
Lammas (Lughnasadh - August 1)
Lammas, or Lughnasadh, marks the first of the harvest festivals, celebrating the abundance of the earth. It’s a time to give thanks for the fruits of labor, both physical and spiritual, and to acknowledge the hard work that has brought prosperity. Lammas encourages practitioners to share their blessings and reflect on what they’ve cultivated throughout the year. It’s a Sabbat of gratitude, community, and honoring the cycles of growth, harvest, and transformation.
Mabon (Autumn Equinox - September 20-23)
Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, brings a time of balance and reflection as the second harvest is gathered. It’s a moment to pause and give thanks for the abundance of the earth, while also preparing for the inward energy of the darker months ahead. Mabon encourages introspection, gratitude, and the setting of intentions for the final months of the year. It’s a time to reflect on the lessons learned and the growth achieved, honoring the harvest both within and around us.