There are eight Sabbats, or days of festival, in the Wiccan calendar. These are the summer and winter solstices, the fall and spring equinoxes, and the "cross quarter" days between them. These mark the eight spokes on the wheel of the year. Since we see the wheel as round and ever-continuing, it really doesn't matter where one begins in describing it. But we shall begin with Yule, the winter solstice, when the sun is reborn.

Yule - December 20-21 (Winter Solstice) This is the festival of the return of the Sun, when the Great Mother brings him forth new-born. The colors of Yule are red and green; plants are the Yule Log, mistletoe, holly, pine and pine cones, and all sorts of nuts.

Candlemas - February 2 This is the feast of the torches, also known as Brigit's day. We bid our Lady return from the darkness, and light the flames so She may see the way. The colors of Candlemas are red and white; plants are roses cherries and apples. [Also called Imbolc, or Oimelc.]

Eostar - March 20-21 (Spring Equinox) This is the festival of spring, when we welcome the Goddess back from her place of rest and ask Her blessings for new growth in the coming year. The colors of Eostar are green, white, and silver; plants are all spring flowers and seeds. Colored eggs are exchanged now.

Beltane - May 1 This is the May Eve, the festival of fertility, when invocations and dances are performed to ensure bountiful crops and the continued fertility of all nature (including humans!). This is the time when the God and Goddess meet as lovers, and He gives the governing of the year to Her until Samhain. The entire rainbow is associated with Beltane, as are all flowers, garlands,trees and fresh leaves.

Litha - June 20-21 (Summer Solstice) This is the festival of summer, when we dance and make merry magick in thanks of the crops growing and the abundance of nature. This is when the light is at its peak, when the day is longest. The color of Litha is green, and plants associated with this day are roses, vines and leaves.

Lammas - August 1 This is the festival of the corn, Lughnassad, when the first fruits of the harvest are brought in, and in the fields the grain is ripe but not yet harvested. We rejoice in the gifts of the Great Mother. Colors for Lammas are green, yellow, and red. Plants are corn, grains, tomatoes, berries and flowers.

Mabon - September 20-21 (Fall Equinox) This is harvest-home, when the crops have been gathered. We give thanks for the Lady's abundance, and feast on the plentiful food. The colors of Mabon are orange, brown, yellow and red. All crops are associated with this festival, as well as the brilliant fall leaves.