While we are informed by modern Celtic paganism and many other modern and ancient religious traditions, our group is far from monolithic. In this sense we have a great variety of traditions and paths that have been celebrated during our decades of practice. In modern paganism, the dates of the solstices and equinoxes, and cross-quarter dates are referred to as Sabbats or Esbats. We prefer to just call them the holidays of the Great Wheel of the Year. Because there are so many ways to celebrate each one, if you attend one of these celebrations, be aware that we may not adhere to expected traditions. In short, be prepared for anything! The dates listed are approximate, since we generally choose to hold the event on a day when more people can attend, if not on the exact day. During any given year, we may also substitute or combine a holiday or sabbat celebration with a full moon circle.
February 1-2
Commonly celebrated with the Celtic traditions of Imbolc, and the Goddess Brighid, this date has often been our favored time of the year to perform ordinations. Of the many associated qualities of this day – beginnings, new ideas, and initiations hold great meaning within our group.
March 20-22
Commonly falling near the dates of March 20-22, the Spring Equinox heralds the return of warmth to the Earth. From the ancient celebration of Nowruz, to the colorful joy of Holi, the Spring Equinox is a riot of color, flowers, and hope. We gather to celebrate new life, growth, and yes, even to dye eggs.
May 1
One of our most “traditional” celebrations, this cross-quarter date brings out the flower crowns like no other. A joyous day filled with flowers, feasting, and yes, dancing the Maypole, has greeted celebrants to our circle for the past 20 years.
June 20-22
One of the most commonly found solar alignments around the world, monuments, petroglyphs, and more placed to mark the Summer Solstice have been found across the earth and throughout thousands of years.
Sacred Circle now has our own monolithic solar alignment in the Dolmen. The rear point of our capstone lines up with the setting of the sun at the summer solstice.
August 1
The first of August is known as Lughnasadh in Celtic lands, and this cross-quarter day is still a festival in many rural communities. Associated with the first harvest, this day centers on food, community, storytelling, and crafting, among others.
September 20-22
The Fall Equinox has many powerful traditions from the past associated with it, the most commonly known being the descent of Persephone to the Underworld, marking the return of cold weather and darkening skies. This day of balance is also considered the Second Harvest, and feasting is common.
October 31 – Nov. 1
One of the only cross-quarter dates that still adheres to the Celtic tradition of starting the holiday at sundown on the day before, the day of Halloween has a powerful hold on our imaginations. Known as Samhain in Gaelic, this celebration can take many forms. From a “dumb supper” where you share food with the dead, to a traditional Dia De Muertos ofrenda, this night of magic and mystery is often the most well-attended of the year.
December 20-22
From the ancient rites of Saturnalia, and honoring the northern European observance of Yule, the Winter Solstice was a time of gathering in social environments, feasting, merrymaking, singing, and of course, the exchange of gifts. We also honor these roots with a family friendly circle filled with warmth and light.
