wheel of the year: the 8 wiccan sabbats (2026 + 2027 dates)

The turning of the Wheel of the Year is not merely a concept; it’s a living, breathing rhythm that pulses through the veins of our planet and our spiritual practice. For those of us who walk the path of the Witch, understanding these eight sacred points is as fundamental as knowing the phases of the moon. These Sabbats are the anchor points of our year, marking the solstices, equinoxes, and the cross-quarter days that fall precisely between them. Each Sabbat is a potent gateway, offering unique energies for spellwork, reflection, and communion with the divine. This year, and the next, we have the distinct opportunity to align our intentions with these celestial markers. Imagine the power of planting seeds of manifestation under the burgeoning energy of Ostara, or releasing the old under the fiery gaze of Samhain, knowing you are in sync with millennia of tradition. The dates themselves are crucial, not just as calendar entries, but as invitations. They are whispers from the cosmos, guiding us to harness specific energies for growth, harvest, rest, and rebirth. This guide will not only provide you with the precise dates for 2026 and 2027 but will also delve into the heart of each Sabbat, offering practical guidance for your rituals, crystal pairings, herbal allies, and introspective journal prompts. Let us walk this sacred path together, honoring the ancient wisdom of the Wheel.

Understanding the Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is a sacred cycle of eight festivals, observed by many Wiccans and other Pagans. These festivals represent the changing seasons and the life cycle of nature: birth, growth, death, and rebirth. They are divided into two categories: the Greater Sabbats (Solstices and Equinoxes) and the Lesser Sabbats (Cross-Quarter days). The Greater Sabbats are fixed astronomical events, occurring on the exact days of the solstices and equinoxes. These are moments of extreme solar energy – the longest day, the shortest day, and the two days of equal light and darkness. The Lesser Sabbats, on the other hand, are more fluid, typically celebrated on the first or second Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, though some traditions adhere strictly to the astronomical cross-quarter points. These cross-quarter days often fall around the 1st or 2nd of the month, marking the midpoints between the solstices and equinoxes. For instance, Beltane celebrates the height of spring, while Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.

This cyclical understanding of time is deeply rooted in agrarian societies, where the rhythm of the seasons dictated survival and prosperity. The Wheel acknowledges that life is not linear but cyclical, with periods of expansion and contraction, light and dark, activity and rest. Each Sabbat offers a unique energetic signature, a specific flavor of magic that can be harnessed for our personal growth and spiritual development. My own practice has been profoundly shaped by aligning my intentions with these Sabbat energies. For example, during a particularly challenging year, focusing my Samhain shadow work on releasing old fears, rather than just acknowledging them, brought a profound sense of liberation. The key is to approach each Sabbat not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to connect with the earth’s pulse and the divine energies that flow through it.

The Eight Wiccan Sabbats: Dates and Significance

The eight Sabbats are Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh, and Mabon. Each one holds a distinct spiritual meaning and energetic quality. Samhain, celebrated around October 31st, is the end of the harvest and the Witches’ New Year, a time for honoring ancestors and the thinning veil between worlds. Yule, the Winter Solstice around December 21st, marks the rebirth of the Sun and the longest night, a time for introspection and hope. Imbolc, around February 1st, is a festival of light and purification, often associated with the goddess Brigid, heralding the first stirrings of spring. Ostara, the Spring Equinox around March 20th, is a celebration of balance, fertility, and new beginnings. Beltane, around May 1st, is a joyous festival of love, fertility, and the union of the divine masculine and feminine.

Litha, the Summer Solstice around June 21st, marks the longest day and the peak of solar power, a time for celebration and harnessing vibrant energy. Lughnasadh (or Lammas), around August 1st, is the first harvest festival, a time of gratitude for abundance and the first fruits of our labor. Finally, Mabon, the Autumn Equinox around September 21st, is the second harvest festival, a time of balance, gratitude, and preparing for the darker half of the year. Understanding the progression of these Sabbats helps us to see the natural flow of life, death, and rebirth, and to consciously participate in this cosmic dance. My personal journey with the Wheel has taught me that each Sabbat is a chapter, and by honoring each one, we write a richer, more meaningful spiritual narrative for ourselves.

2026 Sabbat Dates

Samhain

Date: November 1, 2026
Astronomical Data: This Sabbat is tied to the Autumnal Equinox, not a specific astronomical event on November 1st itself. However, it is traditionally celebrated on this date, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark half of the year. The moon phase closest to this date will influence the specific energies. For November 1, 2026, the Moon will be in its Waning Gibbous phase, approximately 60% illuminated, rising in the evening and setting in the early morning. This phase is excellent for reflection and releasing what no longer serves us, aligning perfectly with Samhain’s themes.

Yule (Winter Solstice)

Date: December 21, 2026
Astronomical Data: The Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM UTC. This is the shortest day and longest night of the year. The Moon on this day will be in its Waxing Crescent phase, about 15% illuminated, rising shortly after sunset and setting before dawn. This nascent lunar energy, combined with the Sun’s rebirth, creates a potent atmosphere for setting intentions for the coming year and embracing the return of light.

Imbolc

Date: February 1, 2026
Astronomical Data: Imbolc is traditionally celebrated around February 1st. The Moon on February 1, 2026, will be in its Waning Crescent phase, around 30% illuminated. It will rise in the early morning hours, preceding the Sun. This phase of the moon, just before the New Moon, is a powerful time for purification and inner reflection, mirroring the dormant yet awakening energy of the earth.

Ostara (Spring Equinox)

Date: March 20, 2026
Astronomical Data: The Spring Equinox occurs on March 20, 2026, at 3:06 AM UTC. This marks a time of equal day and night. The Moon on this day will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, approximately 75% illuminated, rising in the afternoon and setting in the early morning. This waxing lunar energy, coupled with the balance of the equinox, is ideal for planting seeds of intention and fostering growth.

Beltane

Date: May 1, 2026
Astronomical Data: Beltane is traditionally celebrated around May 1st. The Moon on May 1, 2026, will be in its Waning Gibbous phase, about 65% illuminated, rising in the evening and setting before dawn. While Beltane is a time of burgeoning life and fertility, the waning moon here encourages a focus on the culmination of spring’s growth and the release of any lingering inhibitions before the full bloom of summer.

Litha (Summer Solstice)

Date: June 21, 2026
Astronomical Data: The Summer Solstice occurs on June 21, 2026, at 10:44 PM UTC. This is the longest day of the year. The Moon on this day will be in its Waning Crescent phase, about 20% illuminated, rising just before the sun and setting shortly after. This phase, combined with the peak solar energy, is perfect for celebrating life’s abundance and grounding the vibrant energies of summer.

Lughnasadh (Lammas)

Date: August 1, 2026
Astronomical Data: Lughnasadh is traditionally celebrated around August 1st. The Moon on August 1, 2026, will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, approximately 70% illuminated, rising in the afternoon and setting in the early morning. This phase, combined with the first harvest, is a potent time for gratitude, celebrating abundance, and preparing for the next cycle of growth.

Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

Date: September 22, 2026
Astronomical Data: The Autumn Equinox occurs on September 22, 2026, at 2:30 AM UTC. This is a time of equal day and night. The Moon on this day will be in its Waning Gibbous phase, about 85% illuminated, rising in the evening and setting in the early morning. This phase of reflection, paired with the equinox’s balance, is ideal for giving thanks and releasing what is no longer needed before the descent into winter.

2027 Sabbat Dates

Samhain

Date: November 1, 2027
Astronomical Data: Similar to 2026, Samhain is observed around November 1st. On November 1, 2027, the Moon will be in its Waning Gibbous phase, approximately 55% illuminated, rising in the evening and setting in the early morning. This phase continues the theme of introspection and release, making it a powerful time to connect with ancestral energies and prepare for the inner work of winter.

Yule (Winter Solstice)

Date: December 21, 2027
Astronomical Data: The Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, 2027, at 6:59 AM UTC. The Moon on this day will be in its Waxing Crescent phase, about 10% illuminated, rising shortly after sunset and setting before dawn. The Sun’s rebirth on the longest night, coupled with this tender lunar energy, creates a profound opportunity for deep introspection and the planting of seeds for future growth and light.

Imbolc

Date: February 1, 2027
Astronomical Data: Imbolc is celebrated around February 1st. On February 1, 2027, the Moon will be in its Waning Crescent phase, around 25% illuminated, rising in the early morning hours before the Sun. This phase, preceding the New Moon, is deeply aligned with Imbolc’s themes of inner purification, spiritual awakening, and the subtle yet persistent promise of spring’s return.

Ostara (Spring Equinox)

Date: March 20, 2027
Astronomical Data: The Spring Equinox occurs on March 20, 2027, at 11:37 AM UTC. The Moon on this day will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, approximately 80% illuminated, rising in the afternoon and setting in the early morning. The equinox’s balance of light and dark, amplified by the waxing moon’s generative power, is perfect for fostering new life and setting intentions for growth.

Beltane

Date: May 1, 2027
Astronomical Data: Beltane is celebrated around May 1st. The Moon on May 1, 2027, will be in its Waning Gibbous phase, about 60% illuminated, rising in the evening and setting before dawn. While Beltane is a time of outward celebration, this waning moon energy encourages a focus on the integration of spring’s blossoming and a gentle release of any remaining hesitations before the full exuberance of summer.

Litha (Summer Solstice)

Date: June 21, 2027
Astronomical Data: The Summer Solstice occurs on June 21, 2027, at 9:24 AM UTC. The Moon on this day will be in its Waning Crescent phase, about 15% illuminated, rising just before the sun and setting shortly after. This phase, alongside the peak solar energy, is a powerful time to celebrate the abundance of life, ground your intentions, and bask in the vibrant, expansive energies of high summer.

Lughnasadh (Lammas)

Date: August 1, 2027
Astronomical Data: Lughnasadh is celebrated around August 1st. The Moon on August 1, 2027, will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, approximately 75% illuminated, rising in the afternoon and setting in the early morning. This phase, coinciding with the first harvest, is a potent time for expressing gratitude, acknowledging abundance, and celebrating the fruits of our labor and spiritual growth.

Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

Date: September 23, 2027
Astronomical Data: The Autumn Equinox occurs on September 23, 2027, at 12:01 AM UTC. The Moon on this day will be in its Waning Gibbous phase, about 90% illuminated, rising in the evening and setting in the early morning. This phase of deep reflection, coupled with the equinox’s balance, is perfect for profound gratitude, releasing what no longer serves, and preparing for the introspective season ahead.

Ritual Actions for Each Sabbat

Each Sabbat offers a unique energetic signature that calls for specific ritual actions. For Samhain, the focus is on ancestor veneration and shadow work. This could involve creating an ancestor altar with photos and offerings, performing a ritual to release old patterns, or engaging in divination to gain insight into the coming year. When I first started practicing Samhain, I focused too much on spooky imagery and missed the profound opportunity for inner healing. It wasn’t until I dedicated my ritual to releasing a specific fear I’d carried for years that I felt the true transformative power of this Sabbat. For Yule, the ritual centers on the rebirth of the Sun and welcoming back the light. Lighting a Yule log, setting intentions for the new solar year, and meditating on hope are all powerful practices. In my own Yule rituals, I always ensure I have at least three candles lit, symbolizing the return of light and the hope for the future.

Imbolc calls for purification and the awakening of inner fire. Rituals might include cleansing your sacred space, dedicating a candle to Brigid, or planting symbolic seeds indoors. Ostara is about balance and new beginnings. Consider a ritual that balances your energies, plants seeds (literally or metaphorically), or celebrates fertility and growth. Beltane is a vibrant festival of life, love, and union. Rituals often involve dancing around a maypole, handfasting ceremonies, or fire rituals to purify and bless. Litha, the peak of summer, is a time for celebrating life and harnessing solar energy. Activities could include sun gazing (safely, of course!), feasting, or performing rituals to invoke abundance and vitality. I once performed a Litha ritual where I focused on drawing solar energy into my body through visualization for over an hour; the sustained energy boost I felt for days was remarkable.

Lughnasadh, the first harvest, is about gratitude and acknowledging abundance. Rituals often involve baking bread from the first grains, giving thanks for the harvest, and performing rituals for prosperity. Mabon, the second harvest, is a time of balance and reflection. Rituals might include a harvest feast, giving thanks for the earth’s bounty, and performing rituals to release what is no longer needed, mirroring the falling leaves. My Mabon rituals always involve a symbolic offering of the season’s first fruits back to the earth, a practice that always fills me with profound gratitude.

Samhain Ritual: The Ancestor’s Hearth

Light a black or white candle on your altar. Place a photo or memento of a beloved ancestor or departed loved one before it. Speak their name aloud and share a positive memory. You can also write down any unresolved feelings or messages you wish to send to the spirit world and safely burn them in a heatproof bowl. This ritual is about connection and release, not fear. Remember to ground yourself afterward.

Yule Ritual: The Seed of Hope

On the longest night, light a red or gold candle. Hold a seed (oak, pine, or any you feel drawn to) in your hand. Visualize the Sun’s returning strength and imbue the seed with your deepest hope or intention for the coming year. Bury the seed in a pot indoors or in your garden, symbolizing the planting of your intention for the solar cycle ahead. Speak your intention aloud three times.

Imbolc Ritual: Brigid’s Flame of Inspiration

Cleanse your home with smoke (sage or lavender). Create a simple Brigid’s cross from straw or reeds. Place a white or red candle on your altar, perhaps with a statue or image of Brigid. Light the candle and meditate on what new inspirations or creative sparks are beginning to stir within you. Speak a prayer or invocation to Brigid, asking for her guidance and protection for your creative endeavors.

Ostara Ritual: The Dance of Balance

Decorate your altar with spring flowers, eggs, and symbols of new life. Light a green or pink candle. Perform a simple ritual to honor the balance of light and dark. This could involve walking a labyrinth, a ritualistic balancing of weights, or a meditation focused on achieving inner equilibrium. Plant seeds for your garden or a small indoor herb garden, focusing on the intention of growth and harmony.

Beltane Ritual: The Fiery Union

If possible, perform a ritual involving fire, such as a bonfire or a ritual fire in a hearth or fireplace. Leap over the flames (safely!) to symbolize purification and fertility. Alternatively, create a symbolic representation of union, such as tying two ribbons together or placing two statues side-by-side. Focus on the energies of passion, creativity, and the blossoming of life. You might also incorporate floral elements and the scent of honeysuckle.

Litha Ritual: The Sun’s Embrace

Celebrate the longest day by spending time outdoors, connecting with nature. Perform a ritual of gratitude for the Sun’s energy and life-giving power. This could involve sun gazing (with extreme caution and proper technique), a ritual feast outdoors, or a meditation focused on absorbing solar energy. Decorate your altar with bright, vibrant colors, sun symbols, and flowers. Invoke the power of the Sun for strength and vitality.

Lughnasadh Ritual: The First Offering

Bake bread from scratch using flour or grains, symbolizing the first harvest. Offer a portion of the bread back to the earth or to a deity associated with harvest and abundance. Decorate your altar with grains, fruits, and symbols of harvest. Perform a ritual of gratitude for the abundance in your life, acknowledging the fruits of your labor and spiritual growth. This is a time to celebrate what you have sown and reaped.

Mabon Ritual: The Gratitude Harvest

Gather symbols of the harvest—fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. Decorate your altar with autumnal colors like gold, brown, and deep red. Perform a ritual of gratitude, acknowledging the abundance of the past year. You can also engage in a ritual of release, writing down what you wish to let go of and safely burning it. This Sabbat is about balance and preparing for the introspective season ahead.

Crystals and Herbs for Each Sabbat

The earth provides us with powerful allies in our Sabbat rituals: crystals and herbs. For Samhain, grounding and protective stones like Black Tourmaline and Obsidian are excellent, alongside herbs like Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) for divination and Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) for remembrance. When I worked with Obsidian during Samhain, I found it incredibly helpful in grounding me during intense shadow work sessions. For Yule, the focus is on rebirth and hope. Clear Quartz amplifies intentions, while Sunstone brings warmth and optimism. Herbs like Pine (Pinus spp.) and Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) are wonderful for invoking the returning light and sacredness. My Yule altar always features a piece of Sunstone to remind me of the Sun’s imminent return.

Imbolc calls for purification and new beginnings. Amethyst is perfect for spiritual clarity, and Rose Quartz for self-love and inner peace. Herbs like Angelica (Angelica archangelica) for protection and purification, and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) for invigorating energy are ideal. Ostara celebrates balance and fertility. Aventurine promotes growth and luck, while Moonstone enhances intuition and new beginnings. Herbs like Basil (Ocimum basilicum) for prosperity and growth, and Violet (Viola odorata) for love and good fortune are fitting. Beltane is a time of passion and fertility. Carnelian ignites passion and creativity, and Rose Quartz fosters love. Herbs like Rose (Rosa spp.) for love and passion, and Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) for luck and devotion are potent allies. I always use rose petals in my Beltane rituals; their scent is intoxicating and deeply connected to the Sabbat’s energy.

Litha, the peak of summer, calls for vibrant energy. Citrine amplifies joy and abundance, while Sunstone brings warmth and vitality. Herbs like St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) for protection and strength, and Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) for joy and vitality are excellent. Lughnasadh, the first harvest, is about gratitude and abundance. Citrine for prosperity, and Tiger’s Eye for grounding and seeing things clearly are good choices. Herbs like Barley (Hordeum vulgare) for abundance and gratitude, and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) for courage and purification are fitting. Mabon, the autumn equinox, calls for reflection and balance. Jasper for grounding and stability, and Amethyst for spiritual insight are ideal. Herbs like Oak (Quercus spp.) for strength and wisdom, and Sage (Salvia officinalis) for purification and release are potent. When I worked with Jasper during Mabon, I felt a deep sense of stability and connection to the earth’s cycles.

Journal Prompts for Sabbat Reflection

Journaling is an integral part of understanding and integrating the energies of the Wheel of the Year. Each Sabbat offers a unique lens through which to examine our lives and spiritual paths. For Samhain, prompts might include: “What aspects of myself or my life do I need to release before the new year?” or “What wisdom have my ancestors or past experiences imparted to me?” Reflecting on these questions during Samhain has helped me to shed old patterns that no longer serve my growth. For Yule, consider: “What ‘seeds’ of intention am I planting for the coming solar year?” and “What inner ‘light’ am I nurturing during this time of darkness?”

Imbolc invites introspection on inner stirrings: “What creative sparks are beginning to ignite within me?” and “How can I purify my spiritual path and make space for new growth?” Ostara prompts us to explore balance and new beginnings: “Where in my life do I seek greater balance?” and “What new ventures or ideas am I ready to plant and nurture?” Beltane asks us to embrace passion and life force: “What brings me passion and joy?” and “How can I express my creativity and life force more fully?” Litha encourages us to celebrate abundance: “What aspects of my life am I celebrating?” and “How can I harness and ground the vibrant energy of summer?”

Lughnasadh prompts gratitude for harvest: “What abundance have I reaped this year, both tangible and intangible?” and “How can I show gratitude for the fruits of my labor?” Mabon invites reflection on balance and release: “What am I grateful for as the year winds down?” and “What needs to be released or let go of before winter’s rest?” My Mabon journal entries always focus on gratitude, and I’ve noticed a significant shift in my perspective on abundance since I started this practice. These prompts are merely starting points; feel free to adapt them to your personal journey and the unique energies you feel during each Sabbat.

Altar Setup for Each Sabbat

Your altar is a sacred space, a focal point for your Sabbat rituals. Setting it up with intention can greatly enhance your connection to the Sabbat’s energy. For Samhain, an altar might include symbols of death and rebirth, such as skulls, dried leaves, black and orange candles, and images of ancestors. A chalice filled with water can represent the veil between worlds. For Yule, focus on the returning Sun and the longest night. Decorate with evergreens, pinecones, red and gold candles, and a Yule log. Symbols of the Sun and rebirth are key. My Yule altar always features a miniature evergreen tree, adorned with small, symbolic ornaments.

Imbolc’s altar should reflect purification and the first stirrings of spring. Use white and silver candles, symbols of Brigid (like a hearth fire or a swan), and early spring flowers like snowdrops or crocuses. Cleansing herbs like rosemary or sage can also be incorporated. Ostara’s altar celebrates balance and fertility. Decorate with pastel colors, eggs, spring flowers, and symbols of new life like sprouting seeds. Green and pink candles are fitting. Beltane’s altar is vibrant and full of life. Use red and white ribbons, fresh flowers, a maypole representation, and symbols of fertility and union. Red, green, and white candles enhance the energy. I once created a small maypole for my Beltane altar using twigs and colorful ribbons, and the energy was palpable.

Litha, the Summer Solstice, calls for a bright and abundant altar. Use yellow, gold, and orange candles, sun symbols, summer flowers, and fruits. Fresh, vibrant energy is key. L