Expanding the Wheel of the Year
For centuries, the Wheel of the Year has been a cherished framework for attuning to the Earth’s rhythms, traditionally cycling through eight Sabbats from Yule to Samhain. However, this perspective can sometimes feel static, leaving little space to honor the liminal moments and the transitions between cycles.
This expanded approach reimagines the Wheel as a living, evolving framework—one that bridges ancient practices with modern needs. It emphasizes personal growth, multicultural influences, and the opportunity for intentional development between the markers of time.
The Transition from Samhain to Yule: The Season of the Witch
Traditionally, Samhain (October 31) marks the end of the agricultural cycle and the Wheel of the Year. While some celebrate November 1 as the Witches’ New Year, many cultures see the Winter Solstice as the true beginning of the year, symbolizing the return of the sun. This leaves a critical gap—a time ripe with potential for review and preparation.
Enter The Season of the Witch: a liminal period from November 1 to December 20. This is a time to honor what has passed, shed what no longer serves, and prepare for the inner work of winter. It is a season of deep introspection, where the veils between the seen and unseen remain thin, encouraging connection with ancestors, shadow work, and recalibration.
The Transition to Yule as a Season, Not a Day
Traditionally celebrated on the Winter Solstice, Yule has been seen as the symbolic rebirth of the sun. In this expanded approach, Yule transforms from a single day into a season lasting from December 21 to the Lunar New Year. This extended period mirrors the gradual return of light and encourages foundational work for the new year.
Practices during Yule season focus on both renewal and patience—setting intentions, finding warmth in community, and embracing the reflective energy of winter. This perspective honors not just the Earth’s cycle but the soul’s process of moving from dormancy to rebirth.
The Transition to Sabbats as Seasonal Markers
In this framework, the Sabbats are not just singular events but the gateways into new seasons of energy. Each marks a transition, guiding practitioners through the phases of release, growth, and transformation. From the budding life of Imbolc to the abundance of Lammas, the Wheel offers continuous opportunities to align with nature’s rhythms and personal evolution.
The Wheel as a Cycle of Growth
This expanded Wheel of the Year provides a dynamic framework for growth and evolution. By embracing the liminal spaces and seasonal energies, practitioners can honor both the cycles of nature and their inner journeys. It’s an invitation to live the Wheel—not as a fixed circle, but as a spiral of transformation.