October 31 Halloween: or Samhain, is dedicated to the idea of eternal life, specifically our connection with those who now exists in the Invisible World. On Halloween the “veil” connecting the Invisible World and our World of Form is believed to be so thin that their inhabitants may see or meet each other. Welcoming the ancestors to the Samhain feast is common, as is wearing masks so dead enemies can't find you. Many Witches consider this New Year’s Day.

December 20, 21, 22, or 23 Yule or the Midwinter Solstice: is the longest night and the shortest day of the year. The Power of Fire (Sun) seems to disappear, but it immediately begins to grow stronger (rebirth) as the days grow longer. This holiday represents the astrological turning point from Sagittarius into Capricorn.

February 2 Imbolc, Candlemas: or the Feast of the Waxing Light, signifies the first stirring of plant life beneath the earth. It's widely known as Groundhog Day and St. Bridget’s Day.

March 20, 21, 22, or 23 Ostara or the Vernal or Spring Equinox: marks the equality of time: day and night and the exact balance of two halves of the whole. This holiday represents the astrological turning point from Pisces to Aries.

May 1 Beltane: fertility holiday. This holiday stands exactly opposite Halloween on the calendar and on the Witches’ Wheel of the Year.

June 20, 21, 22, or 23 Litha or the Midsummer Solstice: the counterpart of the Midwinter Solstice; it is the year’s longest day and shortest night and the astrological turning point from Gemini to Cancer.

August 2 Lammas: the First Harvest in fall.

September 20, 21, 22, or 23 Mabon, the Autumnal or Fall Equinox, the Second Harvest: the moment of equal day and equal night just as the year turns to winter.  It is the astrological turning point from Virgo to Libra.

Between these eight Sabbats are the Esbats based on the phases of the moon.