WHEEL OF THE YEAR
by Broceliande



I am often asked about the mythology which underlies the Craft. There are many 
versions of the Wheel of the Year, some which have the Old and Young King vying 
at the Summer Solstice or at Yule. Others, like the one which follows, are based 
on the planting and harvest cycles of the ancient peoples.

At Yule (December 21) the Goddess gives birth to her Son, the God. This is also 
the origin of the idea that Jesus and Mithras were born at this time of year.

At Imbolc (February 2) She has recovered from the birth and He is a growing lad 
whose strength increases with the waxing power of the sun.

By Ostara (taken from the pagans and now called Easter by the Christians), which 
is the first of the spring planting festivals, The Maiden Goddess and the Young 
God are maturing. Think of them now as adolescents.

At Beltaine (May 1) when planting is truly underway, the adult Goddess and God 
lie together. This ensures the abundance of the next harvest. At this time the 
Goddess is also impregnated, thus assuring the continuation of life.

By the Summer Solstice, the Goddess knows she is pregnant and He is at the peak 
of his power.

Lughnassadh (August 1) was the time the ancients gave thanks for the first 
fruits of the harvest. The Summer and the God are waning.

At Mabon (September 21) which is the Fall Equinox, the light begins to grow 
less, and the God weakens in preparation for leaving his aging body. We make 
ready for the Winter to come.

Samhain (October 31), most often recognized as our New Year, is also called 
Ancestor Night. It represents the final harvest, when the crops were safely 
stored for the coming Winter. As the veil between the worlds of life and death 
is thin on this night, we take time to remember our beloved dead. The God gives 
his life up to the land, and goes to await his coming rebirth at Yule.

The wheel turns again. The story of the life, death and rebirth of the God is 
the story of the land and the cropsÖ.It is also the story of each of us.