Honouring Nature's Rhythms: the Wheel of the Year

Connecting to the wheel of the year; making meaning, anchoring and grounding through ritual and cycles

The Wheel of the Year is a cyclical calendar that’s rooted in Celtic spirituality. It’s followed in many Pagan, Wiccan and nature-based spiritual traditions. This calendar maps out the seasonal, Pagan festivals of the solar year, marking the rhythms of nature, agriculture, and human life. The Wheel of the Year turns continuously, showing how life, death and rebirth are ever-present cycles mirrored in the natural world. It teaches that each season has its own energy and wisdom.

If you’re new here I’m Laura, a counsellor, nature therapist, somatic therapist, sound healer and I’m also an initiated Pagan priestess. My offerings are all about supporting you to connect with yourself and the world around you.

Before I talk more about the Wheel of The Year and working with cycles and seasons, it’s important to say that this is a relatively new system that only really dates back to the 1950s and it’s not without its problems. Many folk traditions in England have been lost over the years for a number of reasons, including the invasion of the Romans and the Reformation of the Church. The Wheel of the Year came into existence because two neopagan groups in Britain, the Bricket Wood coven led by Gerald Gardner and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids led by Ross Nichols, came together to unify the way that the cycles and seasons of nature were honoured.

The Wheel of the Year is a relatively new system that only really dates back to the 1950s and it isn’t without its problems

A majority of the names of the festival days that are celebrated when following this structure come from cultural backgrounds that include the Celtic nations of Scotland, Wales and Ireland. This is something that should be acknowledged and reflected upon because the colonisation of countries like Wales, Ireland and Scotland by the English meant that these Celtic nations weren’t legally able to speak their own languages or take part in their own cultural or spiritual traditions. This is something to reflect upon as we explore seasonal celebrations through the year. We can also reflect on the dogmatic way that these seasons are uniformly presented through the pagan world, even in countries where seasonal cycles are different.

There is little doubt that our ancestors would have lived their lives in accordance to the cycles and seasons of nature but these cycles and seasons are likely to have been acknowledged and honoured on a local level, rather than there being a uniform calendar of events that was celebrated across the UK. I do follow the wheel of the year but I am careful to consider the way I take meaning from it. It’s given me an opportunity to consider what following cycles and seasons specifically means to me. What do these seasons look like on the lands that I live on? How can I honour these seasons and cycles with sensitivity to the cultures that we, as English people, have taken so much from?

Observing the celtic wheel of the Year and living in alignment with nature’s seasons

So, with the above out of the way, let’s talk about The Wheel of the Year. What ever your spiritual or religious beliefs, the Celtic pagan calendar and this way of observing the cycles and seasons of nature can serve as a beautiful framework. You can find out more about modern paganism here, where I’ve shared a lecture by Ronald Hutton.

Our ancestors all over Great Britain and Ireland would have led lives that connected deeply to agricultural cycles so it’s no surprise that paganism is rooted in a belief that nature is divine. This aligns beautifully with other religious that hold the belief that god, or spirit, exists is in all of creation, for example the Sikh mantra, Ek Ong Kar which means ‘the creator and the creation are one’.

Observing the Wheel of the Year can also serve as a guide to our own natural cycles. Each celebration day marks a transition and these transitions help us to understand our own transitions through life. Having these anchors in our ever-changing world, offers us the space to pause, reflect, to live with intention and express gratitude.

Our ancestors organised their lives around the cycles and seasons of nature

Following the cycles and seasons would have been a matter of life and death for ancient civilisations. The arrival of Spring meant starting to plant the seeds that would eventually become the food that sustained them through the winter. Their daily rhythms were informed by the sun and connecting with intention to seasonal changes would have led to a deep connection with the natural world around them. We can see why our ancestors nurtured a profound and reciprocal bond with the land and connected with each other in community through their shared and interconnected experiences. Many of the gods and goddesses that have been worshiped across the world have connections to the idea of bringing in abundance, having a successful harvest and protection through the darkness of winter.

So how does the wheel of the year unfold and how can we understand it and work with it?

The wheel of the year is always turning

The Wheel of the Year features eight celebration days. Four of these are specifically connected to the sun and the amount of daylight we experience. These are the winter solstice (known as Yule), spring equinox (Ostara), summer solstice (Litha) and autumn equinox (Mabon). Between these are the four fire festivals of Samhain (pronounced sah-win), Imbolc (pronounced im-olc), Beltane, and Lammas or Lughnasa.

Each festival holds a unique essence, and there is often an association with Gods and Goddesses, trees, and folklore. Sadly, we have lost a lot of our ancient traditions and the way we celebrate these festivals today is based on a best guess about the the ways our ancestors would have followed and celebrated the agricultural year. That is not to say that the newness of this framework means it lacks meaning. We know our ancestors lived cyclically and we can connect with the archetypal energy of these festivals and make our own meaning from them. That might be one of the reasons I’m drawn to paganism over organised religion; I get to decide how to apply it to my own life and you can too.

Rituals, whether shared with family, observed alone, or celebrated with the community, are powerful. Observing the wheel of the year encourages us to remember and reimagine the sacred aspects of our lives, to create beauty, to sow seeds of intention and to offer gratitude for our lives. To deepen your connection with these festivals, I’ve offered a brief overview below, along with a suggestion for making sense of them in the modern world. You’ll also find a link to a more in depth blog post for each celebration, with journal prompts and a seasonal playlist.

Imbolc (February 1st - 2nd): emerging from the darkness of winter

Imbolc is a beautiful celebration that sits halfway between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara). Also known as Féile Bríde or “the quickening of the year,” Imbolc marks the very first signs that winter is beginning to loosen its grip. Traditionally, it’s the beginning of lambing season, a time when new life stirs beneath the surface of the cold, barren earth. You might notice the first snowdrops pushing through the frost, buds forming on bare branches, or a subtle shift in the quality of light. All of these are signs that the Earth is beginning to awaken.

Imbolc is deeply connected to the Celtic goddess Brigid (also known as Brigit, Brid, or Brigantia), a revered Triple Goddess associated with fire, fertility, healing, poetry, and the forge. She embodies the energy of transformation—both creative and restorative—and was so beloved that she was later woven into Christian tradition as Saint Brigid. Her presence at Imbolc reminds us of the spark of life returning, not only in the world around us but also within ourselves.

In a modern context, Imbolc offers a moment to pause and reflect on how we’re beginning to emerge from the darkness and stillness of winter. What seeds are beginning to stir within us? What insights or healing have taken place during the quieter months? This is a time to gently reconnect with our inner flame—our creativity, our energy, and our sense of purpose—as we prepare to move into the more active seasons ahead.

If you’d like to explore this further, I’ve created a set of Imbolc journal prompts and a playlist to help you connect with the energy of this seasonal threshold. Check out my Imbolc journal prompts and playlist here.

Ostara and the Spring Equinox (March 21st): celebrating rebirth, renewal, and fertility, as the earth awakens from winter slumber and life begins to bloom again.

The name Ostara comes from the ancient Germanic goddess of the same name, who symbolises the dawn, renewal, springtime, and new beginnings. She embodies the awakening of life and the hopeful promise that follows the long, dark winter months. Ostara celebrates the return of the sun’s warmth and light, marking a time of transformation and growth. This festival aligns with the Spring Equinox, the moment in the year when day and night are perfectly balanced and equal in length. This natural equilibrium between light and dark offers a powerful reminder of harmony, cycles, and the delicate dance between opposing forces in our lives.

In many traditions, Ostara represents not just the external changes in the natural world, but also an invitation to look inward. It’s an opportunity to reflect on areas of our own lives that may feel out of balance and to consider how we might invite greater harmony and renewal. What parts of yourself or your routine could benefit from fresh energy or a new approach? How can you nurture growth, whether in relationships, creativity, work, or personal wellbeing, as the world around you bursts into bloom?

In a modern context, connecting with Ostara encourages us to embrace change with openness and optimism, to align with the rhythms of nature, and to set intentions for the coming months. To help you explore this vibrant season more deeply, check out my Ostara journal prompts and playlist here.

Beltane (May 1st): celebrating the peak of Spring and the coming of Summer

Beltane is a vibrant and joyful celebration that honours fertility, fire, creativity, and the exuberant growth of life. Traditionally held on May 1st, it marks the peak of spring when animals are out to pasture, wildflowers carpet the fields, and the days stretch longer and warmer, filled with golden sunlight. This festival is a time of energy and vitality and a celebration of the natural world bursting into full bloom.

At the heart of Beltane are the figures of the May Queen and the Green Man, symbolic representations of feminine and masculine energies intertwined with the earth’s fertility and renewal. Their presence is woven through ancient festivities that included lively dancing around the Maypole, singing, and communal rituals designed to honour the power of the land and the promise of abundance. These rituals celebrated not only the physical fertility of the earth but also the creative spark within each of us and the impulse to bring new ideas, projects, and relationships into being.

In a modern context, Beltane invites us to pause and reflect on our own creative processes and the things we are nurturing in our lives. It’s a time to express gratitude for the warmth and light of the approaching summer and to consciously consider what we are bringing forth—whether that’s new passions, intentions, or growth in any area of our lives. Connecting with the energy of Beltane can inspire us to embrace our own vitality and to celebrate the fullness of life around us.

To help you engage more deeply with this lively festival, I’ve put together a Beltane playlist and journal prompts. Check out my Beltane playlist and journal prompts here.

Litha or the Summer Solstice: celebrating the longest day and acknowledging the move towards the dark half of the year

Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice, marks the pinnacle of summer and honours the power of the sun on the longest day of the year. It is a celebration of abundance, light, and vitality at a time when the earth is overflowing with life, growth, and energy. The sun shines at its strongest, illuminating the world with warmth and brilliance, reminding us of the life-giving force that sustains us all. This festival invites us to pause and appreciate the richness of the season; the fruits ripening on the vine, the lush greenery, and the buzzing activity of nature in full swing.

At the same time, Litha carries a subtle reminder that the year is beginning to turn. While we revel in the height of light, we also acknowledge that the days will soon grow shorter, and we are gradually moving toward the darker half of the year. This dual awareness invites balance; how can we celebrate brightness and abundance while preparing ourselves for rest and reflection.

In a modern context, Litha is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on all the abundance in our lives and cultivate gratitude for the blessings we often take for granted. It’s a chance to connect with the earth’s cycles and align ourselves with the natural rhythms of growth, peak, and release. Whether you want to focus on personal growth, harvest your achievements, or simply bask in the warmth of the season, Litha offers a powerful moment for mindfulness and celebration.

To support your connection with this radiant festival, I’ve created a set of Litha journal prompts and a playlist designed to inspire reflection and joy. Check out my Litha journal prompts and playlist here.

Lammas or Lughnasadh: celebrating the arrival of Autumn and the harvest

Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, is a vibrant festival that celebrates the first harvest of the year. This ancient Celtic holiday marks a time of gratitude and abundance, honoring the gathering of the earliest crops and the fruits of the earth’s labor. The festival is named after Lugh, a powerful god associated with the sun, craftsmanship, and the arts. Lugh’s influence is seen as a blessing on the creativity and skill required to cultivate the land and transform its gifts into sustenance and beauty.

Lughnasadh falls roughly halfway between the Summer Solstice (Litha) and the Autumnal Equinox (Mabon), serving as a pivotal moment in the cycle of the seasons. It marks the beginning of the transition from the vibrant, flourishing energy of summer into the slowing, gathering period of autumn. This festival is both a celebration and a time to acknowledge the ongoing rhythm of growth, harvest, and preparation for the coming colder months.

The alternative name for this celebration, Lammas, derives from the Old English term “Loaf Mass,” referring to the tradition of baking the first bread from the newly harvested grain and offering it in gratitude. This act symbolises the sacred relationship between humans and the earth, recognizing the nourishment and life that comes from the soil and the sun. Lammas and Lughnasadh are deeply connected to themes of gratitude, craftsmanship, sustenance, and community.

In a modern context, Lughnasadh invites us to reflect on what we are harvesting in our own lives, whether tangible achievements, personal growth, or relationships, and to celebrate the fruits of our efforts. It’s a perfect time to give thanks, acknowledge our skills and creativity, and consider what we want to nurture as we move toward the darker half of the year.

To support your connection with this festival, I’ve created a set of Lughnasadh and Lammas journal prompts along with a curated playlist. Check out my Lammas and Lughnasadh journal prompts and playlist here.

Mabon and the Autumn Equinox: embracing balance and abundance

Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, is a powerful festival marking the moment when day and night are once again perfectly balanced in length. This natural equilibrium symbolises the harmony between light and dark, growth and rest, activity and reflection. At Mabon, we honour the fullness of the second harvest; the culmination of the year’s hard work as the last of the summer grains are gathered, as orchards and gardens overflow with ripe fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is a time of deep gratitude for the Earth’s generosity and the abundant gifts that sustain us.

This season is fundamentally about balance. It calls us to recognise and celebrate the convergence of opposites: the God and the Goddess, Yin and Yang, Shakti and Shiva, Masculine and Feminine, Light and Dark. These dual energies are intertwined and complementary, each necessary for the wholeness of life. Mabon invites us to reflect on this delicate interplay, encouraging us to find equilibrium not only in the world around us but also within ourselves. As the year moves toward its quieter, darker half, Mabon offers a moment to slow down, give thanks, and consider how we can live in harmony and reciprocity with nature. It’s a time to acknowledge the cycles of giving and receiving, to honour the Earth’s generosity, and to commit to practices that support sustainability and renewal.

In a modern context, Mabon encourages us to reflect on where balance may be needed in our own lives, whether that’s between work and rest, activity and reflection or holding on and letting go. It invites us to cultivate surrender and acceptance as we move deeper into autumn’s energy of transformation and preparation for the coming winter.

To help you connect more deeply with the spirit of Mabon, I’ve created a collection of journal prompts and a playlist designed to inspire gratitude, balance, and reflection. Check out my Mabon journal prompts and playlist here.

Samhain: halloween, the end of the harvest and the arrival of the dark half of the year

Our fascination with all things spooky and mysterious at Halloween has deep roots in the ancient festival of Samhain, a time when it was believed that the veil between the physical world and the spirit world thins to its most delicate state. This thinning of the veil makes it easier to connect with ancestors, departed loved ones, and the unseen energies that surround us. Samhain marks the transition into the dark half of the year; a season of introspection, rest, and transformation. Traditionally, this time was honoured with gatherings, feasts, and bonfires, which served not only to bring communities together but also to light the darkness both literally and symbolically.

Samhain is a fire festival, where lighting bonfires and candles was seen as a way to guide spirits, protect the living, and illuminate the long, dark nights ahead. It’s also said to mark the arrival of the Cailleach, an ancient and powerful figure often known as the queen of air and darkness. The Cailleach is a guardian of the cycle of death and rebirth; she strips the leaves from the trees, bringing decay and stillness, clearing the way for the renewal and new life that will emerge with the return of spring.

In a modern context, Samhain invites us to slow down and reflect on the natural cycles of life, death, and transformation. It’s a sacred time to express gratitude for the harvest and the abundance that sustains us through the colder months. It’s also an opportunity to honor those who came before us; our ancestors, guides, and the collective wisdom of the past that continues to shape our present. Whether through quiet contemplation, ritual, or gathering with loved ones, we can connect with the themes of remembrance, release, and renewal that Samhain embodies.

To help you explore and celebrate this potent festival, I’ve put together a selection of Samhain journal prompts and a playlist designed to deepen your reflection and connection. You can check them out [here] and embrace the mystery and magic of this powerful turning point in the year. Check out my Samhain journal prompts and playlist here.

Yule: the winter Solstice and the return of the sun

Yule is a festival that celebrates the return of the sun after the longest night of the year; the Winter Solstice. It marks a powerful moment of renewal, rebirth, and hope, as the days begin to lengthen and the promise of warmth and light slowly returns. While Samhain invites us to honor and welcome the darkness, Yule represents the turning point where the darkness reaches its deepest and the sun, though momentarily still, prepares to reclaim its power. During this sacred time, the sun pauses in the sky, rising from the exact same spot for several days, symbolising a delicate balance between the forces of light and dark.

The Winter Solstice is the precise astronomical moment when the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky, officially marking the start of winter. This cosmic event reminds us of the cyclical nature of life. Even in the darkest times, light is present and growing, waiting to return in full force. Yule encourages us to embrace this moment of stillness and reflection, to honour the quiet and restorative energy of winter, and to celebrate the resilience and hope that come with the gradual return of the sun’s life-giving light.

In a modern context, Yule offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with light in the midst of winter’s darkness. This can be done in many simple yet meaningful ways: lighting candles to symbolise hope and warmth, gathering with loved ones to share stories and gratitude, and creating rituals that honour the turning of the year. It’s a time to slow down, reflect on what has been, and set intentions for the growth and possibilities ahead.

To support your connection with this sacred season, I’ve created a collection of Yule journal prompts and a playlist designed to inspire reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Check out my Yule journal prompts and playlist here.

Additional resources for cyclical living and following the rhythms of nature

If you’d like to explore additional resources to support you to connect with the cycles and seasons of nature, beyond the wheel of the year, check out the links below. If you’d like to bring more ritual and ceremony into your life around living seasonally, I hold seasonal circles and ceremonies and I’m available for 121 work. You can get in touch here.

Working with the moon as an archetype
Cyclical living: living in flow with nature to find calm and connection during uncertain times

If you’d like to explore ways to connect with nature, cycles and seasons to support your journey through the Wheel of The Year, check out this post around self guided nature therapy practices and this post on incorporating simple rituals into your daily life.