As always, Witches utilize forces for magick and mystical significance of the natural world and its fauna and flora: Esoteric knowledge. Lore of healing. Protective herbs. Natural destructors. Energetic resonance of roots. And, of course, the Moon!

The Witches Wheel 2023

THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR FESTIVALS:

Yule: December 19-23
Imbolc: February 1-2
Ostara: March 19-23
Beltane: April 30 – May 1
Litha/Midsummer: June 19-23
Lughnasadh: August 1-2
Mabon: September 20-24
Samhain: October 31 – November 1

Join the Convenient Rant to celebrate the year with others like you!

The Moon is of crucial importance for the witchcraft. The phases of the Moon and its cycle impact the potency of the ritual and its successes.

Keep in mind; witches do not follow the exact terminology and specifications of modern astrologers and astronomers. We uphold the visual interpretation and energies of the Moon; therefore, our spells are similarly aligned.

Can rituals be performed during the “wrong” Moon phase?

Performing a ritual during the improper phase of the Moon will not lead to disastrous effects. Rather, it will hinder the fruition of the outcome. This is because the Moon amplifies spellwork and works in harmony with the energies exerted by the Witch.

Please note, if you are in spiritual danger or are plagued by harmful energies, DO NOT DELAY OR WAIT for the Moon. Instead, proceed with your ritual with fierce determination and personal power.

The times are listed to assist you in planning your rituals. Some things to keep in mind:

If you cannot align your rituals with the date and time indicated, a good rule of thumb is to do the spell the night before. For example, if you are planning to perform a spell to attract financial prosperity into your life, but the Moon is Full during an inconvenient time (say, 10am on a Tuesday while you’re at work), it is advised to conduct the ritual the night before. As the Moon grows to a Full, so too will your access to the energies that are harmonizing the manifestation of your ritual.

The Witch’s New Moon does not have an exact time. It reveals itself when the very first crescent of the Moon is visible. Based on your location on Earth, some will see the Witch’s New Moon in the earlier part of the given date(s). Others will see it only toward the end. With some variations, the Witch’s New Moon rises in the daytime before noon and becomes visible in the day sky. It will be most visible at sunset and usually sets well before midnight. The Witch’s New Moon is the same percentage worldwide, both in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. However, which way the tips of the Witch’s New Moon point depend on the time, date, and location on Earth. When you see the very first moon crescent in the sky, know that the Witch’s Moon is upon you

It is extremely important to note that the Witch’s New Moon is different from the Dark Moon! The New Moon of the Old World Witch is called the Witch’s New Moon. It is when the very first crescent or sliver of the Moon is visible. This is typically 2-3 nights after the Dark Moon.

January 2023
Full Moon: January 6, 2023 at 3:07 PM PST / 6:07 PM EST
Dark Moon: January 21, 2023 at 12:53 PM PST / 3:53 PM EST
Witch’s New Moon: January 23, 2023
February 2023
Full Moon: February 05, 2023 at 10:28 AM PST / 1:28 PM EST
Dark Moon: February 19, 2023 at 11:05 PM PST / February 20, 2023 at 1:05 AM EST (Regardless of timezone, perform your Dark Moon rituals on the 19th)
Witch’s New Moon: February 21-22, 2023
March 2023
Full Moon: March 7, 2023 at 4:40 AM PST / 7:40 AM EST
Dark Moon: March 21, 2023 at 10:23 AM PST / 1:23 PM EST
Witch’s New Moon: March 23, 2023
April 2023
Full Moon: April 5, 2023 at 9:34 AM PST / April 6, 2023 at 12:34 AM EST
Dark Moon: April 19, 2023 at 9:12 PM PST / April 20, 2023 at 12:12 AM EST
Witch’s New Moon: April 21-22, 2023
May 2023
Full Moon: May 9, 2023 at 11:34 AM PST / 1:34 PM EST
Dark Moon: May 19, 2023 at 8:53 AM PST / 11:53 AM EST
Witch’s New Moon: May 21, 2023
June 2023
Full Moon: June 3, 2023 at 8:41 PM PST / 11:41 PM EST
Dark Moon: June 17, 2023 at 9:37 PM PST / June 18, 2023 at 12:37 AM EST
Witch’s New Moon: June 20, 2023
July 2023
Full Moon: July 3, 2023 at 4:38 AM PST / 7:38 AM EST
Dark Moon: July 17, 2023 at 11:31 AM PST / 2:31 PM EST
Witch’s New Moon: July 19-20, 2023
August 2023
Full Moon: August 1, 2023 at 11:31 AM PST / 2:31 PM EST
Dark Moon: August 16, 2023 at 2:38 AM PST / 5:38 AM EST
Witch’s New Moon: August 18-19, 2023
Full Moon: August 30, 2023 at 6:35 PM PST / 9:35 PM EST
September 2023
Dark Moon: September 14, 2023 at 6:39 PM PST / 9:39 PM EST
Witch’s New Moon: September 17, 2023
Full Moon: September 29, 2023 at 2:57 AM PST / 5:57 AM EST
October 2023
Dark Moon: October 14, 2023 at 10:55 AM PST / 1:55 PM EST
Witch’s New Moon: October 16-17, 2023
Full Moon: October 28, 2023 at 1:24 PM PST / 4:24 PM EST
November 2023
Dark Moon: November 13, 2023 at 1:27 AM PST / 4:27 AM EST
Witch’s New Moon: November 15-16, 2023
Full Moon: November 27, 2023 at 1:16 AM PST / 4:16 AM EST
December 2023
Dark Moon: December 12, 2023 at 3:32 PM PST / 6:32 PM EST
Witch’s New Moon: December 25, 2023
Full Moon: December 26, 2023 4:33 PM PST / 7:33 PM EST

Special Moon Events in 2023

Micro Full Moon: Jan 6
Super New Moon: Jan 21
Micro Full Moon: Feb 5
Super New Moon: Feb 20
Black Moon: May 19 (third New Moon in a season with four New Moons)
Super Full Moon: Aug 1
Micro New Moon: Aug 16
AsBlue Moon: Aug 30 (second Full Moon in single calendar month)
Super Full Moon: Aug 30
Partial Lunar Eclipse (Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, as seen from The Witches on Oct 28)

2023 South African Pagan Lunar Calendar

South African Pagan Lunar Calendar

South African Pagans celebrate the cycles and seasons of Nature throughout the year according to the Wheel of the Year based on Southern Hemisphere seasonal dates where applicable.

The major seasonal festivals of the year known as sabbats are the winter solstice (in June), the first spring festival (1 August), the spring equinox(in September), the first summer festival (31 October), the summer solstice (in December), the first harvest festival (1 February), the autumnal equinox (in March) and the final harvest festival (30 April). Seasonal holidays do not coincide with the corresponding Christian holidays which originated in the Northern Hemisphere and absorbed the European pagan holidays based on Northern Hemisphere seasonal dates. The winter solstice is celebrated in June whereas Christmas is celebrated midsummer in December. The spring equinox is celebrated in September whereas Easter is celebrated in March/April. The final harvest festival is celebrated on 30 April whereas Halloween is celebrated on 31 October.

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Pagan / Wiccan Holidays 2023

In this list, we’ve included the opposite Sabbats to guide our Southern Hemisphere Witches too.

January 2023 Holidays

Named after Janus, the god of doors, gates, and transitions; January is the perfect time for door-opening rituals, setting intentions and new beginnings.

Jan. 6: Full Moon in Cancer – Wolf Moon

Jan. 14: Thorrablot – Norse/Heathen celebration honoring Thor

Jan. 21: Celtic Tree Month of Rowan begins

Jan. 21: New Moon in Capricorn

Jan. 24: Sementivae – a grain-oriented Roman festival

Jan. 30 – Feb 2: Roman celebration of Februalia

Jan. 31: Up Helly Aa – Scottish celebration in the Shetland Islands

Jan. 31: Disablot – Norse celebration of new beginnings

February 2023 Holidays

Februalia was the ancient spring festival of washing and purification. The land had to be prepared for the planting of seeds in the coming season, so all sorts of cleansing rituals were encouraged.

Feb. 1: Imbolc – Celebration of the Goddess Brighid.
(Southern Hemisphere: Lammas or Lughnasadh – The grain harvest at the end of summer.)

Feb. 5: Full Moon in Leo – Snow Moon

Feb. 13-21: Roman Festival of Parentalia – honor the ancestors

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day celebration

Feb. 15: Lupercalia – Fertility celebration

Feb. 18: Celtic Tree Month of Ash begins

Feb. 20: New Moon in Pisces

March 2023 Holidays

As the spring equinox brings balance to the planet, this month is also a time to bring balance into our lives. Celebrate the spring!

Mar. 1: Matronalia – ancient festival of Juno, the birth goddess

Mar. 7: Full Moon in Virgo – Worm Moon

Mar. 21: Ostara – Spring Equinox and celebration of Goddess Eostre
(Southern Hemisphere: Mabon – The Autumn Equinox)

Mar. 17: St Patrick’s Day – a time to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland.

Mar. 18: Celtic Tree Month of Alder begins

Mar. 21: New Moon in Pisces.

Mar. 27: Mothers’ Day

April 2023 Holidays

Rebirth abounds in April as the Earth is ready to sprout forth new life from the dormant winter. Get outside and feel the crisp air as it begins to take on a new warmth. Enjoy the change of the season by planting seeds either figurative or literal!

Apr. 6: Full Moon in Libra – Pink Moon

Apr. 15: Sigrblot/Sumarsdag – Norse celebration of the first day of summer in Scandinavian countries

Apr. 15: Celtic Tree Month of Willow begins

Apr. 20: New Moon in Taurus

Apr. 22: Earth Day – Honoring Gaia

Apr. 28 – May 3: Floralia – Honors the goddess of spring flowers & vegetation. See Persephone

Apr. 30: May Eve or Rhiannon’s Day

May 2023 Holidays

This month is an excellent time to expand your horizons. If you have been wanting to try something new, now is the time to jump in full force.

May 1: Beltane – Celebration of fire and fertility
(Southern Hemisphere: Samhain – the Witches’ New Year)

May 1: Roman Festival of Bona Dea – Fertility goddess

May 5: Full Moon in Scorpio – Flower Moon Lunar Eclipse.

May 13: Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn begins

May 19: New Moon in Taurus

June 2023 Holidays

The light has returned, and summer is officially here. Use this month to soak up the rays of light from the sun. Honor the solar deities as its heat and light shine down upon you. Allow the nourishing rays to enhance a project or idea that you have been growing since spring.

Jun. 4: Full Moon in Sagittarius – Strawberry Moon

Jun. 7-15: Roman Festival of Vestalia – honors the priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth.

Jun. 10: Celtic Tree Month of Oak begins

Jun. 18: New Moon in Cancer

Jun. 19: Father’s day celebration

Jun. 21: Litha – The Summer Solstice
(Southern Hemisphere: Yule – The Winter Solstice)

July 2023 Holidays

During the peak of the sun, it is a great time to get into the water. Let the cool refreshing water wash away any old baggage that is hanging around. Welcome the revitalization of water by bringing in the beauty of all the colorful flowers around you.

Jul. 3: Full Moon in Capricorn – Buck Moon.

Jul. 8: Celtic Tree Month of Holly begins

Jul. 17: New Moon in Cancer

August 2023 Holidays

The harvest time is a time to reap the benefits of what has been sown. This month collect what you have grown either spiritually, physically, emotionally, or creatively. Don’t forget to save some of the bounties up for the coming cold of winter.

August 1: Lammas or Lughnasdah – The grain harvest
(Southern Hemisphere: Imbolc – honoring the goddess Brighid and return of the light after the long winter)

Aug. 1: Full Moon in Aquarius – Sturgeon Moon

Aug. 5: Celtic Tree Month of Hazel begins

Aug. 13: Roman Festival of Pomona, goddess of apples and orchards

Aug. 16: New Moon in Leo

Aug. 23: Vulcanalia – Roman Festival

Aug. 31: Full Moon in Pisces – Blue Moon

September 2023 Holidays

As the leaves shift their colors to store food for the coming winter, we too must store our own energy for the darkness ahead. Take time to enjoy the changing of the season by spending time in nature

Sep. 2: Celtic Tree Month of Vine begins

Sep. 15: New Moon Virgo

Sep. 21: International Day of Peace

Sep. 22: Mabon – Autumn Equinox
(Southern Hemisphere: Ostara – the Spring Equinox)

Sep. 29: Full Moon in Aries – Harvest Moon.

Sep. 30: Celtic Tree Month of Ivy begins

October 2023 Holidays

The light is fading, and the dark is setting in. This month is a great time to reflect on your own roots and where you came from. Take time to honor your ancestor as the veil between the worlds thins. Be open to receiving psychic messages, meditation and journaling.

Oct. 3: Roman Festival of Bacchus – God of vegetation and wine

Oct. 14: New Moon in Libra – Solar Eclipse

Oct. 28: Celtic Tree Month of Reed beings

Oct. 28: Full Moon in Taurus – Hunter’s Moon – Lunar Eclipse

Oct. 31: Samhain – The Witches’ New Year
(Southern Hemisphere: Beltane – a feast of fire and fertility)

Oct. 31: Winter Nights/Vetrablot – Norse celebration of the arrival of winter

November 2023 Holidays

The end of the harvest brings with it the cold of winter. As the chill sets in the air, begin to strengthen your relationship with the divine during the coming darkness. Reach out to friends and family and reconnect. Focus on gratitude and let go of the things in your life that no longer serve you.

Nov. 13: New Moon in Scorpio

Nov. 16: Hecate’s Night

Nov. 25: Celtic Tree Month of Elder begins

Nov. 27: Full Moon in Gemini – Beaver Moon

Nov 30: Festival of Hecate Trivia – to honor the Triple Goddess

December 2023 Holidays

The perfect month for gathering with friends and family to feel their warmth during the cold of winter. Take this month to spend time reflecting on the previous year. But don’t forget to look ahead as the new year can be full of changes. Focus your energy on the upcoming spring and how you want to prepare for the start of new projects or adventures.

Dec. 12: New Moon in Sagittarius

Dec. 17: Saturnalia, a Roman celebration of the god Saturn, begins

Dec 21: Yule – the Winter Solstice
(Southern Hemisphere: Litha – The Summer Solstice)

Dec. 23: Celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25: Feast of Frau Holle, the Germanic goddess

Dec. 27: Full Moon in Cancer – Cold Moon

Dec. 31: Festival of Hogmanay – Scottish holiday that celebrates the new year

Jane Doe

The Wiccan Calendar

The Wiccan Calendar follows an eight fold year with 8 festivals on the solstice, equinoxes and cross quarters. The year follows a cycle starting with birth symbolised by the Egg following through to death symbolised by the burning of effigies at the autumn cross quarter. The dates and meanings of these festivals are summarised as follows.

2nd Febuary – Imbolc
Imbolc is traditionally a time for burning candles. It is also linked to Bride the life force that brings the earth from winter into spring. Some Wiccans purchase candles at this time and burn them in celebration of this festival.

21st March – Spring Equinox
The Spring Equinox is a time for Eggs celebrating new birth. The eating of hot cross buns is originally based on the spring equinox with the cross representing the four quarters of the year. Within the Wiccan tradition it makes more sense to eat them on the spring equinox or at the full Egg Moon (the full moon following the Spring Equinox). The name Easter represents the pagan goddess Eostre, linked to eggs and the etymology is linked to Oestrogen linked to the production of eggs in humans.

1st May – Beltane
This is Mayday, a time for maypole dancing and widely seen as a fertility festival

21st June – Summer Solstice
The summer solstice is a traditional time for bonfires to celebrate the longest day.

1st August – Lammas
Lammas means Loaf Mass and is the start of the harvet period, and traditionally the time when the first loaf was baked.

21st September – Autumn Equinox
The Autumn equinox is the end of harvest and the time for the harvest festival

31st October – Halloween
Halloween is the time where traditionally people put out pumpkin lamps to guide the spirits back to their home

21st December – Winter Solstice
The winter solstice is a time for festivities and for the bringing in of the evergreen into the house to show that the the new year will come.