The Wiccan calendar begins with Samhain, celebrated on October 31. The calendar is often represented with the Wheel of the Year, which is depicted as a circle with eight spokes, with Yule as the top spoke. The placement of Yule corresponds with the beginning of the god's mythological cycle, his birth. Samhain marks the end of his cycle.

Four of the sabbats, the Lesser Sabbats, take place at what are called the quarters: winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice, and fall equinox. The other four, the Greater Sabbats, take place on the cross-quarters (days halfway between the solstices and equinoxes) and are associated with ancient Celtic feast days and fire festivals. The sabbats fall roughly 6.5 weeks apart, and are evenly spaced throughout the year to coincide with the cycle of the seasons.

▲ The Wheel of the Year represents the Wiccan calendar. October 31: Samhain. December 20–23: Yule. February 2: Imbolc. March 20–23: Ostara. May 1: Beltane. June 20–23: Litha. August 1: Lammas. September 20–23: Mabon.