The Seasonal Cycle

The wheel of the year

The Wheel of the Year is a way of honouring the natural rhythm of the seasons. It marks eight turning points – moments of balance, transitions and deep change. Across the world, many cultures and traditions have celebrated these times in different ways.

A living cycle

These eight points are not fixed dates but moments within the flow of the natural year. They invite us to pause, reflect and realign within the rhythms of the earth.

Many ways to experience the cycle

Seasons unfold differently around the world. The turning points remain the same but their timing and expressions vary with the land and its rhythms.

Northern Hemisphere

This is how the seasonal cycle is experiences in the Northern Hemisphere.

Winter Solstice (Yule)

Midwinter (Dec 20 – 23)

Imbolc

Early Spring (Feb 1 – 2)

Spring Equinox (Ostara)

Spring (Mar 19 – 22)

Beltane

Late Spring (Apr 30 – 1)

Summer Solstice (Litha)

Midsummer (June 20 – 23)

Lughnasadh (Lammas)

Early Autumn (Aug 1 – 2)

Autumn Equinox (Mabon)

Autumn (Sep 21 – 23)

Samhain

Late Autumn (Oct 31 – Nov 1)

Southern Hemisphere

This is how the seasonal cycle is experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.

Winter Solstice (Yule)

Midwinter (Jun 20 – 23)

Imbolc

Early Spring (Aug 1 – 2)

Spring Equinox (Ostara)

Spring (Sep 21 – 23)

Beltane

Late Spring (Oct 30 – 1)

Summer Solstice (Litha)

Midsummer (Dec 20 – 23)

Lughnasadh (Lammas)

Early Autumn (Feb 1 – 2)

Autumn Equinox (Mabon)

Autumn (Mar 21 – 23)

Samhain

Late Autumn (Apr 31 – May 1)