Samhain: On or near Oct 31. 

Customarily, Samhain represents the bridge between growth and barrenness, life and death.  It is the time in CAYA when we honor our Ancestors and remember those who have passed beyond the veil of mortal vision.  It is the time for us to release energies that no longer serve us, seek and offer forgiveness, and welcome the deep meditation that is possible in the time of growing darkness. (This is also the holiday when CAYA announces openings for new members of the Collective who wish to pursue Initiation and year-and-a-day training.)

Yule: On or near Dec. 21. Winter Solstice

The rebirth of the light is the focus on this winter holiday.  At the Winter Solstice, the time when the day is shortest and night is longest in the Northern Hemisphere, we look within to the lights of our souls, then connect those twinkles with the vast rays of the divine that await us on the other side of winter’s darkness. 

Imbolc:  On or near Feb. 2.

Imbolc translates from Gaelic to mean “ewe’s milk.”  This is the Sabbat that announces the first promise of spring, as Mother Earth awakens from Her winter sleep and begins to stir.  In CAYA, we perform fire-gazing and Initiate our new trainees for their journey into the Mysteries.

Ostara: On or near Mar. 21. 

At Spring Equinox, one of two days of the year that the day and night are equal in length, we celebrate the Ordinations of new priestesses and priests.  The Great Goddess, Queen of the Spring, ushers in the warmth and vitality of growth and ever-renewing life.

Beltane: On or near May 1. 

The quickening of the blood and the fierce rush of desire urge us to create at this time of year: we channel these energies into making art, singing and dancing, and leaping over the bale fire.  We celebrate the Mother Earth in Her fertility.

Litha: On or near June 21. Summer Solstice. 

A time of joy and glamour, of faery energy and natural magick.  We stretch our play as long as the day and rejoice in the Sun at His highest, knowing full well that now we begin the slow descent back to the darkness.

Lammas: On or near August 2. 

The first harvest: we celebrate sustenance, honest labor, service to community.  We remember the less fortunate and commit ourselves to being the best stewards of the land that we can be.

Mabon: On or near Sept. 21. 

The second harvest, and the Witches’ Thanksgiving festival.  We honor the Mother as She feeds us and nurtures us and fattens us up for the winter ahead.  We offer thanks for the stores of nourishment – physical and emotional – that She gives us in Her bounty.