The Celestial and Elemental Wheel of the year

**The Celestial and Elemental Wheel of the year**

The wheel of the year is used by many witches, however, not all. The wheel of the year is a Wiccan construct and belief that was developed in the 50-90’s. It draws heavily on Celtic practices, as well as Norse and Germanic traditions. I am not Wiccan and though I have Celtic blood in my line, I am not deeply connected to those deities. Though I do choose to work with them at times. As such, the Wheel of the year felt off to me. As much as I wanted to connect with the cycle of the year and celebrate with my fellow pagans, it just didn’t feel like it fit. And I believe if something doesn’t fit you, then it doesn’t belong in your practice. I still needed and wanted a way to celebrate and to be more connected to the year and the life cycle. So, we as a family turned to what does fit with our practice. We follow the celestial events and the elements, solstices and equinoxes. They are fire for Lammas, air for Samhain, water for Candlemas and earth for Beltane.

I will elaborate on our reasoning for the element placements. Water’s day is Feb 1, also known as Candlemas or Imbolc. This is when new life, not yet seen fully begins. The water of the womb of life. This is when we run deep into our thoughts, dreams and planning. We need to set our course and plan our path. Like water carving a path, helping us find the best way to reach our goals. The birth of life. We honour water and its flow. It’s life giving and healing ways. This is the infancy of life.

Earth’s day is May 1st, also called Beltane or May Day. It is when new life springs forth where we can see. It is youthful and ever changing, but also steady and strong. This is when we set to our work, so that later we can have a sustaining and abundant harvest. We honour the earth and the bounty it shares. This is the youth of the life cycle. The young, but not so young that as much sheltering is needed.

Fire’s day is August first, or Lammas or Lughnasadh. This is when the heat of summer is at its peak. When the growing things are maturing and full of life. Not yet harvest time. We honour the creativity and destruction of fire. We know fire can cleanse and warm, it can also hurt and burn. It is dangerous and fun. We honour it with respect and joy. This is the mature years of life. The time when we see the later years coming and still recall the joy of youth. And we are old enough to enjoy our passions with the clarity of experience and caution.

Air’s day is October 31st. The day of thin veils between the realms and the whispered & hushed stories carried on the wind. It is the time of change and transition to the end of the cycle. We honour all the forms of air from music to communication. We are still and stable, to hear the voices carried between the realms to us. This is the late years of life and death.

By adjusting this common practice to fit my own beliefs I have found myself more engaged in these observations. I find that I can connect to the year and the different aspects of life. I feel that it is essential to truly connect with the practices you do.

What ways do you connect to the cycle of the year? Do you follow the wheel of the year? Or do you use other magickal timings?

Article by Midnyte Mamawitch Guide Leader of the SilverSun