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Dianic Wheel of the Year
Samhain or Hallowtime {October 31}
This is the New Year, and the traditional time to honour deceased loved ones. The veil shimmers apart for a possible glimpse into the Otherworld. The Goddess rules as Crone, passing into the underworld to await rebirth at Solstice. Her Mother aspect waits with the returning light in Her womb. This is a time of divination and gestating darkness.
The traditional altar colours for Samhain are black and white.
Winter Solstice night is the longest of the year. The Goddess, in Her Mother aspect, gives birth to the Maiden Sun Child (also sometimes referred to as the Star Child). This infant Maiden is the rebirth of the Crone. We are reminded that, even in life's darkest times, there is hope. This is the time for contemplating what you wish to bring to fruition in the coming year, as Her brightness blooms.
The traditional altar colours for Yule are dark red and dark green.
Days begin to lengthen as the Goddess awakens the Earth. The Mother Goddess names the new Maiden Sun Child- thus, this is the time for dedications, self-namings, and the forming of new Circles. This is a time to celebrate crafts, begin any indoor gardens, and to focus on beginnings.
The traditional altar colours for Imbolc are white, pale rose, and gold.
The day and night are equal once again, on the Spring Equinox. The Maiden Goddess is playful and childlike amid the returning Spring. She returns from the underworld, to encourage us to celebrate the awakening of Life, as Creatrix.
The traditional altar colours for Ostara are pastels.
The Lady has risen to her full potential at this time. The Maiden Goddess is newly a woman, and is instructed by the Mother in ways of love. The Mother blesses the Maiden with either a divine consort called the "Young God" (in Old Dianic) or "The Beloved" (a female companion, in Fem Dianic). The Maiden concieves at this time. This is a time to share your love, and to watch Her grow into the lush ripeness of fertility and endless abundance.
The traditional altar colour for Beltane is rose pink.
Midsummer day is the longest of the year. The Lady is now pregnant again with the harvest to come, and we look forward to all of our creations 'bearing fruit'. This is a time for celebration of the Earth's bounty.
The traditional altar colours for Litha are purple and gold.
Grain has ripened and is now reaped to make bread. As the first harvests are finished, the Mother now becomes the Crone. The Maiden, who is rounding into her pregnancy, becomes the Harvest Mother. This is the season of Demeter, and she blesses all of our endeavors with Her bountiful love. Now is the time of transitions and the taking-on of new roles.
The traditional altar colours for Lammas are wheat gold and all shades of green.
Night and day become equal again, on the Autumn Equinox. The main harvests are completed, and the Crone is preparing to distribute Her harvest of wisdom to those around Her. The Mother prepares those around Her for the coming Winter. This is a time for giving thanks, and honouring the cycle of the Mother as She rules over Life- the sowing, growing, harvesting, and fallow times.
The traditional altar colours for Mabon are harvest colours- orange, deep red, and yellow.