In magical terms, the year can be divided into four segments, each corresponding to a different element. As we examine these different times of the year, we can see how the energies present during seasonal shifts can be associated with the elements of Earth, Fire, Air and Water.

EARTH: March/April/May

It is during this time that the earth is beginning to awaken. Flowers are blooming, leaves are forming on the trees, and the creatures of the earth are arising from their slumber. Winter is but a memory, and the Earth is coming alive once again. In March, we celebrate the Spring Equinox with symbols of fertility and the newness of life. It is a time to start fresh and welcome new beginnings. Many magical traditions begin training new students at this time. In May, we celebrate Beltane, a joining together of energies to create something new, whether that be a creative project, a new relationship or the manifestation of a spell. The seeds have been planted, literally and figuratively, and now is the time to watch them grow. Beltane also brings with it the intensity and passion that carries over into the next few months.

FIRE: June/July/August

The Summer brings heat and warmth, and a powerful time of creative energy. The Summer Solstice is a recognition of that powerful force, but also a reminder that the days will soon grow shorter. Although Summer has just begun, the growing cornfields remind us it will soon pass. We spend these days enjoying the company of friends and loved ones, with lively cookouts and trips to the beach. It is a time to revel in the sunlight and enjoy all that life has to offer. Magically it is a time of fruition, of watching the plans we set in motion months ago finally coming to pass. Embrace the fire within, embrace your desires and passions, and visualize them manifesting in your life. On August 1^st, we celebrate Lughnasadh, the First Harvest. Summer is nearly over, the corn has grown tall in the fields. Now is the time to begin preparing, for darker days are soon to come. Examine what has been harvested in your own life, and gather those things that will help you remain strong as the colder months arrive.

AIR: September/October/November

As Fall approaches, the winds begin to blow, reminding us again of the darkness ahead. In September, we celebrate the Autumn Equinox. The day and night are of equal length, but now the days will grow shorter. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance in our lives, for the food on our tables and the many good things that have come to us in the past year. As the mythical figure Mabon was rescued from darkness into light, we now transition from light into darkness. During these three months, many sense an increase in their intuitive and psychic abilities. As the wind blows, it seems to awaken the senses. Magic can be felt and sensed everywhere. This is the power of Air: enlightening, awakening, inspiring. In October, we celebrate Samhain as we remember our beloved dead. They draw near and whisper to us. As we enter the dark half of the year, we examine our own dark nature. We learn to embrace both the Dark and the Light. We recognize that both are necessary to us to be balanced and whole.

WATER: December/January/February

As the colder months arrive, they bring snow and sleet and freezing rain. Although the glistening white snow can be beautiful, this is still the darkest time of the year. The earth goes to sleep, and many of it’s creatures go into hibernation. The leaves have all fallen from the trees, leaving bare branches that sway in the winter rains. On the Winter Solstice, we acknowledge the darkness on the longest night of the year, but this brings with it the promise that light will soon return. The days will soon begin to grow longer. In February, we celebrate Imbolc in honor of the Celtic Goddess/Saint Brigid.

We light candles to her as a symbolic gesture that gently awakens her from her slumber. She is a goddess of smithcraft, poetry and healing. Her creative force will soon coax the snowdrops out of the ground and into the sunlight. As each snowfall melts into the ground, it waters the seeds that will soon sprout in the coming Spring.