A GIFT FOR THE COVEN

The Southern Wheel of the Year

A grimoire for witches who walk the Wheel beneath southern skies. Keep it close, print it for your Book of Shadows, and return to it each time the seasons turn.

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Why the southern Wheel is different

Most books follow the northern seasons, which places Yule in our summer and Samhain in our spring. In Australia and Aotearoa we turn the Wheel with the land beneath our feet, so each sabbat falls roughly six months from its northern date.

The eight sabbats

Samhain · 30 April to 1 May

The thinning of the veil and the witch's new year. Honour your ancestors, set a place for the beloved dead and reflect on what the year has taught you.
Small ritual: light a black or purple candle, speak the names of those you remember, and leave an apple at your door as an offering.
Correspondences: obsidian, smoky quartz, mugwort, apples, pumpkins.

Yule · around 21 June (winter solstice)

The longest night and the return of the sun. Rest, gather close and kindle hope.
Small ritual: sit in darkness for a few breaths, then light a single gold candle and name one hope for the lengthening days.
Correspondences: garnet, clear quartz, pine, cinnamon, orange.

Imbolc · 1 to 2 August

The first stirrings of spring and the hearth fire of Brigid. Cleanse your space and plant your intentions like seeds.
Small ritual: sweep your doorstep outwards, then light a white candle and write one intention on a slip of paper to keep beneath it.
Correspondences: amethyst, selenite, milk, honey, rosemary.

Ostara · around 22 September (spring equinox)

Balance of light and dark, and the bloom of new life. Begin projects and welcome growth.
Small ritual: decorate an egg with a symbol of what you wish to grow and bury it in a garden bed or pot.
Correspondences: rose quartz, aquamarine, eggs, seeds, spring flowers.

Beltane · 31 October to 1 November

Fire, fertility and the union of earth and sky. Celebrate passion, creativity and the fae.
Small ritual: tie a ribbon to a tree for each wish you hold, and leave a little honey or milk out for the fair folk.
Correspondences: carnelian, emerald, hawthorn, ribbons, bonfires.

Litha · around 21 December (summer solstice)

The sun at its height. Gather herbs, charge your tools and celebrate abundance.
Small ritual: leave your crystals in the morning sun for an hour, then make sun water to anoint your altar.
Correspondences: citrine, sunstone, St John's wort, lavender, sunflowers.

Lughnasadh · 1 to 2 February

The first harvest. Give thanks for what you have grown and share your bounty.
Small ritual: bake or buy a loaf of bread, break it with someone you love and offer the first piece to the earth.
Correspondences: tiger's eye, peridot, wheat, corn, bread.

Mabon · around 20 March (autumn equinox)

The second harvest and a second balance. Release what no longer serves and prepare for the dark half of the year.
Small ritual: write down three things to release, burn the paper safely and scatter the ash under a tree.
Correspondences: amber, lapis lazuli, apples, grapes, autumn leaves.

Solstice and equinox dates shift by a day from year to year; check the exact date each year for perfect timing.

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Working with the moon

New moon: beginnings. Set intentions, start new workings, plant seeds both real and metaphorical.
Waxing moon: growth. Spells to draw things near: love, abundance, courage.
Full moon: power and clarity. Charge crystals and tools, divination, gratitude.
Waning moon: release. Banishing, cleansing, cutting cords and letting go.
Dark moon: rest. Shadow work, dreams and quiet reflection.

A simple altar for any season

Begin with a cloth in the colour of the season, one candle, one crystal and one object from nature gathered near your home. Change them as the Wheel turns and your altar will always speak of the present moment.

Gather tools for the coming sabbat

With blessings, Sorceress Sanctuary