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We seem to be in full witchy season with the upcoming Halloween/Samhain — mirroring the astrological Scorpio energies — All Souls Day, Day of the Dead, etc.
While the neo-Pagan Sabbats and astrological zodiac aren't necessarily connected they offer beautiful synergy and often mirror the same energy cycles collectively and personally.
As an astrologer and someone who identifies as a witch--I find honoring the Sabbats a powerful way we can orient to the changing of seasons on Earth and cosmically.
But of course, you don’t need to be a witch to celebrate, as humans we are naturally connected to these rhythms. And you don’t need to believe in astrology to notice the themes of the zodiac signs.
As the Sun moves through the zodiac, its energy might subtly echo themes celebrated in Pagan holidays that fall around the same time. For instance, Taurus season's focus on pleasure and sensuality might subtly enhance the enjoyment of Beltane feasts. It is only recently that the zodiac sign changes were called "seasons" (e.g. Gemini season, Virgo season, etc.) and I think this wasn't accidental, but a way for our consciousness to connect these threads more intentionally.
Understanding the distinction between Pagan holidays and the tropical zodiac empowers you to appreciate both. Enjoy the rich cultural traditions of Pagan holidays, and explore how the Sun's movement through the zodiac might influence your experience on a personal level and notice patterns around you.
As the Sun moves through the zodiac, its energy often subtly echoes themes celebrated in Pagan holidays that fall around the same time.
For instance, the Taurus season’s focus on pleasure and sensuality might subtly enhance the enjoyment of Beltane feasts. Also of note, it is only recently that the zodiac sign changes were called “seasons” (e.g. Gemini season, Virgo season, etc.) and I think this wasn’t accidental, but a way for our consciousness to connect these threads more intentionally.
An important reminder that the zodiac signs don’t start and end on the same day every year such as on the 19th, 20th, or 21st of each month. This is a common misconception because it can be confusing to reconcile the continuous movement of the Sun through the zodiac with the fixed, calendar-based system we use for dates. The exact date the Sun enters a new sign can vary slightly from year to year due to a phenomenon called the procession of the equinoxes. The Earth wobbles on its axis like a spinning top, causing the starting and ending points of the seasons (equinoxes and solstices) to shift very slowly over thousands of years.
Note, this does not change the zodiac signs, only when it moves into a different tropical sign by degree.
Pagan Holidays: Rooted in Nature's Rhythm
Pagan holidays, like Beltane (celebrating spring's peak) or Yule (marking the winter solstice), are ancient traditions connected to the Earth's cycles. They involve rituals, feasting, and honoring the changing seasons. These holidays often have specific dates based on natural occurrences, not necessarily on the zodiac.
The Tropical Zodiac: A Celestial Map
The tropical zodiac, on the other hand, is a celestial map charting the Sun's ecliptic--the Sun's apparent path around the Earth--not the constellations like the Sidereal zodiac. Taurus season, for example, simply signifies the Sun's presence in that particular sector. While some astrological themes might resonate faintly with Pagan holidays that fall around the same time (Taurus season aligning with spring's abundance in Beltane), there's no direct astrological influence behind these traditions.
Below is a chart comparing the dates and degrees for 2024 and 2025:
Whether you choose to honor the neo-Pagan or Astrological dates — I tend to do both — may each seasonal shift offer a deepening into your soul’s cycles.
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