Spring equinox
Mar 20, 2026 · 02:45 PM UTC
2026-03-20 14:45 UTCINTERACTIVE WORLD SKY CALENDAR
One sky. Many seasons.
Calculate the exact astronomical turning points of the year and the next lunar phases, then explore how contemporary Wiccan communities may interpret their seasons differently in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
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Astronomy and tradition are different. Equinoxes, solstices and lunar phases are calculated using the free open-source PyEphem astronomical library. Dates are approximate to the displayed minute and refer to one global instant, shown in your selected time zone. Local sunrise, sunset and moonrise require coordinates and are not calculated here. Festival names, observances and seasonal adaptations are religious and cultural choices.
Astronomical turning points — 2026
The event itself occurs simultaneously worldwide. Only its local clock time and seasonal label change with place and hemisphere.
Summer solstice
Jun 21, 2026 · 08:24 AM UTC
2026-06-21 08:24 UTCAutumn equinox
Sep 23, 2026 · 12:05 AM UTC
2026-09-23 00:05 UTCWinter solstice
Dec 21, 2026 · 08:49 PM UTC
2026-12-21 20:49 UTCNext eight lunar milestones
These events are calculated forward from the current date, independent of the calendar year selected above. Their time zone follows your selection.
New MoonNov 09, 2026 · 07:02 AM UTC2026-11-09 07:02 UTC
First QuarterNov 17, 2026 · 11:47 AM UTC2026-11-17 11:47 UTC
Full MoonNov 24, 2026 · 02:53 PM UTC2026-11-24 14:53 UTC
Last QuarterDec 01, 2026 · 06:08 AM UTC2026-12-01 06:08 UTC
New MoonDec 09, 2026 · 12:51 AM UTC2026-12-09 00:51 UTC
First QuarterDec 17, 2026 · 05:42 AM UTC2026-12-17 05:42 UTC
Full MoonDec 24, 2026 · 01:28 AM UTC2026-12-24 01:28 UTC
Last QuarterDec 30, 2026 · 06:59 PM UTC2026-12-30 18:59 UTC
The contemporary seasonal festival cycle
This is an illustrative Northern- or Southern-Hemisphere seasonal adaptation, not a rule imposed by all Wiccans or a claim that every festival has one ancient historical date. Some groups retain inherited observance dates or use other regional calendars.
Imbolc
Around February 1–2Early spring or preparation for renewal
Ostara
Near March equinoxModern Wiccan spring equinox name
Beltane
Around May 1Season of growth and creative flourishing
Litha
Near June solsticeModern midsummer festival name
Lughnasadh
Around August 1Early-harvest traditions and contemporary celebration
Mabon
Near September equinoxModern Wiccan autumn equinox name
Samhain
Around October 31Seasonal transition and remembrance
Yule
Near December solsticeMidwinter and the returning light
A short astronomical research project
Compare the date of a solstice in two time zones and explain why the clock dates may differ even though the event occurs at the same instant. Next, choose a festival that a modern Wiccan group associates with that turning point. Record the source of the festival's historical name and distinguish it from your own local ecology.
For further reading, consult NASA's explanation of equinoxes and solstices and NASA's guide to the Moon's phases. Explore the Wheel of the Year and historical research lab to understand why astronomical events and religious customs require different kinds of sources.