Wheel of the Year Calendar — 'Native Circles' Birchwood Wheel

A stunning calendar print of an original pen drawing by artist Emily Robyn Archer on high-quality recycled paper mounted onto a circular Birchwood board.

This wheel is for anyone who wants to connect more with the changing seasons. Relish in the changing gifts and lessons uncovered by following this ancient Celtic calendar.

This print draws from the tradition of the Celtic Calendar — also known as the Wheel of the Year. It marks the earth's cycle around the sun. In Ireland, our ancestors lived deeply connected with the natural world and its intricate cycles. They knew how integral these cycles were to our human existence and celebrated that connection throughout the year with the solstices, equinoxes and seasonal festivals, including Imbolg, Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain.

Take a closer look:

At the centre of the illustration, you'll see the earth, moon and sun — the movements of these bodies give us seasons and phenomena such as the solstices. You'll notice four main spokes moving outwards from the centre: the summer solstice points north (the longest day of the year), opposite the winter solstice pointing south (the shortest day of the year). Pointing east is the autumn equinox, and west is the spring equinox (at both these points, day and night are equal lengths). 

Next, you'll see four more spokes in the wheel between the solstices and equinoxes. These are known as cross-quarter days, but they mark the beginning of new seasons that each last about three months. These are Samhain, Imbolg, Bealtaine and Lughnasa. 

Reflect on each season:

Samhain

The Celtic Wheel of the Year begins at Samhain as we head into the dark part of the year. Samhain is a time when the veil is thin between this world and the spirit world. This is what formed the foundation for modern-day Halloween. The days grow darker and darker until the Winter solstice, starting the astronomical winter. What do you need to rest and release this season?

Imbolg 

Imbolg is the following season marked at the beginning of February — it's also called Brigid’s Day. Imbolc means "in the belly," and refers to the fertility associated with this time. Seeds tucked underground are preparing to sprout, and animals bear young that will feed on summer’s bounty. Imbolg is a time of great promise and intention. What are you ready to bring forth into the world? 

Bealtaine 

After the spring equinox, we enter Bealtaine. This is the season of flowering and celebration. Like the flowers, we are urged by nature to expand beyond our comfort zone and take risks. It's a joyous, celebratory time usually marked by fire. What is blooming in your life? 

Lughnasa 

After the energy peak of the summer solstice, or midsummer, in late June, we move towards the harvest festival Lughnasa at the beginning of August. Fruits are ripening, and summer plants are ready to be picked and eaten. There is a feeling of abundance and gratitude. What are you grateful for this season?

Lughnasa continues through to the autumn equinox, which marks a time of perfect balance between light and dark, day and night, and masculine and feminine before the perennial spiral continues to turn and the cycle begins again.