The Astronomical Cross-Quarter Days & the Traditional Cross-Quarter Days

Certain dates, such as February 1st or May 1st are of great significance in the Wending Way, as they are for many other traditions. However, I believe we approach it a little differently than most.

When I discuss “astronomic” versus “traditional,” I am referring to the long-held belief that the Cross-Quarter days hold power because they represent liminal midway points between the Solstices and Equinoxes; these celestially based windows of time change year to year and are what I refer to as “Astronomic.” In the past, though, these seasonal points became more standardized and syncretized within the framework of the Julian calendar, resulting in the static dates that are generally regarded today; these are the dates I refer to as “traditional.” Using our Sabbath of Amplemas as an example, it is related to the folk-celebrations of Beltane, May Day, and the like, and as such, the traditional date of celebration would seemingly be on May 1st. However, since we observe the Astronomic date of celebration, the actual date depends on the given year.

Even with the Wending Way celebrating the Celestial Sabbath days, though, the traditional Spirit Nights—which we generally refer to as Thawingtide, or Maedoc’s Feast (late night of January 31 & early morning of February 1,) Ampletide, or Walpurgis (late night of April 30 & early morning of May 1,) Grantingtide, or Neot’s Night (late night of July 31 & early morning of August 1,) and Hallowtide, or Hollantide (late night of October 31 & early morning of November 1)—are still enthusiastically observed.

In conclusion, I do believe there are eight times a year that represent astronomical periods of heightened energy and spirit activity, which fall strictly upon the equinoxes, solstices, and cross-quarter days between them. But that being said, there is a very real power to thousands of people coming together in worship and celebration—especially when it’s been going on for so very long. That much veneration creates a lot of energy and spirit activity in its own right. What’s more, there is a sacredness to the fact that these traditional dates have been passed down to me by my mother.