Are you longing for a slower, more meaningful way to move through the year? You’re not alone. Many of us—especially in the second half of life—are searching for rhythm, purpose, and connection. That’s why I’m excited to introduce this new series: Veganism and the Wheel of the Year.
We’ll explore how this ancient, nature-based calendar can guide us in living more seasonally, compassionately, and mindfully. By aligning with the Earth and embracing a plant-based lifestyle, we can find deeper joy in each turn of the seasons.
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A New Way to Move Through the Year
Have you ever felt like time is rushing past you? Like the months blur together, and suddenly, it’s December again. I’ve felt that way for most of my life. But lately, I’ve been craving something different. I want to move through the year with more intention, more connection, and more heart. This desire was sparked by my own journey towards a more mindful and plant-based lifestyle, and I’m excited to share it with you.
While wrapping up my series on the Zodiac, something began to stir inside me. I realized I wasn’t quite ready to let go of seasonal reflection. I started thinking about how each time of year holds a unique energy. That’s when I remembered the Wheel of the Year—a gentle, nature-based calendar that marks time by the turning of the seasons.
This series is an invitation to walk through the year together in a new way, tune in to the subtle shifts, and explore how the changing Earth can guide us toward more compassionate, plant-based living—one season at a time.
What Is the Wheel of the Year, Anyway?
The Wheel of the Year is a beautiful way to track time. It follows the natural rhythm of the Earth, not a traditional calendar. This Wheel turns with the seasons, marking the quiet shifts we feel but don’t always pause to notice. It’s a tool for living in harmony with nature, guiding us to align our activities and mindset with the changing seasons.
It comes from ancient Pagan and earth-honoring traditions. At its heart are eight seasonal festivals called Sabbats. These include the solstices and equinoxes, plus four days that fall in between. Each one marks a turning point—moments when the light shifts, the air changes, and the Earth begins to transform.
In this series, I won’t explore religion or specific rituals. Instead, I’ll explore each Sabbat through a plant-based, spiritually curious lens. Think of it as a journey through the year with your feet on the ground, your heart open, and your meals rooted in compassion.
Why Now Feels Like the Right Time
Something has shifted. More and more people—especially those over 50—are feeling the pull to slow down. We’re tired of rushing, tired of feeling disconnected from nature, our bodies, and even our food.
This series is my answer to that feeling. The Wheel of the Year gives us a simple way to reconnect. And when paired with a plant-based lifestyle, it becomes a powerful guide for living with intention and kindness. The seasonal changes in the Wheel of the Year can inspire us to eat more locally and seasonally, which aligns with the principles of a plant-based diet.
Here’s why I felt called to write this now:
- We’re all yearning for a sense of calm. Life can often feel busy and loud. However, the practice of seasonal living can help us bring peace back into our lives, allowing us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of each moment.
- Vegan values align with the Earth’s rhythm. Compassion, balance, and care for all beings fit beautifully with the Wheel’s energy.
- It’s not another to-do list. These posts are meant to inspire, not overwhelm.
- We want to feel rooted. One of the most beautiful aspects of the Wheel of the Year is how it helps us feel rooted. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re not alone but part of something much bigger and more natural than ourselves.
- It’s time to start living with heart. This series offers us all small yet meaningful ways to connect with each season and, more importantly, with ourselves. It’s about tuning into our emotions and inner selves and living with intention and kindness.
What You’ll Find in This Journey
This series will follow the turning of the Wheel of the Year, one Sabbat at a time. We’ll begin with Beltane, a celebration of life and growth. From there, we’ll move through the rest of the year—pausing to reflect, breathe, and connect as each season shifts.
Each post will feel like a gentle check-in. I’ll share a warm reflection on what’s happening in nature and in our lives. You’ll get a bit of background on the Sabbat we’re exploring, shared in simple terms with no jargon or stress. I’ll also talk about how each seasonal energy connects with vegan values like compassion, balance, and kindness.
Most importantly, I’ll offer you one small, mindful practice to try. Nothing complicated. Just something to help you feel more rooted. It might be a journaling prompt, a quiet walk, or a short seasonal ritual. No recipes. No pressure. Just heart-centered inspiration in an easy-to-understand style. You don’t need to know anything about the Wheel of the Year to join in. You’re already right where you need to be.
An Invitation to Walk the Wheel
I’d love for you to join me on this gentle journey through the Wheel of the Year. Each season has something to teach us about nature, compassion, and ourselves. As we slow down and notice the quiet shifts around us, we may also start to see shifts within.
This series isn’t about doing more. It’s about feeling more. It’s about reconnecting with the Earth in a natural, peaceful, and kind way. My hope is that as we move through the Sabbats together, you’ll start to feel more grounded and aligned in your own life.
Here’s something to carry with you as we begin:
What does it mean to live in rhythm with the Earth?
And if you’re like me and enjoy a little affirmation to hold onto, here’s one to keep close:
“I walk gently with the Earth, through light and shadow, honoring all that grows.”
Expect Miracles!
Until next time,
Julene
