The Altairian Calendar

The Altairian Calendar is defined by eight flashpoints throughout the year. These dates correspond to the eight witch sabbats in Wicca, though the names and traditions are very different. Nor are these dates necessarily holidays, though many Altairians choose to celebrate them in their own way. Note that the physical descriptions of the seasons do not apply everywhere as, like on Earth, there are certain climate zones in Altairus that experience different seasons.

The Dates

Dawn of Spring

February 1-2 (Northern Hemisphere), August 1-2 (Southern Hemisphere)

Dominant Energy: Unseelie

It is at this point in the year when the first signs of spring show in many places. While it is still clearly winter, the weather begins to warm up and certain plants will sprout from the snow. With this in mind, many Altairians choose this point in the year to prepare themselves for the business of the coming year. They set about making sure their homes and affairs are in order before the Vernal Equinox.

Vernal Equinox

March 20-21 (Northern Hemisphere), September 20-21 (Southern Hemisphere)

Dominant Energy: Balanced

At this point, spring is in full swing, with only a few frosts left in the season. This is when the bulk of Altairus's agriculture begins. Many Altairians also throw celebrations to bless the coming year and take advantage of the warmer weather. Traditions similar to that of Easter, such as scavenger hunts and the making of Equinox baskets, are common.

Winter's End

April 30 - May 1 (Northern Hemisphere), October 31 - November 1 (Southern Hemisphere)

Dominant Energy: Seelie

By now, the final frost has passed and there will be no more snow until the Autumnal Equinox at earliest in most places. Altairians tend to celebrate Winter's End as much as they do the Vernal Equinox, but these celebrations tend to be less about sacred observances and are moreso an excuse to host barbecues and spend a day at the beach, much like Memorial Day in the United States.

Summer Solstice

June 20-21 (Northern Hemisphere), December 20-21 (Southern Hemisphere)

Dominant Energy: Seelie

Just like on Earth, this is the longest day of the year in Altairus. At this point, Seelie energies have reached their peak strength. On this day, Seelie faeries conduct their most powerful spells and rituals, and Unseelie faeries hold this day as a celebration of the night's return after the solstice has passed.

Dawn of Autumn

August 1-2 (Northern Hemisphere), February 1-2 (Southern Hemisphere)

Dominant Energy: Seelie

For many Altairians, the warmest days of the year have passed, and the first signs of autumn have started to show. No leaves have changed color, but there is a cool breeze in the air. The first round of agricultural harvests begins on this date, though there are no feasts conducted at this time. Rather, many treat the Dawn of Autumn much like the Dawn of Spring, except that instead of preparing for the year ahead, they are preparing for the host of end-of-year celebrations that they will have in the coming months.

Autumnal Equinox

September 20-21 (Northern Hemisphere), March 20-21 (Southern Hemisphere)

Dominant Energy: Balanced

This is the time when the second round of harvesting is conducted, and by this point, at least one frost has usually occurred, causing the leaves to change color. As such, this is the point when most harvest feasts are held. Much like with the Vernal Equinox, many Altairians recognize this as a major holiday, with the traditions being much like those of American Thanksgiving; giving thanks for the prosperity the year has brought and expressing hope for the future.

Summer's End

October 31 – November 1 (Northern Hemisphere), April 30 – May 1 (Southern Hemisphere)

Dominant Energy: Unseelie

At this point, there has been at least one major snowstorm in most places. The leaves have fallen, the harvests are complete, and Altairians are eager to relax and have a little fun. This is when the Circus of Shadows sets up the Dark Carnival, and Altairians participate in many traditions associated with its Earth counterpart Halloween, such as trick-or-treating. This event traditionally recognizes the power of the Unseelie elements, but after the War of the Wendigoes, Summer's End celebrations also aim to immortalize the dark times of the War and the six heroes' victory over the Heart of Darkness.

Winter Solstice

December 20-21 (Northern Hemisphere), June 20-21 (Southern Hemisphere)

Dominant Energy: Unseelie

On this day in the dead of winter, Unseelie magic reaches its peak strength. As such, many Unseelie faeries reserve their most powerful spells and rituals for the long night of the solstice. Seelie faeries, on the other hand, celebrate the eventual return of the daytime with traditions associated with the Earth holiday of Christmas, such as feasting and gift-giving. Most Altairians formally recognize the Winter Solstice as the start of the new year, but this is rather arbitrary.

Time Flow in Altairus

It is not clear exactly how time flows in Altairus in comparison to how it flows on Earth. For instance, while the War of the Wendigoes lasted for over three decades on Earth, it only lasted a few years in Altairus time. There have also been stories about Earth dwellers visiting Altairus for a night and returning to find that several years had passed back on Earth. In any case, it is clear that time flows more slowly in Altairus than it does on Earth, but the extent of this oftentimes is inconsistent.

Date Comparison Cheat Sheet

• Dawn of Spring - Groundhog Day/Imbolc
• Vernal Equinox - Easter/Ostara
• Winter's End - Memorial Day/Beltane
• Summer Solstice - Independence Day/Litha
• Dawn of Autumn - Lammas/Lugh
• Autumnal Equinox - Thanksgiving/Mabon
• Summer's End - Halloween/Samhain
• Winter Solstice - Christmas/Yule