the most appropriate times to fast are just before the harvest sabbats: Lammas, Mabon and Samhain, although any Sabbat, or Esbat for that matter can be a good time. Unlike Islamic fasting, which lasts a lunar month and ceases during the night, Wiccan fasting is usually a few days long, without break. I find three days is good.
There are different levels of fasting. The easiest level is only a fast from solid food-if you can't suck it thru a straw, you can't have it. Then you take other things from your diet - alcohol,any liquid but fresh water, any liquid, smoking, sex, ect, to make your fast more of an ordeal.
Why Fast?- First fasting does have physical benefits, it helps cleanse the digest tract of excess food, and toxins. Doctors actually recommend fasting for a few days every month and for a week once a year to help flush out your system. Humans weren't designed to eat constantly, we were made to go several days at a time without food. Secondly, fasting helps you raise your spiritual self. You feel lighter, less depressed, more airy. If you are trying to increase your psychic ability this works well, it also has benefits for the depressed. Thirdly fasting makes you appreciate the food you normally take for granted, which is exactly what we are supposed to do at the harvest festivals. It also makes the food that much better when you break your fast at the Sabbat rite. Lastly, fasting is a good religious practice to adopt, to show your devotion to the Gods, and to test yourself.
|