The Sabbats are holidays celebrating the cycle or Wheel of the Year according to the position of the Sun. The Sun is seen as a symbol of the God an so he is especiallyhonored in these celebrations though the Goddess is as well. Though magickal workings can be done on Sabbats they are generally days of celebration and fun. There are 8 Sabbats, four of these are determined by the Solstices and Equinoxes(Yule, Ostara, Midsummer, and Mabon) the other four are based on old folk festivals which are to some extent celebrated still celebrated by Non-Pagans(Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain). These holidays are meant to be fun and joyful be creative with your rituals don't worry about doing or saying everything perfect or "just so" especially if you're a beginner. If you're a solitary as I am there's nothing wrong with celebrating alone especially if you're still "in the broomcloset" for me personally I like to celebrate the Sabbats with my Pagan friends, many times we'll go to Pagan festivals to celebrate. Below I've listed the Sabbats in order with descriptions, which I hope will help with designing your rituals.
*Samhain(October 31)- Also know as Halloween and All Hallows Eve, symbolizes the death of the God, he is not gone forever but is readied to be reborn of the Goddess at Yule. Samhain once marked the time of sacrifice when animals would be slaughtered for food for the coming Winter. Animals are symbols of the God who died to ensure our survival. This is considered the Witches' New Year a time to reflect on the the year just past and to remember and honor those who have passed before us. The veil between the physical and spiritual planes is at its thinnest at this time of year and any magickal workings done on this day can prove to be very powerful.
*Yule(circa December 21)- The Goddess gives birth to a son, the God. This is the shortest day of the year(Winter Solstice). This is a time to celebrate the Divine birth and to welcome the Sun's returning warmth and light.
*Imbolc(February 2)- The Goddess is recovering after giving birth to the God. The God is a young boy, His energy grows in bounds everyday. Spring is just around the corner so this is a time of renewal and purification.
*Ostara(circa March 21)- The Spring Equinox or first day of Spring. The Goddess has sprung from her Winter's rest and becomes more fertile everyday, the God is growing to maturity as the Earth and all its creatures big and small begin to reproduce. This is a time of beginnings, action and looking forward to what the future will bring.
*Beltane(April 30)- The young God has entered manhood. The God and Goddess fall in love and the Goddess becomes pregnant. Beltane is also known as May Day. May poles, symbolic of the God may be erected and decorated with flowers, ribbons and greenery which are symbolic of the Goddess and together they represent the union of the Goddess and God.
*Midsummer(circa June 21)- The Summer Solstice also known as Litha. The God has reached his peak in power as has the Earth in its fertility. This is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. This is a time to encourage fertility, good health and love.
*Lughnasadh(August 1)- This is the first harvest. Spring plants and trees begin to drop their fruit and seeds to ensure future crops. The God begins to die as the length of daylight is becoming shorter but at the same time he grows within the Goddess. This is a time to be especially thankful of what nature provides for us.
*Mabon(circa September 21)- The Autumn Equinox, the day and night are again of equal length. The harvest is completed and the God readies hinself to leave his aging body and start his journey towards renewal and rebirth of the Goddess. The Earth prepares for Winter as the God wanes though the Goddess feels Him growing inside her womb.
|
