Sabbats and Esbats

Like all other religions, we too have holidays. There are 8 of them. They are called Sabbats. I will explain each of the Sabbats but only briefly. if you want to find out more, check out my recommended reading page.

Samhain (Halloween) October 31st
The wheel of the year begins here. Samhain is where we celebrate the new year. It is a time when the veil between the living and the dead are very thin. This is a good time to contact your ancestors and invite them into your circle. Its also a great time for divination. It is also a time to honor the people and loved ones who have passed onto the other side. This is also the time when the God goes into the underworld ready to be reborn at yule.

Imbolc (Candlemas) February 2nd
This is the time when the winter months are coming to an end. Spring is starting to creep closer. The Goddess is recovering from giving birth as the god is a young child. It is also a time to honour the triple goddess in her Maiden form. Tradition is also to light every candle and lamps in the home after dark to celebrate the new birth of ths god.

Yule ( Winter solstice) December 21st
This is the time when the God is reborn to the Goddess. It is the shortest day of the year and the days start growing longer from this time.
This is a time where there is rebirth of light, so fires are traditionally lit. Mistletoe, presents, decorating a tree red and green and feasts are also traditional.

Ostara (Spring Equinox) March 21st
This is the time where day and night is equal. It represents a time of balance. It is not quite spring, and winter is not quite over. The Easter bunny is a original pagan tradition, so painting eggs is traditional to show the inner child. This is a time of renewal and rebirth.

Bealtane (Mayday) May 1st
This is the time of union of the God and Goddess. A time of fertility, love, development,union. The Earth is full of life and bloom. This is a very common time for handfasting. The maypole is another popular tradition.

Midsummer (Summer Solstice) June 21st
This is the longest day of the year. It represents the god at his fullest,in all his glory, at his peak. This is a brilliant time to do magick. Everything is at its peak. The Earth is at its fullest. Magickal workings for love, health, and purification are good at this time.

Lughnasadh (Lammas) August 1st
This is the time when the nights get longer. It is the first harvest. The god begins to grow weak, and the Goddess is about to go into her Crone aspect. The traditions for this sabbat are: making corn dollies, and wheat weaving.

Mabon (Autumn Equinox) Sept 21st
Like Ostara, day and night are equal. Also Known as the 2nd harvest, where we prepare for the coming of the frost. The god gets ready for the journey to the underworld at samhain. Cornbread and cider are good for feasts at this time.

After Mabon, the wheel starts over again to samhain. Samhain, Bealtaine, Lughnasadh, and Imbolc are the Greater Sabbats. The other four are lesser Sabbats.

Esbats are connected with the Moon phrases, so details for that will be in Moon Magick.