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MAJOR SABBATS
Samhain
(Sow-een or Sow-in)
Celebrated on October 31, this is the "Witches' New Year" and the primary Sabbat from which
all others flow. It is said that on this night, the veil between the two worlds is the thinnest. It also represents
the celebration of continued life. Traditionally, four jack o' lanterns are carved and one placed at each element's
quarter. This is done to frighten unwelcome spirits away (those faces are scary), but the glow from inside the pumpkin
will let the welcome spirits know where to go. The alter can be decorated with fall leaves, pumpkins, corn, gourds,
and anything related to the season. This is the third harvest festival.
Imbolgc
(em-bowl/g)
Celebrated on February 2nd., this day represents the first day of the Wiccan Spring and is
sometimes called Candlemas or The Festival of Light. On this night, many candles are lit to represent to Awakening of
the Earth. To speed up the spring season, place a bowl of melted snow on the alter.
Beltaine
(beel-teen or bell-tawn)
Celebrated April 30th. or May 1st., this is the celebration of rebirth, life and love.
One of the familiar traditions is the Maypole. The ribbons on the pole are red and white to represent the God and the
Goddess. There is love between the God and Goddess, as well as in our hearts, on this day. This is also a time
for new beginnings and new projects.
Lammas
(Lam-mahs)
Celebrated on August 1st., this is a celebration to honor the Celtic Sun God, Lugh. It
also gives thanks to Spirit for abundance of the Earth because this is the first of the harvest festivals. Food is placed
on the alter as an offering and the entire day is one for picnicing and games. Lammas is also known as the Wiccan Thanksgiving.
MINOR SABBATS
Yule
Usually celebrated on December 21st. or 22nd. (whenever the Winter Soltice is for that year)
Wiccans celebrate the rebirth of of the God and his gifts of warmth and fertility. Candles are traditionally lit and
left burning all night on the alter and a Yule Tree (sometimes called a "wish tree") is decorated. On this night, it
is said, that the Oak King (of the waxing or first half of the year) fights and supresses the Holly King (of the waning second
half of the year). Wiccans see the Holly King as "Father Christmas", wearing a red robe and holly atop his head.
He drives a sleigh of eight (the number of sabbats) deer (a symbol of the Horned God) through the night. Also
wreaths are hung to represent the Wheel of the Year.
Ostara
(Oh-star-ah)
Celebrated on March 21st. or 22nd. (whenever the Spring Equinox is for that year) it
is sometis called Lady Day and it represents the return of fertility to the land. One well known tradition is the coloring/dying
of eggs.
Summer Solstice
Celebrated on either June 21st. or 22nd., this day represents the strength of the God. for
he has reached his peak. The Oak King and the Holly King come to fight again on this day, however, this battle is won
by the Holly King. Herbs are harvested and a bale fire is lit.
Mabon
Celebrated on September 21st. or 22nd. (whenever the Fall Equinox is for that year), This is
the day that the God is reabsorbed into the womb of the Goddess. Many wiccans find this a time for making new wands
and staves. The alter is decorated with pumpkins, corn, fall leaves and fruit. This is the second harvest festival.
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SABBATS
Most Wiccans celebrate eight holidays throughout the year, each marking a specific time in the season.
Sabbats are ceremonies which are preformed in order to honor a God, Goddess, or season. Often there is a feast &
festivities at the Sabbat. In the Wheel of the Year there are four major Sabbats and four minor Sabbats. You will
find that some of these traditions sound familiar, however, they ARE NOT imitations of the Christian holidays & traditions.
They exsisted long before Christianity and were only brought into the Christian traditions when the Pagans converted in the
1st. Century. The Christians incorporated certain Pagan traditions into their practices in order to make Chrisitanity
more appealing to potential Pagan converts.
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ESBATS
There are 13 full moons a year, each of which, the Goddess is at her highest peak. Esbats
are kind of like mini sabbats which are performed on the night of every full moon. The ritual consists of drawing down
the moon and the consecretion of cakes & ale. Some Wiccans will hold Esbats in groups, but most will perform their
ceremonies alone. During these rituals, amulets and and tools are often charged and/or consecrated for the individual's
own use.
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