Pocket Guide To Witchcraft

Chapter Three: Sabbats

Witches and especially wiccans celebrate different, seasonal festivals. They are based on the solar calendar and pagan traditions.

Yule

December 21st

It's the shortest day of the year and also known as the winter solstice. Even though the exact day varies, it usually takes place a few days before the Christian Christmas. It is believed that the god is reborn after his symbolic death at Samhain. Many traditions, which were invented by the pagan, are still used. If you grew up in a Christian family, you'll recognize many of them. Fires and candles ar elit and the yule log, will burn for twelve nights and twelve days. There is also a yule tree, which will be decorated to bring luck into the new year. Some of the correspondence's colors refer to red, green and golden. Enjoy hot chocolate with cinnamon or egg nog and decorate your place with mistletoe, pinecones and candles. It is known as cheerful time to spend with family and friends.

Imbolc

February 2nd

It's halfway through the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Originally, it was celebrated the onset of ewe's lactation and birthing of lambs. The Wiccans also celebrate Brigid, the goddess of poetry and healing. It is a good time to cleanse your home and remove unwanted energies. I recommend to do some house cleaning. If you want to have some decorations, use evergreens, sun- or candle wheels. Colors such as brown, green, pink, white and yellow are often used as well.

Ostara

March 21th

If you know any German, the word might seem familiar; Ostern. Lnown to be Vernal or Spring Equinox. It is the first day of spring and a major sabbat, from which on, the hours of day and night are firstly equal and then the day hours overtake. Celebrate renewal, rebirth and the fertility of spring. You can use spring flowers such as tulips or crocuses as decorations. Pastel shades of colors, such as baby blue or pink are fitting. Maybe start planting a small herb garden in order to take advantage of the spring fertility.

Beltane

May 1st

Also called May Day and a joyous celebration of fertility and love. Maypoles are used during these festivities and sometimes a wooden pole to represent the god. It's to celebrate the strengthening of the sun and fire festival. In some towns, there are still bonfires and maypole dances, that were created to purify people and pets, bring blessing and good fortune. A great time to throw a party with cakes and sweets. If you have an altar, you can decorate it with acorns, antlers or flowers.

Litha

June 21st

Known to be Midsummer or Summer Solstice. Just like Yule, it marks the longest day of the year. The sun is at its zenith and therefore marks the beginning of summer. Like Beltane, it is a fire festival as well and herbs can be harvested. Traditionally you can gift bread or cakes to the fey and ask them for their blessing. You might try some love spells and decorations such as all of earths flowers, herbs and fruits.

Lammas/ Lughnasadh

August 1st

It's the first out of three harvest festivals. The first spring corps should be ready to harvest. It is a time for contemplating the mysteries of life, death and rebirth. Beak bread or maybe have a brew.

Mabon

September 21st

Or Autumn Equinox. The day and night are now equal in length. Its often considered the final day of harvest, also celebrated as a harvest festival of grain, fruits and vegetables. The sun begins to wane and the earths prepares for the coming winter. It's the time of thanksgiving, often considered a witches thanksgiving and the summer changes to winter, where the darkness overtakes the light. It is the official beginning of fall as well. Notice the change outside, how the leaves turn colors. You can celebrate by drinking apple cider or taking a bath, start by getting cozy.

Samhain

October 31st

It's the third harvest and also often considered Halloween night. It marks the beginning of the Celtic new year and Celtic pagans still see it as the renewal of the wheel of the year. It is to be believed that the veil between the living world and the dead is the thinnest and spirits of our pasts and loved ones come walk on earth. The God dies at this night and is reborn on Yule. It makes Samhain a prime night to contact sprits or spiritual rituals. The feeding of the dead is a widely known example.