Sabbats, the Witches Holidays of the Old Ways

The eight Sabbats are the "witches" holidays. These rites are observed in a very respectful manner, and all occur at points of the year that link with natural goings on. They are the solstices, equinoxes, and the midpoints in between. Most modern Holidays have been adopted from these more ancient traditions and, like every thing else, have been commercialized. These holidays are meant to honor the powers that be and our relationship with nature and the God and Goddess. The idea is to commune with nature and your fellow man and celebrate the abundance we've been granted.

This is a Quick over view of these holidays giving you some idea of their meaning and the traditional ways of celebrating.

Yule; also known as Winter Solstice, is from December 21^st through the 22^nd. This is the celebration of renewal and rebirth during winter, marking its midpoint. Fires are lit and candles are carried around the circle to honor the return of the Sun God. A special Yule log is decorated and lit to burn from the beginning of the celebration to the end. The Festivity colors are green and red, along with white, silver and gold. Wheel symbols represent the cycles of the year. Many people decorate a small living tree with fruit and strings of cranberries and nuts, called a Yule tree. Festivities usually include spiced cider, fruit cakes, and eggnog. The modern version of this holiday is called Christmas.

Imbolc: also known as Candle Mass is held on February 2^nd. People celebrate by lighting candles that are laid out in a circle, and symbolizes the coming of the Sun and Spring. It is the blessing time of the seeds in honor of rebirth to come. The Goddess is asked to bless the coming season of growth and fertility, and thanks is given. Imbolc also symbolizes the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. Celebratory colors of this festival are white, blue, and green. A dish of snow, evergreens and, candles are the main centerpieces for this celebration. People feast on nuts, dried fruits, and ciders, as well as, homemade cakes. Most closely relates to the date of our modern Groundhogs Day.

Ostera; also known as the Vernal Equinox, is on March 21^st. This celebration marks the start of Spring. It is a festival of the coming crops and the return of the Sun. Dancing and singing are encouraged, and a feast is usually held. Fires and candles are lit in a circle, but only during the actual rite, not before. Chants to give thanks and encourage the new growth of Spring are a great way to honor the God and Goddess. The colors for this occasion are whiter and pastels. The rabbit the potted plant symbolize the fertility of the season along with the cauldron and bonfire. Eggs, cheeses, homemade breads, and fresh juices are to be served. This is a more ancient holiday predating Easter and before the time of Christ.

Beltane; better known as, May Day, covers April 30^th to May 1^st, and is a festival of fertility and the return of light, a time when life is good. Flowers, fun and love are the treats of the day. People enjoy weaving, ribbons, bonfires, horn blowing, and life itself. Some make wreaths of flowers for themselves and their loved one. Believers enjoy two days of Living life to its fullest, wearing white, the color youth and innocence. Decorations may consist of cauldrons filled with flowers, and mirrors and the feast includes all kinds of natural fresh foods.

Litha; which can also be called the Summer Solstice, is celebrated on June 21^st. The great magical power of the Sun is the theme of this festival. This is the Holy day of masculinity. Cauldrons ringed with flowers to be plunged into with a sacred sword preludes a night of bonfire leaping. The day is filled with magic and herb drying in the heightened power of the Sun Gods glory. The festival colors are yellows, oranges and gold. One can use a mirror at noon to absorb the power of the Sun. Then, feast on seeds, nuts, and any masculine foods complete the day.

Lughasadh; or the First Harvest, is held on August 1^st, and is a time of harvest and thanksgiving. People celebrate the gifts of the Earth. Bread is eaten and thrown into the fire as a sacrificial gesture. Grains decorate the field and are woven into likenesses of the God and the Goddess. As always, feast and festival are afoot with a true sense of communion with man and nature. Festival colors are red and orange, and bread baked from the first harvest along with late summer fruits and vegetables are the typical fair.

Mabon; or Autumn Equinox, celebrated on September 21^st, is the second harvest festival. This is the time that the Earth prepares for the coming of Winter. Corn dolls are made to pay homage to the fertility of the Earth and the gifts it bears. Celebration of the harvest moon, and an excellent time for fertility spells. This is typically the hugest feast of the year with a pot luck of the community is held in the true spirit of thanksgiving. Fruits, grains, breads, all foods gathered from the year are served. Colors are the red, orange and brown of the changing leaves. Most closely corresponds with Thanksgiving, although earlier in the year.

Samhain; the final holiday of the year, is also the first and last day of the witches year. It is the day to honor the dead, and the time when the veils between the worlds is at it's thinnest. This is a festival for the brave at heart, and the best time to communicate with the dead, a great night to do divinations, transformation spells, and visions. Food is left outdoors to welcome the spirits, and bonfires serve as beacons to the heavens. Candles are left lit in windows to show the dead the way home. Traditional colors are orange, black, and indigo, and it is the original Halloween.