WICCA SABBATS

SAMHAIN this is the Witches' New year, it is also named 'Feast Of The Dead' , Martinmas, Old Hallowmas or Hallowe'en and this Sabbat takes place at the 31st of October. We remember our ancestors who have passed away earlier, and we make contact with them on this day, for we believe that this is the best day for that. We bid a farewell to the God, who is dying, and will be reborn at Yule. The summer is gone by now, and the days shorten. The Sun makes place for the Moon. Sometimes, Wiccas put black candles in the windows for protection from evil spirits, and leave aplate of food out for hungry spirits who are visiting. YULE Yule is celebrated at the Winter's Soltice, so it is not the same every year. This Sabbat celebrates the Winter Soltice, but more; the Re-birth of the God (the Sun). The days Lengthen now again, and the growing season is coming. Now it is time to make your wishes and be sure that they are granted at the Ostara Sabbat. now, these wishes are not on material level, they are meant in a personal way. Maybe you want to grow your self-confidence. Be sure to at least have made a start with it. most of the Rites this day celebrate the re birth of the Sun God, and the fertility of the Higher ranks. Lemons have a special meaning at Yule, they are used a lot for Rites. This Sabbat is celebrated the 22nd of December. IMBOLC Also named 'Feast Of torches' On this day, the 31st of Januari, we celebrate the fisrt signs of the return of Life to earth. Th growing season has truly begun now, and theSun is starting to make it's return now. This is also the Holy day of Brigid, the Goddess of Fire, healing, Fertility and she is also the muse of Poets. This Sabbat is seen as a gateway for the God to make his return definately now. This Sabbat also exists in the Christian Calender; it is Called CandleMass, they churches use it to bless their candles for the whole year. also, it is time for you to do something with the wishes you made at Yule, make them come true, now is the time, the growing season has begun, and not only in the 'earth-way' but also in the personal way. This is a time for you to evolve personally. OSTARA Or; Eostara, or the Vernal Equinox. This day, the 21st of March, is the first day of Spring, and now the Moon has made way for the Sun to shine his mightyness all over Earth. Light and dark are at a complete balance this day. At this time, your personal wishes should have been granted by now. Though, it is time again to make new plans for the future; in love, happiness, wealth, whatever you want or feel is good for your personal growth. This season indicates the first signs of the Summer, which will arrive at short notice. The fields are starting to get green and the flowers are starting to pop out of the ground. BELTANE This Sabbat used to be celebrated at the 5th of May, but for reasons I do no t know about, it moved to the 1st of May, therefore it is also called 'May Eve'.  This of, course only counts for the northern Hemisphere. This Sabbat is also referred to as 'Start Of Summer'. Th warmth of the Sun and the Summer are celebrated on this day, and NOT the Solstice. Traditionally, this would be the day when the God impregnates the Goddess. It is a time of Joy and Happiness. Some say this Sabbats fills the hearts with happiness and courage, this is something I believe aswell. Eggs are important here, they stand for fertility, though they were first used at Ostara. Beltane is the planting season for the colder regions in the Northern Hemisphere. Ostare was the feast for the warmer regions, who can enjoy the sun earlier then the colder ones, but of course this is obvious. MIDSUMMER EVE the Summer Solstice is here. This Sabbat is also named LITHA, and it takes place at the 21st of June. It is the longest day today, and the strenght of the God and Goddess today is the greatest. it is the best time for Magic and Spells. Wiccas make bonfires this evening, and there are some herbs that are perticularly good for this day; vevain, chamomille, rose, lavender (a herb that is very significant to the summer, for it only grows then), daisy, carnation, and liles. LUGNASADH this is the fisrt Harvest of this year. It takes place on the 1st of August, and therefore also carries the name 'August Eve' with it. this Sabbat was not originally celebrated on this day, it varies from year to year, but we must remember to make it happen around this time. it is meant as a reminder that nothing in life is constant, sometimes there are dissapointments, but we are strong enough to overcome that. The Goddess is starting to take the God's Place. The days shorten again, though we do not notice this yet, really. But though the god is dying, the Goddess has no fear, after all, she has been impregnated by the God, and she will give birth to the God once more when Yule arrives again. MABON the Autumn Equinox, which is celebrated at the 21st of september. here, the harvest will be completed that has started on Lugnasadh. Again, day and night are fully in balance. Nature is starting to prepare for it's well deserved rest and you can see that the growing season is certainly at it's end. We thank the God and Goddess for the riches of that year, aswell in personal as in a material way. it is kind of a thanksgiving feast. We gather together, and we share whatever there is to share.