All religions have sacred calendars containing various days of power or times associated with particular deities. Most Wiccans perform rituals at least 21 times a year; 13 Full Moon celebrations, usally Goddess-orienated, and eight Sabbats, or solar festivals, related to the God. Some Wiccans meet with their covens for these rites, while others perform them alone.

The moon is an ancient synbol of the Goddess. Countless religions have recognized the moon with rites and ceremonies. Contemporary Wiccans often gather (if coven members) on the nights of the full moon each month for worship and magical rites.

The Sabbats are seasonally based. They are connected with the old European planting and harvesting times as well as with hunting rites.

In essence, the Sabbats tell the story of the God and the Goddess. In festival form they reveal a seasonal and agricultural Wiccan legend. Four of them related to the astronomical solstices and equinoxes.

Briefly, here are the eight Sabbats of Wicca and some of the generally accepted symbolism of each. The names for the various festivals differ greatly from tradition to tradition; the ones used here are those most commonly in British-based Wiccan groups.

Many Wiccans begin their year with Samhain (October 31). On this night they revere their friends and loved who have passed on to the other life. Because Wiccans accept the doctrine of reincarnation, this isn't a completely somber festival. Many Wiccans mark the symbolic death of the Horned God on this night. Samhain is linked with the coming of winter and ancient hunting rituals.

Yule (circa December 21; the actual date varies yearly) celebrates the rebirth of the God through the agency of the Goddess. It is life amid the seeming death of winter. This isn't mockery of Christianity's holy day. The Winter Solstice is an ancient Pagan festival that early Christian leaders adopted as the symbolic date of Jesus' birth.

Imbolc (February 1 or 2) is the time when the Goddess has, symbolically, recovered from giving birth to the God. It is a festival of purification and fertility.

Ostara (circa March 21), the Spring Solstice, marks the first day of true spring. It is a time of the awakening of the Earth (the Goddess) as the Sun (the God) grows in power and warmth.

April 30 is celebrated as Beltane. On this festival the young God ventures into manhood. He and the Goddess (His mother / lover) join and produce the bounty of nature. This isn't incest; it is nature symbolism. In Wiccan thought the Goddess and God are one, united. They are dual reflections of the power behind the universe.

Midsummer (circa June 21) is the point at which the powers of nature are at their peak. Wiccans gather to celebrate and to pratice magic.

Lughnasadh August 1 is the harvest's begining. THe God weakens as the first grains and fruits are cut. Lughnasadh is celebrated as a thanks ritual.

Mabon (circa September 21) is the second harvest. The God prepares to leave His life behind Him as the last fruits are gathered to nourish all peoples. The warmth is lessening day by day.

Samhain follows Mabon, and the cycle of rituals is completed.

Scott Cunningham practiced magic for over 20 years. He was the author of over 30 fiction and non-fiction books. Llewellyn Publications published 16 titles. Cunningham's books reflect a broad range of interests within the New Age sphere, where he was highly regarded. He passed from this life on March 28, 1993 after a long illness. ---- Llewellyn Publications

Personally I feel Cunningham has done more for assisting people to come to the ancient religion of Wicca, than almost any other author. Many booksellers will often recommend Cunningham's books to first time buyers of Wiccan books. His writtings have assisted me and countless others, and for this we will be forever greatful. He will be missed.

---

For other Wiccan resources please point your browser to:
The Witches' Voice
For excellent Wiccan and pagan resources.

[Home]