The Sabbats


This article was added by Raven's Gate


The history, celebration, and correspondences of the Sabbats

Even if you don't necessarily celebrate them, the Sabbats can be a great time for one to practice magick or worship a chosen deity. Most of the 8 days I'm showing are representative of the relationship between the Goddess and the God, but I will include the traditions of some other cultures as well. There isn't a set way to celebrate a Sabbat as long as you take joy in what you're doing. However, if you need some inspiration or wish to attune yourself with these holidays, this reference is a way to get started.

Yule (December 21st) is symbolized as the period where the Goddess gives birth to the God. It marks the rebirth of the sun and a time when the days are longest. Yule was where the idea of Christmas originally came from, so it can be similarly celebrated by constructing a Yule tree, making edible garlands, hanging spices, decorating with fresh fruit (apples, oranges, lemons), or even burning a Yule log. Making Yule log cakes are also a fairly common and delicious practice. The Yule season is full of magick, much of it focusing on rebirth and renewal, as the sun makes its way back to the earth. This is a time of magick involving new beginnings, peace, harmony, love, and happiness.

Herbs: Mistletoe, cedar, pine, ivy, holly, juniper, rosemary, frankincense, laurel and bay

Crystals/Stones: Ruby, bloodstone, garnet, emerald and diamond

Imbolc (February 2nd) is symbolized as the period of recovery for the Goddess while the God is considered young and lustful. In Celtic tradition, it is also known as Saint Brighid's Day. This day offers a brief glimpse into the upcoming spring as seeds slowly begin to germinate and grow. Imbolc can be celebrated by creating a Saint Brighid's Cross, making a corn doll, tracing snow, making light (with fire or lamps), and making foods in honor of the sun like garlic, onions and peppers. Imbolc is a time of magick energy related to the feminine aspect of the goddess, new beginnings, and fire. It's also a good time to focus on cleansing, purification, healing, divination and increasing your own magickal abilities.

Herbs: Rowan, snowdrop, angelica, basil, heather, iris, violets, and blackberry

Crystals/Stones: Amethyst, bloodstone, garnet, ruby, onyx, turquoise

Ostara (March 21st) is symbolized as a period of maturity for the God while the Goddess wakes up from her slumber and spreads her seeds of fertility onto the land as plants finally begin to bud and blossom. In Germanic tradition, it is known as Eostre's Day. Ostara also marks the spring equinox, where winter slowly comes to an end and the amount of daylight becomes equal with the amount of moonlight. Ostara can be celebrated by planting seeds, working on magickal or herbal gardens, talking walks, or simply coloring eggs. This is the best time for magick relating to your career, relationship and love.

Herbs: Daffodil, woodruff, iris, peony, olive, gorse, narcissus, and spring flowers

Crystals/Stones: Jasper, azurite, citrine, lapis, amazonite

Beltane (May 1st) or May Day is symbolized as the God's journey into manhood and his relationship with the goddess in which she falls pregnant. This is not incest--it is representative of the circle of life. If you care to look, you may just catch a glimpse of the Fae in the world around you. Beltane is typically celebrated by constructing and decorating a May Pole, gathering flowers, dancing, making faerie offerings, or simply purifying your space. Magick involving fire, earth and fertility is encouraged on the day of the Lord and Lady.

Herbs: Hawthorne, honeysuckle, woodruff, St. John's wort, lemon balm, dill, mint, and any flower

Crystals/Stones: Magnetite, moss agate, malachite, garnet, carnelian

Litha (June 21st) or the summer equinox is symbolized as the point in time when nature reaches it's fullest potential and fertility is most abound. Everything in life is at it's highest peak. Litha can be celebrated by lighting and leaping over a bonfire, hiking, dancing, watching the sunrise, reading, or even crafting sun catchers. Magick in this time should be whatever you wish it to be--love, health, purification. All is considered well and in perfect balance.

Herbs: Vervain, chamomile, mugwort, rose, lavender, carnation, lily, oak, ivy, fern, and thyme

Crystals/Stones: Emerald, amber, tiger's eye, jade and onyx

Lughnasadh (August 1st) or Lammas is symbolized as the point in time when the God first begins to lose his strength and the harvest begins to reap new crops. Lughnasadh can be celebrated by picking sunflowers, making bread, making beeswax candles, setting off firecrackers, visiting farms, or creating corn dolls. Magick can be reserved for protection, abundance and nature.

Herbs: Grapes, crabapples, heather, blackberry, pears, sloe, and grain

Crystals/Stones: Carnelian, jasper, moonstone, citrine, peridot

Mabon (September 21st) or the autumn equinox is symbolized as the point in time when the God prepares to leave his physical body and begin his cycle of rebirth once more. This marks the second harvest and the slow decline of nature in preparation for winter. Mabon can be celebrated by honoring the darkness, picking apples, getting back in nature, telling stories, making wine, or planting seeds for the following year. Magick is best used on blessings, balance, prosperity, and self-confidence.

Herbs: Acorn, fern, honeysuckle, grain, myrrh, milkweed, rose, passionflower, and sage

Crystals/Stones: Sapphire, topaz, lapis, hematite, aventurine and amber

Samhain (October 31st) is symbolized as the point in time when the God is gone and awaits to be reborn in the womb of the Goddess. This marks the thinning of the veil, and one's communication between decreased ancestors. Samhain can be celebrated by honoring the dead, enjoying a ball, carving pumpkins, visiting a cemetery, or holding a seance. Magick is best for divination, summoning, and communicating to loved ones who have passed.

Herbs: Chrysanthemum, nuts, wormwood, apples, pumpkins, hazel, thistle, and corn.

Crystals/Stones: Black Tourmaline, onyx, obsidian, calcite, and jasper


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