WICCAN SABBATS
There are eight sabbats on the wheel of the year. Some consider there to be four major and four minor sabbats. While four of the
sabbats are more widely known and celebrated, I believe them all to be equally important.
Each sabbat has its own traditions and legends. Some of these are easily recognizable even by non-pagans. Many of these traditions have
been incorporated into other religions, including Christianity. Other traditions have fallen into common folklore.
Each sabbat also represents a portion of life: birth, childhood, teen years, early adulthood, marriage, parenthood, old age and death,
in the loosest sense. They also represent the earth cycle, the harvest, and the seasons. Early pagans often took everyday life around them and used
this in their religions.
Yule/Winter Solstice
December 21
This is the holiday that represents the rebirth of light. December 21 is the shortest day of the year. Beginning on December 22 the days slowly begin to grow
longer. Symbolically this is a triumph over darkness and death.
On December 21, during the longest night of the year, the goddess gives birth to the sun child and hope for new light is reborn in joy and celebration.
This is a time for new beginnings. Many pagans have adopted this instead of Samhain for the new year. Energy is high during this time. This is a good time to
come to know yourself and what you want out of life. To decide a path for your life to take if you haven't already. This is also a good time to change something
about your life that you do not like.
The deithies most associated with Yule are of course the Goddess Mother and the sun child. Other Yule deities are:
The Holly King - A Celtic god oth the waning year. On Yule The Holly King battles his twin the Oak King and loses. The Holly King is
a possible predesesor of Santa Claus.
Lucina, the Sun Goddess - She rekindles the sun and brings new light. Today she is know as Santa Lucia, and is represented with a wreath of candles on her head.
Imbolc
February 2
Also known as Candlemas, this is when both the year and the new born Sun god are very young. It is a time full of hope as thins begin to take shape. It is a good time for both spiritual
and physical cleaning as we get rid of the old and welcome the new.
This is a day of light and candles are the main symbol of the day. Women often carried candles are wore wreaths of candles on their head. Since the sun is being renewed any sun symbol
is also good to have. Songs of praise to the growing god and reawakening goddess as well as to the earth which is just starting to come alive again are appropriate.
Early pagans would light fires and carry candles to coax the sun to return to them and bring in the spring.
Some of the day's dieties include the fun loving Pan and the wise Brigid.
