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Sabbat

I didnt make this but the sabbats are the holidays for use. They are the changing of the seasons and the moon. We live by them and everything.

Samhain pronounced "sow-in" October 31

Also known as Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, Hallowmass or Day of the Dead, Samhain is the Wiccan & Witch new year. This is one of the most important of Sabbats, for we remember those that passed from the world of the living, to the world of the dead and the veil separating the two worlds is at it's thinnest. Yule (Winter Solstice) December 21

Winter has covered the earth and this is a time for the telling of stories, the sharing of skills and knowledge and the burning of the Yule log. It is the longest night of the year and Yule trees (where the idea of the Christmas tree came from) are decorated by Wiccans and are a symbol of the green, fertile land that will once gain spring forth with life come spring.

Candlemas (Brigid's Day or Imbolc) February 1 – 2

Spring is coming, although winter is still upon the land. Wiccans celebrate Candlemas by blessing their ritual tools and building a bonfire to signify the warm sun.

Ostara (Spring Equinox) March 21

This Sabbat corresponds with the arrival of Spring and is a good time to prepare for the planting of gardens, flowers, herbs and other plants. During this time, it is evident that Winter will end soon, and this is a very joyous occasion. Celebrating fertility, Wiccans paint eggs, an ancient fertility tradition which was adopted by Christians in celebrating Easter.

Beltane April 30 - May 1

Beltane, like Samhain, is an important Sabbat, and one of the most joyous. This is traditionally a fertility festival, and companions that wish to make a commitment to each other will hold a Handfasting (like marriage) to strengthen their commitment with one another.

Midsummer (Litha or Summer Solstice) June 21

This is the longest day of the year. Everything has been planted, the days are warm, the animals are prolific and life is good.

Lammas (Lughnasadh) August 1

The harvest yields its bounty and a huge feast is prepared. Homemade breads, and Summer fruits and vegetables are plentiful. Corn dollys are made from dried corn husks and winter is just around the corner.

Mabon (The Autumnal Equinox) September 21

This Sabbat celebrates the harvest of grain. Winter is closer yet and we appreciate the last harvests of the year. Wine is also made, as grapes ripen in some areas during this time. Wiccans celebrate this season with a feast of grains, apples, and other fruits and vegetables. The next Sabbat is Samhain, and so the wheel of the year starts its cycle again.

Planet Element Stone Flower/Herb Color Day Oct. Week

ARIES March 21 - April 19 Samuel Mars Fire Ruby, Garnet, Bloodstone, Diamond Thistle, Wild Rose, Grose Red, bright colors Tuesday

TAURUS April 20 - May 21 Anael Venus Earth Sapphire, Emerald, Jade, Opal Violet, Wild & Red Roses, Coltsfoot Blues, Greens Friday

GEMINI May 22 - June 20 Raphael Mercury Air Diamond, Jade, Topaz, Aquamarine Parsley, Dill, Snapdragons, Iris White, Spr. Green, Silver, Yellow Wednesday

CANCER June 21 - July 22 Gabriel Moon Water Emerald, Cat's Eye, Pearl, Moonstone Poppy, Water Lily, White Rose, Moonwort Pale Blue, Silver, Pearl, White Monday

LEO July 23 - August 22 Michael Sun Fire Amber, Topaz, Ruby, Diamond Marigold, Sunflower, Hops, Cowslip Gold, Red, Yellow, Orange Sunday

VIRGO August 23 - Sept 22 Raphael Mercury Earth Diamond, Jade, Jasper, Aquamarine Rosemary, Cornflower, Valerian Pastel Blue, Gold, Peach Wednesday

LIBRA Sept 23 - Oct 22 Anael Venus Air Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Emerald, Jade Violet, White Rose, Love-in-the-Mist Cerulean Blue, Royal Blue, Amethyst Friday

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Samael, Azrael Mars, Pluto Water Ruby, Garnet, Bloodstone, Topaz Basil, Heather, Chrysanthemum Dark Red, Brown, Black, Gray Tuesday

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - DEC 21 Sachiel Jupiter Fire Sapphire, Amethyst, Diamond Carnation, Wallflower, Clovepink, Sage Lilac, Mauve, Purple, Amethyst Thursday

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19 Cassiel Saturn Earth Onyx, Obsidian, Jet, Garnet Nightshade, Snowdrop, Rue Black, Grey, Violet, Dk Brown Saturday

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Uriel, Cassiel Saturn, Uranus Air Zircon, Amber Amethyst, Garnet Snowdrop, Foxglove, Gr. Valerian All Colors Saturday

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Sachiel, Asariel Jupiter, Neptune Water Sapphire, Amethyst, Coral Heliotrope, Carnation, Opium Poppy Purple, Violet, Sea Green Thursday

Sabbat

Herbs

Incense

Color

Decorations

Foods

Yule

Holly, Mistletoe, Rosemary, Oak, Pine cones Bayberry, Pine, Cedar, Rosemary, Juniper Red, Green, White, Silver, Gold Yule log (oak or pine), Mistletoe, Wreaths, Strings of dried flowers and cinnamon sticks, Apples, Oranges, Yule tree Nuts, Apples, Oranges, Caraway rolls, Mulled wine, Roast turkey

Imbolc

Snowdrop, Bay, Heather, First Flowers of the Year Rosemary, Cinnamon, Westeria, Frankincense, Myrrh White, Orange, Red Lamps, Besom (witch's broom), Yellow flowers All Dairy products, Curries, Onions, Chives, Garlic, Spiced wines, Seeds, Herbal teas

Ostara

Honeysuckle,Iris, Peony, Violet All spring flowers Jasmine, Rose, Strawberry Green, Yellow Colored eggs, Green and yellow jellybeans, Rabbit Decorations, Spring Flowers Seeds, Leafy Green Vegetables, Spiced or Flower Cupcakes, Fruits, Hard-boiled eggs

Beltane

Honeysuckle, St. John's wort, Hawthorn, All flowers Frankincense, Lilac, Rose Green, Soft pink, blue and yellow Maypole, Strings of beads or flowers, Ribbons, Spring flowers Dairy, Oatmeal cakes, Cherries, Strawberries, Wine punches, Green Salads

Litha

Lavender, Chamomile, Roses, Daisy, Lily Frankincense, Lemon, Rose, Wisteria, Lavender Blue, Green, Yellow Dried herbs, Potpourri, Seashells, Summer Flowers, Fruits Summer Fruits, Ale, Mead, Fresh Vegetables

Lughnasadh

All grains, Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sunflowers Sandalwood, Rose, Aloes Yellow, Orange, Green, Brown Corn Dollies, Any Wheat weaving crafts, Shafts of Grain Breads, Cider, Blackberry Pies and jellies, Rice, Meadowsweet tea, Berries

Mabon

Hazel, Corn, Acorns, Oak, Wheat Stalks, Cypress cones, Pine cones Myrrh, Sage, Pine Orange, Dark red, Yellow, Brown Acorns, Pomegranates, Pine Cones, Baskets of fallen leaves Breads, Corn, Cornbread, Beans, Squash, Apples, Roots (carrots, potatoes, onions), Cider

Samhain

Pumpkin, Apple, Nuts, Thistle, Chrysanthemum, Broom, Oak leaves, Sage Apple, Nutmeg, Sage, Mint Black, Orange Jack-o-lantern, Photos of deceased loved ones, Apples, Fall leaves, Autumn flowers, Squashes Apples, Corn, Nuts, Cider, Mulled wine, Pumpkin Dishes, Cranberry muffins, Herbal teas

Element Direction Color Time of Day Season Elemental Spirit Magickal Tool East

Yellow

Dawn

Spring

Slyphs or Sprites

Athame or Sword

South

Red

Midday

Summer

Firedrakes or Salamanders

Wand or Staff

West

Blue

Twilight

Autumn

Undines or Merfolk

Chalice or Cauldron

North

Green

Midnight

Winter

Gnomes

Stone or Pentagram

The Wheel of the Year consists of eight Sabbats. All the Sabbats are solar in nature, marking the passing of the year with natural milestones. Some break the Sabbats down into major and minor, the major Sabbats being Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh. The minor Sabbats are Yule (Winter Solstice), Ostara (Spring Equinox), Litha (Summer Solstice) and Mabon (Autumn Equinox). It is through these Sabbats that witches through out the world mark the passing of the year with celebration and reverence for the deities and events that each represents. These holidays are as used by witches in the Northern Hemisphere. The witches in the Southern Hemisphere (all you Australian and New Zealand witches out there) reverse the Sabbats due to the opposite seasons. You can read more about the Southern Hemisphere Sabbats at The Church of All Worlds Page, Australia (Thanks, Sean!)

(December 20-23)

Yule, also called Winter Solstice, celebrates the rebirth of the Sun, the Sun God and honors the Horned God. On Yule we experience the longest night of the year. Although much of the winter's harshest weather is still ahead of us, we celebrate the coming light, and thank the Gods for seeing us through the longest night. It is a time to look on the past year's achievements and to celebrate with family and friends. From this day until Midsummer, the days grow longer, everyday banishing the darkness a little more in a glow of the warm sunlight that brings the world to life again. This day is the official first day of winter. This holiday will fall somewhere between the dates above and varies from year to year depending on when the Sun reaches the southern most point in its yearly trek.

(February 1)

Imbolc, also called the Feast of Brighid, celebrates the approach of spring. The term "Imbolc" means "in milk" and at this time, pregnant sheep, or ewes, begin to lactate. This is one sure sign that spring is right around the corner. Although the days are getting longer, this is still the heart of winter and Brighid, the Celtic Goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft is honored. Her gift of smithcraft comes with an added bonus, fire. This may be the reason some celebrate this day as the day of the Celtic Fire Goddess. This is a time of new beginnings and growth. At this time, think of your goals and dreams for this year that you will plant. At this time, greet the pregnant Maiden Goddess and give Her thanks for soon She will give birth to the spring.

(March 20-23)

Ostara, also called the Spring Equinox or Vernal Equinox, celebrates the arrival of spring. This holiday will fall between the above dates depending on which day the Sun, on its northern trek, crosses the equator. Ostara marks the day when night and day are equal and balanced. Ostara, her symbol the egg and her sacred animal the rabbit, is the Norse Goddess of fertility, and it is She that is honored this day. During this time, the snow begins to melt away, the days are getting warmer and new birth is found in the fields as the ewes drop their lambs and by the budding leaves and flowers. This is a time to rejoice, dance, celebrate. Winter has passed and you have survived the harshness of the darker days. Life begins anew. This is a time to plant the seeds of our flower, herb, vegetable and spiritual gardens. What dreams will you plant to be fertilized by the earth?

(May 1)

Beltane, also called May Day, is a Sabbat celebrating fertility and the union of the young Horned God and the Goddess. At this time, life is renewing itself. Birds and animals are mating. In the fields, newly planted seeds are beginning to grow. Great fires are lit honoring the fertility God Belenos. Some leap the fires to show the exuberance of the season. Maypoles are erected and bright ribbons are entwined around it. The Maypole, a phallic symbol, represents the masculine. The soft, colorful ribbons represent the feminine. The union of the two symbolizes the union of the God and Goddess. This is the time to fertilize your dreams with action. It is legend that children conceived at Beltane were gifted by the gods. These children are known as Merry-Be-Gots.

(June 20-23)

Litha, also called Midsummer and Summer Solstice, celebrates the abundance and beauty of the Earth. This is the longest day of the year, and will fall somewhere between the dates above depending on when the Sun is at its northern most point. From this day on, the days will wane, growing shorter and shorter until Yule. The trees and fields are full and prosperous. The young animals and birds are learning to live and frolic in the fields and trees. This is a time of the Faery, when a festival called the Feast of the Faery is held. It is believed that at twilight on this day, the portals between worlds open and the faery folk my pass into our world. Welcome them on this day and they may bless you with their wisdom and joy. This is a time to look internally at the seeds you've planted that should be at full bloom.

(August 1)

Lughnasadh, also called Lammas, is the Celebration of Harvest and begins what is called "the chase of Lugh". Lugh is the Celtic Sun God and He rains down upon the crops, living within the golden fields. This is the time of the first harvests. At this celebration we give thanks to the Earth for its bounty and beauty. It is from these harvests that we eat through the upcoming winter. Honoring the God Lugh, games and sports are played to celebrate strength and good health. The grain Goddesses Demeter and Ceres are also honored. This is a time to harvest the dreams planted earlier in the year.

(September 20-23)

Mabon, or the Fall or Autumnal Equinox, celebrates the end of harvest. Again we find ourselves with a day and night equal. On this day, which will fall somewhere between the dates above, the Sun again passes the equator, this time on its trek south. At this time the "chase of Lugh" ends with the felling of the last shaft of grain. It is within this last shaft that Lugh has hidden, but with His death, His sacrifice, we live through His abundance. This is time for thanksgiving, evaluation and meditation. Take stock in what you've received and prepare for the dark days.

(October 31)

Samhain (pronounced sow-inn), also goes by the name Halloween. This is our time of endings and our time of beginnings, so at Samhain, we celebrate the New Year. This is a quieter time, a time when the veil between worlds is thin and the spirits may pass more easily. At Mabon, the God Lugh died in order for us to live through His abundance. During the intervening time, He has gathered the spirits of those that have died over the year and waits for this night so that they may pass through the gate to the other side. This is the time to revere our ancestors and to say farewell to those that have passed this last year. It is also a time of divination. The abundance of the fields now gives way to the power and strength of the Horned God of the Hunt. This begins a time of darkness. From now until Yule, the days grow darker and colder. Winter storms begin to sweep down from the north. This time is the barer of many destructive forces. Yet at Samhain, we celebrate the passed year and the year to come. We light bonfires and perform rituals to honor our deceased loved ones. Many Halloween traditions stem from Samhain. The wearing of scary costumes was originally used to scare away those souls that may mean harm. Yet in spite of the costume, the spirits that know you will still be able to find you and visit. The jack-o-lantern was another means of scaring away hostile spirits, the candle within a beckoning light to those that you wish to welcome.

Everyday holds magick, but questions arise as to whether today is the day to channel that magick. Besides what magickal herbs and oils you may need, the question of when to start a spell is also important. During what phase of the moon should your spell be performed? Does the Moon Sign matter? Within the calendar is listed the moon phases and the moon sign. Also, a listing for the color of the day and incense of the day is given. Try incorporating the color into your everyday life, drawing on the color's unique attributes for extra strength and power throughout your day. Same applies to the incense.As everyday holds magick, everyday has meaning. Within the calendar you will find listings of events and observations for every day of the year. The sources I have used to list the festivals and events sometimes had different dates listed as to when some of the holidays are observed.

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