Sabbats...
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Lughnasadh
Other Names: Lammas, Lughnasad, Lugnassad, Lunasa
Date: February 1st - Exact date is February 4th.
(Greater Sabbat/Cross Quarter)
Celebration of:
A Festival of not only life and bounty, but of harvest and death, the complete cycle of life.
Colours: Gold and Bright Yellow
Symbols: Summer flowers, nuts and grains
Notes:
Fire and light festival.
First grain harvest.
Feast dedicated to Earth Mother.
Count your blessings.
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Mabon
Other Names: Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home, Pagan Thanksgiving
Date: March 20
Celebration of:
The God now sleeps within the womb of the Goddess
Colours: Dark Brown and Red
Symbols: Harvest Foods
Notes:
Second harvest festival.
Celebration of thanks for the crops that were harvested.
Dark overtakes the light.
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Samhain
Other Names: Witch's New Year, Summer's End, All Hollow's Eve
Date: May 5th
(Greater Sabbat/Cross Quarter)
Celebration of:
The Lord dies and awaits his rebirth at Yule
Colours: Orange & Brown
Symbols: Fall fruits
Notes:
This is the day that the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is at its thinnest.
This is a good time for divination.
At dinner, remember to set a place for your loved ones that have past this year.
Leave an offering of food and drink on your door step for those souls that may still wander.
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Yule
Other Names: Winter Solstice
Date: June 21
Celebration of:
The Goddess gives birth to the God
Colours: Purple or Dark Green
Symbols:
Holly, mistletoe, pine branches, pine cones, wreath
Notes:
Shortest day of the year.
Yule log is decorated with evergreen & holly strands before being lit at sunset and is burned until sunrise.
Celebration of family and friends.
Celebration of peace, love and positive energy.
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Imbolc
Other Names: Imbolq, Olmeic, Candlemas, Brigits Day, Bride Day
Date: August 1st - Exact date is August 5th
(Greater Sabbat/Cross Quarter)
Celebration of:
The God is a young child growing in size and strength
Colours: Pink or Pale Green
Symbols: The Candle Wheel, Evergreens, Willows, Grain Dolly
Notes:
First planting of spring.
Ritual fires are burned.
A time for birth, healing and inspiration.
This is a popular time for vows of dedication or consecration.
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Ostara
Other Names: Spring Equinox, Eostre
Date: September 22
Celebration of:
The God and Goddess begin their courtship
Colours: Light Green
Symbols: Spring flowers
Notes:
Light overtakes the dark.
Rebirth of life.
Contemplate new beginnings and fresh ideas.
Serious mediation on your hopes and dreams for the coming year. Solar festival of fire, light, and fertility.
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Beltaine
Other Names: Beltane, Samradh
Date: November 1st - exact date is November 7th
(Greater Sabbat/Cross Quarter)
Other celebrations: Halloween (If you wish to celebrate this)
Celebration of:
The Lord and Lady consummate their relationship
Colours: White, Red and Pink
Symbols: Spring flowers (especially the rose).
Notes:
Fire and fertility festival.
Jumping over the balefire was said to insure protection.
Dance around the May Pole, though here down under, we would call it the Beltane pole.
Ring bells, bang on drums to scare away bad spirits.
Time for appreciation and affection for all that you have been given in your life.
End of spring planting.
A time for new beginnings, concepts and ideas.
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Litha
Other Names: Summer Solstice, Midsummer
Date: December 21
Celebration of:
The Goddess is pregnant with the God
Colours: White and Pale Yellow
Symbols: Spear (God) and Cauldron (Goddess).
Summer flowers, St. John's Wort, birch, white Lilly's
Notes:
Longest day of the year.
The God is at his peak strength.
Midpoint of the year.
Light large bonfires after sundown. (Check for fire restrictions first, maybe use candles instead.)
Peak of magikal power.
Remember that nothing lasts forever.
Celebrate abundance, fertility, virility, beauty, and the bounty of our earth.
Good time for handfasting, workings for empowerment and consummation.
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This has been updated for the Southern hemisphere with more updates as far as dates are concerned to follow.
One step at a time.
Yve - Dark Crone (O)
XXX
Image - fromchkarasgrimoire.wordpress.com
