Esbats

To come and go by the moon,
heed the sound of her cunning tune.
'Neath her brilliant, reflective glow,
witches revel in the know.
New unto full, unto new once more,
ever abiding at the verge of our door.

- - -

Cold Moon - First of winter
Earth; Black, gray, white

Colder weather is more prevalent during the darker days. Our minds and bodies move a bit slower, but we stay focused on seeking the protection of the warmth we make, both physically and spiritually. We use this time of hibernation to become more in tune with ourselves, honing our thoughts and emotions.

Restless Moon - Second of winter
Air; Gray, orange, purple

Cabin fever may be setting in during these colder days as we grow tired of being cooped up indoors. We need only hold on for a little longer though. While we wait, we can begin planning our work for the coming seasons, evaluating what we can build upon from the past and envisioning what we can accomplish.

Waking Moon - Last of winter
Fire; Green, red, yellow

We are moving toward an awakening as new life is on the verge of seeding beneath the ground. Warmer days will soon be here to signal the end of the hibernation, and we will all be able to venture out and about again. As we start preparing for the new growing season, we get to enjoy the first scents of freshness all around.

Storm Moon - First of spring
Water; Blue, green, orange

The storms are arriving to bring nourishment to the ground and support the rapid growth that is about to start. We are anticipating the blossoms as the buds and blooms are about to pop open. While the birds and animals are building their new nests, we're able to set our plans for the coming seasons in motion.

Flower Moon - Second of spring
Earth; Green, pink, red

The ground has been warming, and with the flowers in bloom, it's time to get our hands dirty! We must tend to our plans, remembering all the things that we want to grow in and around our lives. In addition, there is passion in the air, and we get to enjoy more time with the people we care about most.

Sun Moon - Last of spring
Air; Pink, purple, yellow

We're happily spending time outdoors, playing under the sun, reinforcing bonds with family and friends, and forging new connections. Our plans are progressing, and so we must stay diligent, but also remember to maintain and enjoy what we already have.

Heat Moon - First of summer
Fire; Orange, red, yellow

As the heat increases, we occasionally seek comfort in the cooler shade. The seasons are following their due course, and we must let them go as they may. We can't sit idle for too long, though, and should enjoy a bit more fun before the hard work that lies ahead.

Harvest Moon - Second of summer
Water; Gold, orange, yellow

The harvest season begins, bringing an end to playtime and frivolity. Keeping our strength up becomes important, both physically and spiritually, so that we can perform the work to be done. Our plans are coming to fruition, so we must decide what we can give away to make room for the new.

Mature Moon - Last of summer
Earth; Brown, gold, green

The harvest has been in full swing and soon we will be gathering the final fruits of our labor. It may still be warm, but we know it will subside as the ground grows tired and becomes dormant. The first cool nights remind us to clear the land and clean our homes, physically and emotionally, to prepare for what is to come.

Blood Moon - First of autumn
Air; Black, purple, red

The ground and animals are retreating and the growth that was once around us is now in decline. However, there is no grief or sadness, only gratitude for what we have been able to achieve. During this time, we can seek a final communion with those who may be moving on.

Quiet Moon - Second of autumn
Fire; Blue, gray, orange

It is time to begin preparing for our rest. We take time to remember and be thankful for what we were given and what we still have. By grounding and centering our minds and bodies, we can release what is not needed or wanted, bringing comfort and peace.

Night Moon - Last of autumn
Water; Black, gray, purple

We settle into the darkness to sleep and recuperate, and we're filled with many dreams. There is a shift coming in the seasons, but we do not fear it. Instead, we celebrate what we have received, enjoying our good fortune and sharing it with others, especially family and friends.

Silver Moon
Spirit; Silver, white

In general, each season will see the start of three moon cycles. However, because the solar and lunar calendars do not perfectly align, there will be times when a season has four new moons. When this happens, the third moon is referred to as a Silver Moon.

This moon causes a shift, as esbats leading up to the Silver Moon fall earlier in the season and subsequent esbats then occur later in the season, making this potentially a time of transition or transformation. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate special occasions or events that may not ordinarily be observed.

The Silver Moon can heighten the connection between the mundane and ethereal, as well as the lower and higher selves, therefore meditation and divination may be more effective. Magick done at the time of a Silver Moon should be chosen carefully, as the effects can possibly last until the next Silver Moon.