Sabbats

Look to the sun! Attend his way!
Hold his radiance in union with the day.
From quarter to quarter, far and near,
to circle through the witches' year.
Ever traversing, to appear and depart,
Ever seeing, holding time in his heart.

- - -

Yule - Winter Solstice
~21 December
Earth; Black, blue, silver, white

Sky's journey to distant lands has taken him far away, but now he starts the voyage home. Preparations are beginning for the rebirth of Orb, as her well-being will depend upon Sky's return.

The night has reached its peak over the day, indicating the winter season has begun, bringing colder weather with it. There is no reason to fear the dark though, since the light of the sun will once again start growing.

This is a time of celebration despite the darkness. We use festive lights and decorations to bring joy to our homes. We share the good fortunes of the past and hopes for the future with loved ones and strangers alike. A transition from the wisdom of the old to the innocence of the new is occurring as the witches' year starts anew.

Imbolc - Season of Renewal
2 February
Earth-Air; Blue, purple, white

Orb is reborn as the Maiden, so innocent and full of curiosity. She sees the growing light and eagerly awaits the returning Sky so they can be united once again.

There is an awakening happening, as the seeds of Nature begin stirring below the top layer of frozen ground. The grass and the trees, the wild animals, all know that winter is passing and the time to awaken will come soon.

Fires are lit to add warmth, fending off the cold that may surround us, as well as to burn away our bad habits and outdated ideas. We are using this sheltered time to make plans and set goals for the coming season, when we can finally get out and about.

Ostara - Spring Equinox
~21 March
Air; Blue, green, yellow

Sky has reached the edge of the homeland, and bringing the increasing light with him, he becomes the Oak Sire. He is shining down on Orb, no longer a child but not yet an adult, as she blossoms under the growing warmth.

With the start of spring, day and night are balanced and equal, as the sun is neither here nor far. We are aware of the increasing warmth; seeds are bursting at the seams to begin sprouting and the animals are emerging from hibernation or migrating between homes.

While the air is fresh, we celebrate by casting wishes of abundance and success for the coming season. We are putting our plans into motion, knowing that our intentions must be intertwined with our actions if we are to reach our goals.

Beltane - Season of Growth
1 May
Air-Fire; Green, pink, red

Orb matures into the Mother as Sky continues to nurture her, and they become fully bonded. With their mating, the fertility of the growing season is assured. Together as proud parents, they watch over the flowers and crops, the animals and livestock.

The days keep getting longer and warmer, leading also to a warming of the heart. There is love in the air as we are able to spend more time with those we care about most.

With the sun's return, we honor the union of Orb and Sky. They weave together like the ribbons of the maypole, showing how all things in Nature are intertwined. While there is much fun and frolicking, we remain mindful of the work ahead.

Litha - Summer Solstice
~21 June
Fire; Gold, red, silver, yellow

Sky sets off for a new adventure to faraway lands, knowing he has done all he can to bring happiness and nourishment to Orb. Now it is up to her to watch over the splendor and bounty of the lands in her domain.

Summer begins with the sun burning at its peak, and the day reaches the height of its dominance over the night. These long days give plenty of hours to complete chores and tasks, with time left over for fun or relaxation.

We learn lessons of service and contribution; we must work and be willing to give before we can receive. Only through this give and take can we ultimately reach our goals.

Lammas - Season of Harvest
1 August
Fire-Water; Blue, orange, red, yellow

With the growing season nearing its end, Orb becomes the Crone, the old lady wise with experience. The days may still be warm, but Sky continues to move away. Nonetheless, Orb presses on with her duties.

The days are waning and there is abundance all around as the harvest begins. Hard work lies ahead, and everyone must play a part in collecting Nature's bounty.

We celebrate the first harvest by breaking bread, giving nourishment to those who are nearing their end and those who may be moving on. Our own goals are within sight, but we must continue our efforts until they are fully achieved.

Mabon - Autumn Equinox
~21 September
Water; Brown, orange

Sky passes beyond the boundary of the homeland, moving ever further away. He is now the Holly Sire, leaving darkness in his wake. Orb begins to wane, growing weaker with the diminishing light and warmth.

Once more day and night are equal, bringing the return of balance as autumn begins. The day has been losing ground though, and as the harvest continues, the warmth of the past season gives way to cooler weather.

Even though the light may be fading, we must remember to keep working, doing as much as we can every day to prepare for the cooler days. The time for rest is approaching, but we have to keep going a little longer.

Samhain - Season of Remembrance
31 October
Water-Earth; Black, orange, purple

Orb bids a final farewell as she passes from this life. She is greeted and embraced by her ancestors, who come to guide her to a place of rest. Without the presence of Orb or Sky, the days become quieter.

A deep slumber is falling upon Nature as the days are getting shorter and the harvest is coming to an end. Where there once was abundant life, now death and decay are found. This is not a time of grief however, since death is always followed by rebirth.

With the veil between the mundane and ethereal worlds at its thinnest, we use this opportunity to honor and commune with our ancestors. We share our gratitude and good fortunes with family and friends as the sabbat year is quickly coming to an end.