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Sabbats
The Druid Sabbats In the 1940's, Ross Nichols, a druid, discovered the eight primary
sabbats while looking through celtic myths and legends. It wasnt until 1964 that these sabbats were recognized and accepted
among the druid community. Now it is commonplace among not only druids, but wiccans and all pagans alike. Samhuinn Northern Hemisphere: October 31 Southern Hemisphere: May 6 Pronounced "Sow-inn", meaning 'summer's end', it is the beginning and
the end of the Celtic year. In Welsh it is "Calan Gaeaf." The Celebration starts on the eve of October 31 and continues through
November 1st. On the 31st, animals would be chosen from the herds to be slaughtered, and thanks given for their sacrifice.
The meat was preserved and any late harvests would be completed. The veil that divides the earthly world from the otherworld
is thinnest at this time and those who have died in the year past can make the journey most easily now. New spirits join the
otherworld while ones who have already passed through may return to communicate. All those who have passed are honored with
gifts and communications of love and thanks. At this time we sacrifice of ourselves and that which comes from deep introspection
of what has transpired in the year past. We give thanks to those who have passed for all the inner aspects of ourselves, and
for their knowledge passed down, and for everything that they have given and sacrificed for us. November 1st would bring great
feasting and joy, for a new year and a new cycle. Samhuinn is the fold between the new and old, the time between life and
rebirth. Samhuinn is the time to honor those who have passed and to acknowledge their return. This is the time of year when
the veil between worlds/realms is thinnest. The time when spirits can cross between and humans are able to see them. It is
also the time of the hunt, when meat is sought for the coming year. At the first of the new year each person is given mead
and a toast is made. Often children are only given a spoonful. The toast is Bliadhna mhath ur dhuit "A good New Year
to you." The response is Mar sin duit fhein is moran diu "The same to you, and many of them." "First-footing" is treated
very seriously. The very first person to enter the house on New Year's Day should be a dark-haired man bearing gifts of a
piece of coal or peat, and/or salt and bread. Many households will not allow anyone to enter the house until the appropriate
first-footer has come. This is the time to protect the house with good luck. Duration: October 31-November 1 Symbol: gourds Deity: cernunos and cailleach Candle colors: black, orange Food: meade, cider, meat, Incense: nutmeg, mint, sage Herbs: mint, nutmeg, sage Tree: birch, alder, walnut Flower: nightshade, ferns, broom, acorns Crystal: hematite Planet: Pluto Animal: Owl
Winter Solstice Northern Hemisphere: Dec 21 Southern Hemisphere: June 21 Winter Solstice is also known as 'Midwinter' and is celebrated around
December 21st. In Welsh it is called "Alban Arthuan" and "Alban Arthan" in honor of King Arthur. The days grow longer and
reassurance has come that life is renewing itself. Midwinter celebrates a time of birth or re-birth. Which in some beliefs
comes in the form of a male child of miraculous birth who brings a message of peace to all people. For the Iroquois it is
Digonawida, for the Romans it is Mithras, for the Hebrew it is Jesus, and in Druidism he is the Sun, Mabon. We decorate with
evergreens to remind us of the promise of life. Mistletoe is hung from the ceiling or given to bring prosperity, healing,
protection and for those who meet beneath it, fertility. Candles symbolize the sun and light that is returning. The Yule log
symbolizes the fire that brings warmth to family, friends and the community. We give gifts in representation of the greatest
gift of all, children, that are given by the Great Mother. Winter Solstice is the time of the year when people come together
in the realization that even though life may seem to have ended, it is meerly hybernating and gaining strength for rebirth.
It is the turning point to when the days begin to grow longer and lighter. When night gives way to day; making it the day
of rebirth. Homes are decorated with evergreens to show that life does not end but only renews itself. It is also a time of
sharing what you have with others. Mistletoe is hung to bring healing and protection to those who pass under it. Large bonfires
are lit and trees are lit with any form of light. (candles, lanterns, pelan tans). Celebrated:
Around December 21-23 Duration: 12
days starting December 19 Symbol: Evergreens,
mistletoe, candles, gifts, children Deity:Mabon Candle colors: red,
green, white Foods: wild
turkey or boar; fruit cakes;eggnog; mead Crystals: emerald,
ruby Incense: Bayberry,
pine, rosemary, cedar Trees: Oak,
Holly, Pine (fir can also be used) Flower: pine
cones Planet: Sun Animal: deer Herbs: Mistletoe,
bayberry, sage, frankinsense, myrrh, mint
Imbolc/oimealg Northern Hemisphere: February 2 Southern Hemisphere: August 1 Pronounced, "Im-molc", which basically means "in milk". Some people
use the Christian term "Candlemas". Celebrated on February 2nd this holiday, is devoted solely to the Goddess. Imbolc is a
celebration of birth, of new life stirring in the Earth. This festival is sacred to the Goddess, Brighid. Rushes are left
out to be blessed and on Imbolc are woven into equal armed crosses (like an addition sign), known as a Brighid's Cross. These
are hung on or above the doorways homes and barns for protection. Houses are adorned with the new flowers and candles and
a special loaf of bread is baked. The loaf is braided into the shape of brighids cross. It is at this time that we bring our
hopes for the future to light and partake of the bread. This is the time of year when everything is starting
anew. The first signs of spring have come into view. Plants are beging to bud and bloom, and the first lambs have been born.
Imbolc is the time of year for growth, renewal and new beginnings. It is the time when wishes and plans are made for the future.
A candle is usually burned from dusk till dawn in representation of an eternal light of these new beginnings. All yule decorations
must be put away at this time so that we are not clinging to winter, but welcoming spring. Duration: Dawn of February 2 to dawn of February 3 Symbol: Candles and Brighids cross Deity: Brighid Candle colors: white, pink, red Foods: Brighids Cross bread, Cakes and herbal teas Crystals: Garnet, amethyst, turquoise, onyz Incense: Basil, Myrrh, wisteria Trees: Broom, willow, rowan Flower: chamelia, crocus, violet, snowdrops Herbs: Basil, myrrh, bay leaves, calendine, heather Animal : green dragon, ground hog, snake Planet: uranus
Northern Hemisphere: March 21 Southern Hemisphere: September 21 In Welsh it is known as "Alban Eiler" or, "Light of the Earth." It
is celebrated between March 20-23rd. It is also celebrated as "Eoster" or "Ostara" in honor of a German goddess of fertility.
The Spring Equinox festival focuses on balance. Our potential for growth in the unfolding year can be found symbolically in
the egg. An egg hunt featuring brightly colored eggs, inscribed with runes, ogham or other magical symbols are a form of divination.
Baskets symbolize the womb or cauldron where we safely place our expectations, hopes and desires for the year. Seeds to be
planted are blessed and gardens prepared. When the seeds meet again with mother earth, its gifts are replentished. This is
the time of year when day is equilvalent to night..light to dark. The spring Equinox is when Fertility is abundent. The rabbit
symbolizes this fertility as the egg symbolizes the potential. Eggs are decorated with magical symbols for divination Duration: 3 days starting 3 days prior to equinox Symbol: Rabbit and Egg Deity: Eostre (hence the name easter) Candle colors: all pastel Foods:eggs, honey cakes, honey cookies Crystals:Amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, red jasper Incense: Violet, jasmine,rose, sage,strawberry Tree: All fruit trees, dogwood, ash, alder, oak Herb: calendine, cinquefoil Flowers: Hyacinth, rose, daffodil, lily, honeysuckle,
jasmine,acorn Planet: Mars Animal: rabbit
Beltane Northern Hemisphere: April 30 Southern Hemisphere: November 1 Beltaine or "The bright fire" is known in Welsh as "Calan Mai", the
"Calends of May". Celebration begins on the eve of May 1st. According to Cormac's Glossary, all fires were extinguished at
Beltaine and relit, from fires that were blessed by Druids. Twin bonfires were lit on the hillsides and livestock, as they
were herded to their summer pastures, were driven between them to guard against disease and misfortune. Water divining occured
at this time as well as well blessings, and gardens should be planted by this time. The twin fires symbolize the balance of
opposite energies that come together, the duality of all nature, the source of all creativity, and balance in imbalance. The
Maypole is the focal point to Beltaine. The pole is deeply imbedded into the Earth (mother Earth) while young girls dance
around the pole, weaving red and white ribbons, bringing air and earth together. Some people jump the bon fire to bring creativity,
good fortune and fertility. Beltane is the time for new connections and unions and for nurturing those in existence. This
is usually the time for marriage proposals, new business dealings, and a time to ask for good fortune. We weave the web of
life around the may pole, leap the beltane fire for luck. A dead tree (possibly one that was erected during yule) is decorated
with ribbons or vines that are woven around it in a dance to show that it has not been forgotten, and though its body does
not produce any more it will still nurture the new. The vines woven in a downward fashion symbolizes the bringing of energy
(sky god)down to earth (goddess). Individual staffs are also woven with ribbons or vines, flowers and greenery. Pretty crowns
of flowers and greenery are worn. Leaping over the fire will bless a union, bring fertility, and good fortune. Duration: 1
day Symbol: May
Pole, twin fires Deity:Mother
Earth Candle colors: red,
green, yellow, orange, white Food:Beltane
cakes, mead, fruits Herbs: cinquefoil,
frankincense Tree: ash,
hawthorne, oak, willow, poplar Flower: Primrose,
daisy, blue bells, roses, lilac Incense: Frankincense,
lilac, rose Crystal: Sapphire,
emerald, rose quartz, orange carnelian Planet: Moon Animal: Cow/Cattle
Summer Solstice Northern Hemisphere: June 21 Southern Hemisphere: December 21 Midsummer is celebrated approximately June 21st. The Welsh call it
"Alban Hefin" or "Alban Heruin," meaning "Bright Summer" and "Light of the Shore." This festival celebrates the sun at its
peak of power, but also that its strength will soon weaken. The celebration starts at dusk the evening before the Solstice.
Bonfires are lit to give strength to the sun. The power of the Oak King is celebrated with song, dance and the retelling of
myths. As the dawn approaches, the celebration continues, but turning to give thanks and honor to the return of the Holly
king. Noon marks the shift of power. Golden candles are lit in remembrance of the fallen king. A solar sun wheel, made from
grapevines is displayed. Offerings of honey, as bright as sunshine and sweet mead are given with love and gratitude. This
is the day we honor the changes and cycles in our lives.Summer solstice is the center point to when life has been seeded and
harvest has not yet begun. It is the time when light gives way to dark, and day is longer than night. It is the time to celebrate
with games and good times. This is when the Oak King, who represents the waxing year, is triumphed over by the Holly King,
who represents the waning year. The two are one: the Oak King is the growing youth while the Holly King is the mature man.
Wheels made of straw and dipped in pitch, are lit by the ritual bonfire and rolled down a hill to give power to the sun god.
If the flame burns out before reaching the bottom, it would mean a bad harvest. Torches made from heather and lit by the bonfire
are carried around fields, houses and barns in a clockwise fashion to ward off illnesses. Duration: Eve prior to and day of June 21st Symbol: Gold candles and a circular vine wreath Deity:Oak King and Holly King Candle colors: blue and green Food: Honey, Mead Insence:Frankinsense, rose, wisteria, myrrh, pine Tree: Oak and Holly Flower: wisteria, heather Crystal: emerald, jade Planet: Jupiter Animal:wolf/coyote
Lughnassadh Northern Hemisphere: August 2 Southern Hemisphere: February 2 Pronounced "Loo-nass-ah" and the Welsh call, "Gwyl Awst", or "The Feast
of August". Celebrated on August 1st. This is the time that legal disputes would be settled, people would be hired for the
year and marriages would be made. People would come from far and wide to take part in the festivities, to share stories, sell
or trade crafts and take part in the music, games and feasting. This celebration was given by Lugh to honor his foster mother,
Taillte. Taillte, single handedly cleared the land to be used for crops to sustain the people. So great were Her labors, that
She perished from the effort. Sacrifice and or judgements occur at Lughnasadh. The "slay" the Wicker King (wicker man) to
resolve all debts symbolizing forgiveness and/or acceptance, even if that means sacrificing our own profits or rewards. A
loaf of bread is baked in the form of the sacrificed king, that we may partake of its bounty. We acknowledge that the year
is ending but enjoy the bounty the first harvest has brought. Lughnassadh is the
time of harvest, when one reaps what he has sown. It is also the time of judgements, passing of lineage and knowledge, and
of correcting of errors. Wicker men and staw dolls are made then burned in the bonfire to symbolize the shedding or riddance
of our grievances. Duration: 1 Day Symbol: Wicker Men, Bread Deity:Lugh/Taillte Candle colors:Yellow, browns, orange Food: Breads, mead, berries, apples Herbs: fenugreek Incense:Sandlewood Tree: Myrtle, oak, vine Flower: Hollyhock, Acacia Crystal:aventurine, citrine,peridot, sardonyx Planet:earth Animal:Boar
Northern Hemisphere: September 21 Southern Hemisphere: March 21 Known in Welsh as "Alban Elued" meaning, "Light of Water". This festival
is celebrated between September 20th and 23rd. This is the second harvest festival and the time to make sure that all canning
and preparations have been made for the winter ahead. It is the time we bear witness to the rewards of the hard work that
was put into the harvest season and if it was successful. This is the time when all the people gather and trading is done
to ensure balance of each ones abundance. The feast and trades are blessed and Mother Earth is praised. A small amount of
each item is offered back to the Earth in gratitude. The selection usually being fruit, vegetable, and a loaf of bread. The
circle is nearly complete and the wheel continues to turn us slowly toward home. A balance is reached when we trade what we
have with what we need and offer gratitude to the ultimate source.This is the time of year when once again day and night are
equal, but light is giving way to dark. The autumn equinox is a time to prepare for the coming year and to give thanks for
what has been given in the past year. It is the time when all seeds and nuts have been gathered. Herbs and grains have been
safely stored away. All foods have been stored away accordingly in preparation for the oncoming dark. Duration: 1 day Symbol:cornucopia, pinecones, acorns Deity:Llyr Candle colors:Orange, red, brown Food:breads, nuts, root, vegetables Tree:Oak, pine, Ivy, lime Herbs:Myrrh rose sage Flower:Thistle, Aster, Marigold, acorn Insence:Benzoin, myrrh, sage Crystal:Carnelia, Lapis,Lazuli, sapphire, yellow
agate Planet:Venus Animal: Bear
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