Holidays and Sabbats
Holidays and Sabbats (3)
Articles and information regarding the Sabbats and holidays of those who are in the craft. (Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas or Lughnasadh, and Mabon)
Tuesday, 03 January 2012 19:48
A Solitary Samhain
Many covens and circles celebrate this most sacred of pagan holidays as groups, often opening their circles to non-initiates and others who wish to participate. I find myself preferring a solitary ritual, perhaps with some socializing earlier or later in the evening. For me, much of the meaning of Samhain suggests such a practice, though traditionally it is a communal celebration.
Sunday, 18 December 2011 11:18
Esbats and Sabbats - The Holy Days of Witchcraft
Every religion has its own days of power, reverence and celebration. Wicca is no different in this regard. The holidays that Wiccans celebrate are referred to as Sabbats, or the Eight High Holy days. They occur approximately every six weeks, and denote the changing of the seasons.
Saturday, 24 September 2011 22:23
The Real Origins of Halloween
The Real Origins of Halloween discusses the history of Halloween, the origins of trick-or-treating, reasons behind some of the symbols of the season, and why the holiday is well worth keeping and celebrating. Previous versions of this essay specifically contrasted the historical evidence with the absurd claims and urban legends used in most anti-Halloween propaganda. I have now put those latter materials into their own essay, Halloween Errors and Lies, since it seems that many people have never seen or heard those fearmongering tales and could not understand why I would spend so much space discussing them within an historical essay.