This is a Companion Site for
"Growing Up Pagan: A Workbook
for Wiccan Families"
The Eight Sabbats
The Wheel of the Year looks like a huge circle, which is
thought of as the entire year. The circle is then divided
into sections representing seasons. We have what is known
as the Eight Sabbats, or celebrations. We have Lesser Sabbats, known as Quarters and we have Greater Sabbats, which are also known as Cross-Quarters. Lesser Sabbats
are the solstices and equinoxes of the year and there
are four:
Yule (Winter Solstice), which occurs on or about December 21;
Ostara (Spring Equinox), which falls on or about March 21;
Midsummer or Litha (Summer Solstice) around June 21; and
Mabon (Fall/Autumn Equinox) about Sept 21.
There are also four Greater Sabbats, or Cross-Quarters:
Samhain on October 31, Imbolc on February 2, Beltaine on
May 1, and Lammas or Lughnassad (depending upon your
tradition) on August 1.
Now we can discuss what each celebration means to us.
(October 31) Samhain, a Greater Sabbat, is the Wiccan New
Year. This is when we honor and remember our ancestors
who have crossed the veil. (Those who have passed away).
We believe that the veil between the worlds of the living and
the dead is at its thinnest at this time of year, so that it allows
us to more easily honor and send messages to our family members or loved ones who have crossed the veil. We also
try to let go of bad habits, being upset or angry and any other things that can cause harm. Many people of other religions have now adopted the customs of the Pagan Sabbat of Samhain and call it Halloween.
(December 21) Yule, a Lesser Sabbat, is also known as
Winter Solstice. This is when we celebrate the sun's return, after a long winter has been endured. Although winter is not over, we see this as the beginning of longer days and more daylight. Many traditions see this as the birth of the young God.
(February 2) Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, is a Greater
Sabbat honoring the Goddess Brighid (also known as Brigit or
Brid) who is a very important Goddess to the Celtic traditions.
She is patron goddess of healing and of bounty and fertility.
She is also known as a Goddess of Light.
(March 21) Ostara, a Lesser Sabbat, is also known as Spring Equinox. As Pagans, this is when we celebrate the coming of
Spring. This celebration is named after the Greek Goddess
Oester. Ostara has been adopted by other religions as Easter
which is celebrated at around the same time.
(April 30 or May 1) Beltaine is a Greater Sabbat at which we celebrate the young God Bel. The word "Beltaine" originally
meant 'Bel-Fire' and since this is one of the Fire Festivals,
balefires are usually lit at this time of year. Celtic traditions
often see Beltaine and Samhain as the most important celebrations.
(around June 21) Litha or Midsummer, also known as
Summer Solstice, a Lesser Sabbat, is the longest day of the year, having the most hours of sunlight. On the Wheel of the Year, Litha is directly across from Yule, or Winter Solstice
(the shortest day of the year.) Even though the sun is at its peak on Litha, it is also when the sun starts to lose its height
of power. Days will be shorter for the rest of the season.
(August 1) Lughnassad, also called Lammas, is a celebration
of the God, Lugh, the God of Light or God of the Harvest. It is a time of his symbolic death. Lughnassad is a Greater Sabbat, first harvest and a grain harvest.
(around Sept. 21) Mabon, also known as Fall or Autumn Equinox, is a Lesser Sabbat. This is celebrated as a time to give thanks for the fruits of the Earth. It is a time for preparation for the winter months, when food was not readily available for our ancient ancestors who grew their food. Mabon signals the coming of shorter days ahead.
For personal use, feel free to print out the above
explanations, word puzzle and coloring page
below to supplement your purchased book.
