Each occurrence of the Full Moon is observed as a celebration called an esbat. The Full Moon for each of the 12 months in a year is known by a specific name, for example ‘Hunter’s Moon’ or ‘Snow Moon.’ These names for each Moon change depending on if you are in the Northern or Southern hemisphere, the same way the Wheel of the Year’s sabbats are opposites depending on which hemisphere you are in (e.g. Southern hemisphere witches celebrate Beltane during their spring, while simultaneously it is winter in the Northern hemisphere and witches there are celebrating Samhain and vice versa).
An esbat is defined as a ritual observance of the night of the Full Moon, with the Moon as the sole focus and dedication. They are typically used as an opportunity for covens to meet, but solitary practitioners can perform their own rituals alone on esbats too. Esbats can also be celebrated on the New Moon instead if the Full Moon is not a convenient time, which is often the case with secret and solitary witches. A practitioner can choose the Full Moon or New Moon interchangeably each month depending on what works best for them at that time.
Esbats are seen as powerful times to perform magick and workings, as opposed to sabbats which tend to be more celebratory. Esbats are a good time for magick of all kinds, especially that involving lunar energy. Feasting and commemorating the Moon’s cycles is also common. It is also a good time to reflect on what has happened in your life since the last esbat. Meditate on what you are thankful for and what you would like to achieve by the next esbat.
There are also traditional altar decorations for esbats, typically corresponding to the Moon. These can include a bowl of water, candles, mirrors, silver decorations and white and clear crystals.
Possible Esbat Activities: (Based on my own personal experiences as a solitary witch).
🌙 Make offerings and pray.
🌙 Renew any spells that need it, such as wards, recharging sigils and charms etc.
🌙 Reflect on yourself, meditate, treat yourself a little for all your hard work throughout the month and reflect on what is yet to come. Set some goals.
🌙 Cleanse and charge yourself and your tools and space.
🌙 Spend time in the moonlight; watch the moon rise.
🌙 Collect natural items that have been charged by moonlight.
🌙 Make a crystal grid charged by moonlight.
As a disclaimer, not every witch observes the esbats, and it can be difficult to celebrate every single one. You can celebrate a few when it suits you, or choose not to at all. It’s all up to you!
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