Solstice, Equinox and Sabbats.
Imbolc (EE-Molic) – feb 2nd:
Imbolc is the holiday when we see the first signs of spring, at this point winter is by no means completely over but we can see the first signs of spring with the first leaves/plants sprouting and often snowdrops coming through. This is the day we honour the rebirth of the sun and celebrate the goddess Brigid (a Celtic goddess) If you can make it, with your hands Brigid rules it, and Imbolc is the time to communicate and honour her by lighting multiple white candles along with yellow and red candles for to remind us of the passing winter and transition into spring. Imbolc can also be known as ‘candlemass’ or ‘Brigids’ (said breeds) day.
Incense/herbs: Rosemary, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Myrrh.
Decorations: Spring Flowers, corn dolly.
Colours: Red, Orange, White.
Ostara – Spring Equinox- March 21st /22nd:
Ostara is the spring equinox along with being the pagan Easter, it is a day in which is nether harsh like winter but does not have the warmth of summer. Ostara is usually a time of wonder (often children) eggs are painted and used as decoration and spring flowers are placed in baskets.
This is often a good time to perform self-banishing spells or rituals to help with productivity, along with performing rituals to gain things we have recently lost or even gain quality’s we wish to have in the future.
Incense/herbs: rose, jasmine.
Decorations: coloured eggs, spring flowers.
Colours: yellow, light green and pale colours.
Beltane- May eve – April 30th/may 1st:
Beltane is the union between the goddess and gods, so hand fasting and vows of commitment are quite popular around Beltane, it is also a time for fertility and the harvest a time for gaining wealth from the seeds that have been sown. Celebrations include, circling the maypole for fertility, braiding hair and jumping the Beltane fire for luck.
Incense/herbs: frankincense, lilac.
Decorations: maypole, ribbons, flowers.
Litha – summer solstice (mid summer) - June 21st/22nd:
The summer solstice is said to be the most powerful day of the year for the sun god, and because this is honouring the sun god fire plays a role in litha, fire is very easily seen and has a number of other uses such as; cook, consume, shed light and purify. As it is the longest day of the year this represents the god in full power, since this sabbat revolved around the sun and fire a candle should be lit for the full day, especially if its gloomy or raining.
Incense/herbs: sage, mint, basil, lavender, st johns wort, sunflower.
Decorations: dried herbs, seashells, summer flowers, fruits.
Colours: Blue, green, yellow.
Lammas- july 31st/aug 2nd:
Lammas is a festival celebrating the results of the harvest, it is a time for baking bread and making corn dollies. Some people during Lammas go for a walk in nature (in the woods/park/fields/country side) and meditate to connect with nature and take in the beautiful soundings.
Incense/herbs: grains, sunflower, heather, grapes, pears.
Decorations: corn/maize, corn dollies, bread,
Colours: Gold, yellow, green, brown, orange.
Mabon – Autumn equinox – sept 21st/23rd:
Mabon is in the middle of the harvest, and is on the day when the day and night are of equal length of time. Mabon is a time for giving thanks for what the earth has provided, and for finishing up on going projects and plans. This is a time to reflect on your life and make plans for the future, along with being a time for resting and celebration. Warm autumn days and cold nights, as the sun god moves back into the embrace of the goddess.
Incense/herbs: Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon, juniper, oak moss, ivory, sage.
Decorations: corn/maize, pumpkin, herbs, apples. (Items that have been harvested, and will last a few weeks).
Colours: Red, Bronze, Orange, Yellow, Rust.
Samhain – all hallows eve- October 31st:
Samhain is pronounced sow-en/sow-een not sam-hayne. Also known as Halloween.
Samhain is one of the highest holy days for witches, it is one of the last times to dry herbs for the winter, and it is also a day in which fairies are said to be afoot causing mischief.
Samhain is also a ‘day of the dead’ and is a time to honour and remember ancestors and loved ones that have passed, this time of year the veil between the two worlds is at the thinnest so spirits and souls of loved ones have the energy to come and visit us in our world at this time food and wine is often left out for the spirits.
Incense/herbs: sage, wormwood, mugwart, heather, cloves, rosemary, chamomile,
Decorations: Decorate your altar with photographs of deceased loved ones, pumpkins, oak leaves, apples, nuts and sage.
Colours: Orange, black, rust, bronze, red, yellow.
Yule – winter solstice- December 21st:
The winter solstice is the rebirth of the sun, and is quite important as it marks the shortest day of the year, it will also start the increase of the day time until the summer solstice when the darkness becomes ascendant once more. Yule is a celebration, and a time for a family to come together and celebrate. Yule logs are traditionally served along with wassail. A large red, green or blue candle is burned, the candle is decorated with sprigs of holly and/or evergreen sprigs. The candle is lit every night for 12 days.
Incense/herbs: bay, cinnamon, frankincense, birch, pine, ash.
Decorations: nuts, pinecones, acorns, yule log (wooden not cake for decoration), candles.
Colours: red, green, white, silver, gold.
