Sylvan Wood Temple

 

 

So just what is an Esbat?

 

Esbats are the monthly rituals held for the purpose of communing with the Moon's energies and are regarded as the time for most magickal workings. As opposed to the Sabbats, which are fire or sun festivals, Esbats are dedicated to the Moon in her various phases. These are considered the 'working' celebrations, the time in which to attract, banish, invoke protection, or to perform any other magickal workings.

 

Dark Moon Esbat

 

The Dark Moon Esbats are held during the three days before the New Moon known as the Dark of the Moon -- when you can't see the moon at all in the heavens, this is a time period to give oneself a break; a time of rest. Deep meditation and vision questing can be performed now.  

 

New Moon Esbat

 

The New Moon Esbat ritual energies are keyed toward members personal growth, healing, the blessing of a new project or venture, etc. Any successful results from these workings should begin to be felt by the next New Moon, one full lunar cycle.

 

Full Moon Esbat

 

The Full Moon Esbat ritual energies are keyed toward helping Temple members to banish and remove any unwanted influences in their life; performance of protection magick; and may include forms of divination.  Any successful results from these workings should begin to be felt by the next Full Moon, one full lunar cycle.

 

 

For more information see the Services page under the section Temple Esbats and Sabbats.

 

The Sabbats are the Seasonal Festivals that mark the turning of the Wheel of the Year and the Cycles of Nature **. There are eight (8) of these Wiccan Sabbats and are spaced about 45 days apart during the year.

 

The First Group, these are the four Minor Sabbats, the exact date of these four Sabbats will vary from year to year and may occur anytime between the 21st to the 23rd of the month:

 

The two Equinoxes: the Spring, or Vernal, Equinox, or Ostara and the Autumnal Equinox, or Mabon. These are the periods when the daytime and nighttime are close to being equal – that is 12 hours long each.

 

The two Solstices: Summer Solstice or Litha, (the shortest night of the year), and the Winter Solstice, or Yule, (the longest night of the year).

 

 

The Second Group, these are the four Major Sabbats, or the Fire Festivals. They are observed on the same day every year: roughly midway between the Minor Sabbats, typically on or around the first day of the month.

 

Samhain (November 1st)

 

Imbolc (February 1st)

 

Beltane (May 1st)

 

Lammas (August 1st)

 

** Side Note: If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, the Seasons and therefore the Sabbats are reversed.

 

 

For more information see the Services page under the section Temple esbats and Sabbats.

JANUARY

8th -- New Moon Esbat

11th -- CNT Crystal Web Ritual

22nd -- Full Moon Esbat

FEBRUARY

2nd -- Sabbat - Imbloc

7th -- New Moon Esbat

11th -- CNT Crystal Web Ritual

21st -- Full Moon Esbat

MARCH

7th -- New Moon Esbat

11th -- CNT Crystal Web Ritual

20th -- Sabbat - Ostara

21st -- Full Moon Esbat

APRIL