Wiccan Sabbats

Wiccans celebrate eight Sabbats, which are holidays marking the turning of the Wheel of the Year. Each Sabbat has its own meaning and significance, and Wiccans observe them with specific rituals and traditions. Remember, all Wiccans are Witches, but not all Witches are Wiccan. Here is a brief overview of each holiday and the rituals typically performed:

1. Samhain (October 31-November 1): This is the Wiccan New Year and a time to honor the dead. Rituals may include divination, ancestor veneration, and a feast.
2. Yule (December 20-23): This holiday celebrates the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Rituals may include lighting candles, decorating a Yule tree, and feasting.
3. Imbolc (February 1-2): This holiday marks the beginning of spring and the time when the first seeds are planted. Rituals may include candle lighting, cleansing, and making offerings to the goddess Brigid.
4. Ostara (March 20-23): This holiday celebrates the spring equinox, a time of balance between light and dark. Rituals may include egg decorating, planting seeds, and lighting candles.
5. Beltane (May 1): This holiday marks the beginning of summer and the time when the land is fertile. Rituals may include dancing around a maypole, making flower crowns, and lighting fires.
6. Litha (June 20-23): This holiday celebrates the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Rituals may include making offerings to the sun god, lighting bonfires, and performing outdoor rituals.
7. Lammas (August 1): This holiday celebrates the first harvest and the beginning of autumn. Rituals may include baking bread, making corn dolls, and performing harvest rituals.
8. Mabon (September 20-23): This holiday celebrates the fall equinox, a time of balance between light and dark. Rituals may include making offerings to the earth, performing divination, and holding a feast.

These rituals vary depending on the tradition and the individual practitioner. However, they all share the common themes of honoring the cycles of nature, connecting with the divine, and celebrating the changing seasons.