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Modern Wiccan draws the eight sabbats of the Wheel of the Year from the remains of older pagan calendars and research into the traditional ways. Sabbats are distinct from esbats. Esbasts are normally coven meetings or smaller celebrations.
Samhain
Last/Blood Harvest, Anchestor Night, Feast of the Dead, Noson Calan Gaeaf
The return of the Dark.
Date: 31 Oct-2 November
Yule
Cuidle, Alban Arthan, Winter Rite
Death and rebirth
Date: 19-23 December (the winter solstice)
Candlemas
Imbolc, Oimelc, Brigit’s Day, Brigantia
The return of the Light
Date: 1-2 February
Vernal Equinox
Ostara, Lady Day, Earrach, Alban Eilir, Festival of Trees
Light and Dark in balance
Date: 20-23 March (the spring equinox)
Beltane
Beltaine, May Day
The beginning of summer
Date: 1 May
Litha
Midsummer, Samradh, Alban Hefin, Aerra Litha, Mother Night
The Longest Day
Date: 19-23 June (the summer solstice)
Lammas
Lunghnasadh, First Harvest, Bread Harvest, Festival of First Fruits
Season of plenty
Date: 1-2 August
Autumnal Equinox
Mabon, Foghar, Alban Elfed, Harvest Home Fruit Harvest, Wine Harvest
The second harvest
Date: 19-23 September (the autumn equinox)
In Pure Spirit
What do the sabbats mean to you? Have you celebrated any of them?
November 17, 2008
Beliefs, Meanings