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Sabbats - Major and Minor
Samhain (major), pronounced sow-en and called Halloween today, was the ending of the Celtic year, Thenew year actually began with sunset on October 31. The ritual was known as Ancestor Night or Feast of the Dead. Because the veil between the worlds is thinnest on this night, it was and is considered an excellent time for divinations. Feasts are made in remembrance of dead ancestors and as an affirmation of continuing life. A time for settling problems, throwing out old ideas and influences. This is either celebrated October 31, or the first Full Moon in Scorpio.
Winter Solstice (minor) occurs about December 21. This is the time of death and rebirth of the Sun God. The days are shortest, the Sun at its lowest point. The Full Moon after Yule is considered the most powerful of the whole year. This ritual is a light festival, with as many candles as possible on or near the altar in welcome of the Sun Child.
Imbolc (major), February 1 or the first Full Moon in Aquarius, is a time of cleansing and newborn lambs. The name Imbole comes from the word 'oimelc' or sheep's milk. It is a festival of the Maiden in preparation for growth and renewal.
Spring Equinox (minor), about March 21, is when light and darkness are in balance but the light is growing stronger.
Beltane (major) is May 1 or the first Full Moon in Taurus. Other names for it are May Day or Lady Day. It is primarily a fertility festival with nature enchantments and offerings to wildlings and Elementals. The powers of elves and fairies are growing and will reach their height at Summer Solstice. A time of great magic, it is good for all divinations and for establishing a woodland or garden shrine. The house guardians should behonored at this time.
Summer Solstice (minor), about June 21, is when the hours of daylight are longest. The Sun is at the highest before beginning its slide into darkness. Traditionally, herbs gathered on this day are extremely powerful. On this night elves and fairies abound in great numbers.
Lughnassadh (major) is August 1 or the first Full Moon in Leo. It is a preharvest festival, the turning point in Mother Earth's year. The last herbs are gathered. It is a celebration in honor of the god Lugh's wedding to Mother Earth.
Autumn Equinox, (minor) about September 21, was a time of rest after labor, completion of the harvest. Again the hours of day and night are in balance, with the darkness increasing. All preparations for the dark of the year and the year's ending were made, thus bringing us back to Samhain.
