About the Eight Ancient Sabbats
About the Eight Ancient Sabbats
Sabbats are based on nature’s natural rhythms and seasonal shifts.
Sabbats mark transitions in nature through the seasons and major points of the solar and lunar cycles — with a close eye on the moon cycles and sun. Sabbats are based on nature’s natural rhythms and seasonal shifts. These eight nature holidays come around every 6 weeks shifting slightly in a 365-year cycle dedicated to the God Spirit.
The eight Sabbats are divided into eight sections, dividing the year equally, marking the beginning of each season and the mid-points. There are two categories: the lesser sabbats and the greater sabbats.
Lesser Sabbats: Solstices and Equinoxes
- Yule: Winter Solstice
- Ostara: Spring Equinox
- Litha: Summer Solstice
- Mabon: Fall Equinox
Greater Sabbats: Midpoint of each season
- Imbolc
- Beltane
- Lughnasadh
- Samhain
The solstices and equinoxes are four astronomical holidays, two days celebrate the Spring and Fall Equinoxes when night and day are balanced. The Summer and Winter Solstices are the longest and shortest days of the year. The Ancients believed the eight ancient sabbats were full of magic, enlightenment, and sacred wisdom.
The Ancients believed the eight ancient sabbats were full of magic, enlightenment, and sacred wisdom.
October 31 or November 1
Similar to Halloween
Samhain marks the New Year on the Wheel signaling the end of the old (Death) and the beginning of the new (Rebirth). During Samhain the veil separating realms is at its thinnest, allowing the deceased to enter the physical world. It is a time for reflection, honor, and intentions for the future as the days become shorter. Other holidays celebrated around this time are All Hallows Eve and Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos.
December 19–23
Similar to Christmas
Yule is the celebration of the Winter Solstice. Yule is the shortest day and longest night of the year and a time of reflection, rest, and renewal.
Similar to Ground Hog’s Day
February 1 or 2
Imbolc marks the halfway point of the winter season. This is a time to focus on healing, forward movement, and personal growth. Imbolc is the first of three nature fertility holidays.
There are three nature fertility holidays: Imbolc, Ostara, and Beltane.
March 19–21
Similar to Easter
Ostara is the first day of spring, the Spring Equinox marking the midpoint of the year. Ostara is the balance between light and darkness when day and night are of equal length. The Spring Equinox is the time for fertility, growth, and new beginnings. Ostara is the second of three nature fertility holidays.
April 30-May 1
Beltane is the midpoint between spring and summer. A time for the beauty of nature, grounding, creativity, and the power of love. Beltane is the last of the three nature fertility holidays.
Litha
June 19–23
Litha, or Midsummer is the longest day and shortest night of the year marking the Summer Solstice. Observe the power of the sun, nature, and life. The Sun is at the peak of his power.
There are two nature harvest holidays: Lughnasadh and Mabon.
Litha
June 19–23
Litha, or Midsummer is the longest day and shortest night of the year marking the Summer Solstice. Observe the power of the sun, nature, and life. The Sun is at the peak of his power.
August 1 or 2
Lughnasadh or Lammas indicates the midpoint between summer and autumn. This is the final celebration of warmth and time prepare for the cold. Enjoy the fruits of labor and the bounty of the Earth. Lammas is the first nature harvest holiday.
September 20–24
Similar to Thanksgiving
Mabon marks the Fall Equinox; the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Prepare for winter as the days begin to shorten and winter will soon arrive. Mabon is the Second nature harvest holiday.
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