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In addition to the eight Sabbats observed every year, most
modern Wiccans and Pagans celebrate the thirteen moons of the
year with a regular private Esbat (invitation only), in which
magic is performed and the gods and goddesses of the tradition
are honored. Although Esbats can be held multiple times in the
month during any phase of the moon in accord with purpose, most
covens and groups meet at least once a month, and time this
ceremony so it coincides with the full moon. Below is a list
of the Esbats honored by CPWC, followed by other holidays that
individuals may choose to honor.
- October, Blood Moon
This moon commemorates the cycles of life, death, and rebirth,
nearly any magical effort works well now. It is a good time
to break bad habits, separations, goals that require decrease,
health issues that require the removal of disease and the
close of any life chapter to bring about a new beginning.
- November, Snow Moon
This is a great time for dreamwork, it is also a good time
for meditational efforts, divinatory efforts and projects
that need an ending. Use the energy of this moon to set magical
goals into motion.
- December, Oak Moon
The Oak moon is excellent for candle magic that involves strength,
self-confidence, balance between the worlds, prosperity, release
and beginnings.
- January, Wolf Moon
Wolf Moon energy is a good time for going through family issues
or renewing the family bond. It is also a good time to work
on matters of the heart or projects the require courage.
- February, Chase Moon
This energy is perfect for getting rid of useless and old
obstacles. It is also perfect for solutions to messy situation
and any type of fresh start.
- March, Seed Moon
As the name implies, it is a good time for seed blessings,
garden space or tool consecrations. It is also a good time
for efforts that involve personal growth, inspiration, and
a fresh perspective.
- April, Hare Moon
This is the time to increase physical health, renew energy,
and productivity. It is also a good time to do work related
to the fey or magical gardening.
- May, Dyad Moon
The energy of this Moon is so powerful that even the impossible
is possible.
- June, Mead Moon
The Mead Moon is the perfect time for efforts that involve
personal transformation. Efforts that involve prosperity,
inspiration and creativity will come to fruition quickly.
- July, Wort Moon
All magical efforts will be quickly met with success.
- August, Barley Moon
The Barley Moon is an excellent time to work on issues that
involve family and matters that involve personal rebirths
and endings. It is also time to mend relationships.
- September, Harvest Moon
It is time to let the spirit take over. So work on psychic
development, divination, scrying or astral travel.
- Blue Moon
This energy is good for efforts that require divination, mediation
and inner journey work as well as prophetic dreaming. It is
really good for work that will require a long-lasting effect.
More of the Magickal Year
Though we celebrate Sabbats and Esbats there are other important
dates that should be recognized and celebrated with joy and
reverence.
- Day of The Triple Goddess - January 6
The Day of the Triple Goddess is observed by many Wiccans
and Neo-Pagans of various traditions each year on this date.
This is a time to pay homage to the Goddess in Her three aspects
which consist of the Maiden (symbolized by the new and waxing
moon), the Mother (symbolized by the full moon), and the Crone
(symbolized by the waning and dark of the moon).
- Saint Agnes' Eve - January 20
Saint Agnes was a Roman Catholic child martyr who was beheaded
in the year 304 C.E. for refusing to marry. The eve of her
feast day is an ideal (and traditional) time for Witches to
perform all forms of romantic enchantments, especially love
divination. According to a very old legend, it is on this
night of the year when an unmarried woman is able to catch
a glimpse of her husband-to-be in a dream.
- Pentagram Night - February 26
A time to reaffirm your dedication the craft of Wicca and
the Old Ones.
- Salem Memorial - March 1
On the first day of March in the year 1692, the infamous Salem
Witch hunt and trials officially began. By the time the Puritans
who were behind it ended their sadistic torturing and execution
of innocent people, nineteen women had been hanged on Salem's
Gallows Hill and one man (Giles Corey) who would not give
testimony had been crushed to death underneath a pile of heavy
stones that had been placed, one by one, on top of him until
every bone in his body fractured and his eyeballs popped out
of their sockets. Each year on the anniversary date that marks
the beginning of the Salem Witch trials, many modern day Witches,
Wiccans and Neo-Pagans alike feel a need within their hearts
to do something special in memory of the tragic event, such
as offering prayers of healing to the spirits of the victims
and to all of their descendants as well.
- Moonrise - March 31
Each year on the thirty-first of March, the people of ancient
Rome would honor the beautiful and powerful goddess of the
moon and lunar magick with a sacred ceremony known as the
Feast of Luna.
- Earth Day - April 22
Earth Day (Which is designed to increase community awareness
of important environmental issues) is dedicated to Mother
Earth and an appropriate time for Wiccans throught the world
to perform Gaia-healing rituals.
- Cerridwen's Cauldron - June 20
Each year on the 20th of June, many Witches and Pagans (especially
in Ireland and Great Britain) celebrate what is known as The
Day of Cerridwen. It is a time for paying homage to the ancient
Celtic goddess of fertility.
- St. John's Eve - June 23
The eve of Saint John's Day (or Midsummer's Day) is a traditional
time for Witches in all parts of the world to gather herbs
from their gardens or from the wild to use in potions, dream
pillows, poppets, and other forms of spellcraft.
- New Moon Wishing - August
According to an ancient superstition, if a person makes a
secret wish while gazing up at the new moon in August, his
or her wish will come true before the end of the year.
- Horned God - October 18
On the 18th day of October, many Wiccans and Neo-Pagans from
around the world perform a special ceremony to pay homage
to Cernunnos, the ancient Horned God who presides over hunting,
fertility, and all wild animals. Cernunnos symbolizes the
male principle and is regarded by many as the consort of the
Goddess.
- All Saint’s day - November 1
- Day of the Dead - November 2
- Love Divination Day - December 1
The 1st day of December is a traditional time for young Witches
in many parts of the world to perform a special love divination
in order to discover who their future mates will be.
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