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THE FOUR MAIN SABBATS:
SAMHAINE
31 October, also known as Allhallows Eve
Samhaine marks the end of the witches's year and the beginning of the next. Its probably the greatest Sabbad. On this day witches honor the dead.
IMBOLC
2 February, also known as Candlemas
Imbolc signifies the halfwaypoint between midwinter and spring equinox, and celebrates the purity and innoscence of the Maiden aspect of the lady.
This is symbolized by delicate white snowdrops and new shoots appearing in the ground.
Traditionally, this festival was the time when all the candles for the coming year would be made, to symbolize the light coming out of the darkness.
BELTAINE
30 April, also known as May Eve
This is an old Celtic Festival. Country folk used to bedeck their homes with May blossom and wear posies in their hair.
To mark the festival a maypole was erected as a symbol of virility, decorated with garlands of white and red flowers, topped with a sprig of broom, and danced around by villagers to celebrate the beginning of summer.
LAGNASAD
1 August, also known as Lammas
Lammas marks the time of harvest thanksgiving - when the first fruits were offered to the earth goddess in gratitude for a successful harvest, and farm workers would go to "wakes" held to honor and mourn the death of the corn king.
THE FOUR MINOR SABBATS:
THE SOLSTICES
These occur when the sun reaches its most northern and southern points during its elliptical path and appears to stand still, before returning on its course.
The two solstices mark the turning points of the year and are very important date in the witch's calendar.
WINTER SOLSTICE
21 December, Yule
This marks the shortest day of the year. Daylight hours subsequently become longer.
SUMMER SOLSTICE
21 June, Midsummer
The longest day of the year. Daylight hours subsequently become shorter.
THE EQUINOXES
These occur when the sun passes across the equator, making night and day equal across the globe.
EOSTRE OR VERNAL EQUINOX
21 March, Spring
The world is quickening for the time of birth.
MICHEALMAS
29 September, Autumn equinox
The last of the harvest and the preparation for winter.
