12 The Blessed Bee #1 �?Summer 1999 Let’s Make a Sabbat Tree! As the Wheel of the Year turns, Pagans celebrate the changing seasons every six weeks, as each of the eight sabbats takes its turn. We can choose many ways to mark these special occasions. There are rituals, meals, songs, games, and �?of course �?crafts. Here’s a craft idea that can be used throughout the year �?a Sabbat Tree. The size you choose for your Sabbat tree will most likely be determined by the space you have to put it, or the enthusiasm displayed by your family in the amount of decorations they decide to “deck�?it with. To start, you will need a well-balanced bare tree branch, either found, or pruned from a tree (if you do this, don’t forget to ask the tree’s permission, and to leave an offering of thanks.) For a base, I suggest a tree log-slice big enough to bear the weight of the branch. Drill a hole part-way through (but deep enough) the middle of the log-slice to fit the width of the base of the branch, and fit it in. Gluing it in place is optional, as is painting the branch and/or the base. I painted the base of mine deep red and splattered white paint on it. The size of your tree may vary  from being a floor model, to being a table top centeriece for your altar. If space is at a minimum, another option is to take a branch and tailor it to be mounted on the wall. There are many ways to decorate your tree for each Sabbat, depending on your beliefs and personal taste. You may prefer home-made decorations to store-bought, or you might like both. Your collection of decorations can grow from year to year. Starting with Yule (Dec. 21),  we are celebrating the return of the sun, so decorations like suns, stars and gold garlands are appropriate. Quite a few Christmas decorations apply, since the imagery was originally taken from Pagan beliefs, like holly, ivy, mistletoe, Yule logs, gilded apples, and pinecones. Snowflakes mimic the season, ginger- bread cookies in all kinds of seasonal shapes, as well as pomanders made from clementine oranges, cloves and ribbon reflect the smells and tastes of the season. You can represent the baby sun god with a baby, and the old Holly King with a Santa-like figure. Imbolc (Feb.2) is another celebra- tion of the Sun’s return, so you can keep the sun decorations on your tree. Brigit’s crosses, a Brigit’s bed, white and yellow by Lauren Foster-MacLeod �?Lauren Foster-MacLeod is an artist and writer. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with her husband Jim and her two children, Lee and Skye.   Crafty Ideas ribbons, strawcraft corn-dollies,  Bride’s cakes, corn-hulk dolls, lambs (as it is lambing season), and hearts for Valen- tine’s day, which has Pagan roots. Ostara (March 21) is an easy one as most Easter deco- rations are of Pagan origin and celebrate Spring’s rebirth. Colored and decorated eggs, bunnies, chicks,  multi-colored ribbons, spring flowers, pussywillows and wee bird’s nests. Beltane (May 1) celebrates the fertility of the God and Goddess.  Deck your tree with multi-colored ribbons, flower blossoms, bees, fairies, bells, pot-pourri sachets, wish cloths, a flower crown for the May Queen and a laurel crown for the May King, and add a colorful string of beads and crystals for the fairies. Litha (June 21) celebrates the longest day of the year. Sun decorations such as solar wheels, sun medallions, and yellow ribbons  represent the sun’s zenith. Magical herb bundles, magical symbols, triple Goddess braids and witches ladders for protection. Lammas (August1)  celebrates the corn harvest, so I suggest corn dollies, small decorative ears of corn, corn-cob crafts, corn-kernel garlands, corn husk dolls, and bread- dough decorations. Mabon (September 22) is a harvest festival and a time of balance. The corn-kernel garlands and small ears of corn can stay on the tree, and autumnal Thank-giving symbols such as the cornucopia, decorative gourds, colourful leaves, apples, a bundle made of the last sheaf of grain harvested, and garlands of ribbons in au- tumn colors can adorn your tree. Samhain celebrates the last harvest and a time to honor our ancestors and those who have left this earthly realm. Choose from the many Halloween decorations available, such as pump- kins, skeletons, and witches. Autumn leaves, orange and yellow flowers, nuts, lanterns, black and white crepe paper and photgraphs and mementos of ancestors and beloved deceased friends show respect for this Sabbat.