Sabbats

IMBOLC

Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, and Oimealg by the Druids. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc," which means "ewe's milk." Imbolc was the festival of the lactating sheep. This, for the Celts, was a time when the herd animals were giving birth to their first offspring of the year, and was also a time for blessing the seeds and consecrating agricultural tools. Imbolc is a festival of the Maiden aspect of the goddess, for this is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. It is a time to honor her as the Bride of the Sun King, the god- for soon they will unite in sacred marriange. Imbolc is celebrated on February 1 or 2.

Decorations- white flowers, besoms, sunflowers, candles

Foods- sunflowers seeds, poppyseed cakes, breads, dairy products, peppers, onions, wine, and tea

Herbs- basil, violets, white flowers, blackberry, myrrh, angelica, cinnamon, bay, wisteria

Colors- white, pink, green, brown, red

LITHA

Litha, or Mid Summer, is Summer Solstice and normally falls on June 21. It is the opposite of Yule. This is the longest day of the year, and at this time, the Sun God is at his peak and is most powerful. This is a time to honor the God and all his strength, and look foreward to the upcoming first harvest.

Decorations- Oak leaves, lilies, ivy, lavender, ferns, yarrow, daisies, carnations

Foods- all garden vegetables and fruits

Herbs- lavender, thyme, lily, myrrh, pine, wisteria, mugwort, rose

Colors- gold, yellow, brown, green

LUGHNASADH

Lugnasadh, or Lammas, is celebrated on July 31. This is usually the time of first harvest and marks the time when the spring plants wither and drop their fruits. It is a time for giving thanks to the God and Goddess for all positive happenings of the year. The Sun God is entering old age and is weakening, as the days become shorter and the nights longer.

Decorations- grapevines, roses, any nuts or seeds, apple branches and apples

Foods- apples, seeds, breads

Herbs- carnation, grape, blackberry, all grains, sandalwood

Colors- brown, yellow, white, blue

MABON

Mabon is the Autumn Equinox and the second harvest. It falls on September 21. Day and night are equal length, and this is time to look foreward to the coming dark of the year. The cycle of growth grows near its end and this is a time to give thanks to the sun, the God, for his light and warmth, and celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone. The Goddess steps aside and the God steps foreward and brings darkness. Also at this time, the God prepares for his death and re-birth. 

Decorations- wines, pinecones, acorns, corn, apples, gourds, horns of plenty, and ivy vines

Foods- pomegranetes, potatoes, carrots, breads, nuts, apples, onions, garlic

Herbs- myrrh, marigold, passion flower, rose, sage, thistle

Colors- orange, brown, gold, red, maroon