Sabbats and Other Rituals
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide to Paganism / Wicca
Wiccans and Pagans observe a variety of holidays throughout the year with the eight Sabbats, but they also celebrate many other milestones. Learn about different rituals and traditions celebrated within the Wiccan and modern Pagan movement.
The Pagan/Wiccan Calendar
Looking for holiday dates, moon cycles, or local events and festivals? This is where you'll find all of these and more.
- 2009 Wiccan Calendar
- A Year of Sabbat Rituals
- How to Plan a Ritual of Your Own
- Pagan/Wiccan Festival Etiquette
- Tips for Non-Pagans Attending a Pagan Ritual
The Eight Sabbats
Within the Wheel of the Year, there are eight Sabbats typically observed by Wiccans and many Pagans. Learn about different ways to celebrate the Sabbats with rituals, meditations, and crafts.
- Samhain, the Witch's New Year
- Yule, the Longest Night of the Year
- Imbolc: a Feast of Light
- Ostara, the Vernal Equinox
- Beltane: a Day of Fire and Fertility
- Litha, the Summer Solstice
- Lammas (Lughnasadh), the First Harvest Holiday
- Mabon, the Autumn Equinox
- Sabbat Altar Photos from Our Readers
- How to Host a Drum Circle
- Hold a Journal Ritual
- Discussion Forum: Sabbats and Celebrations
Moon Phase Magic
The lunar cycles are considered highly magical in many Wiccan and Pagan traditions. Learn how you can celebrate the different times of the moon's journey across the sky.
- Monthly Full Moon Correspondences
- Moon Phase Names in the Southern Hemisphere
- Celebrate the New Moon
- New Moon: A Time of Rejuvenation
- Drawing Down the Moon
- Hold a Full Moon Esbat Rite
- Autumn Full Moon Ceremony
- Winter Full Moon Ceremony
- Spring Full Moon Ceremony
- Summer Full Moon Ceremony
- Can a Full Moon Rite be Done Inside?
- Plant a Magical Moon Garden
Sacred Places Around the World
There are many sacred place worth honoring, from all around the world. Here are just a few of the sacred sites you may want to visit if you get a chance.
Life Rituals
In addition to the eight major Sabbats, many Wiccans and Pagans also hold rituals for other events -- the monthly full moon, birth, death, and weddings. Learn about some of these additional rituals for Wiccans and Pagans.
- Setting Up Your Magical Altar
- Select Your Magical Name
- Perform a Self-Dedication Ritual
- Cast a Circle
- Purifying Your Sacred Space
- Consecrate Your Ritual Tools
- How to Celebrate In a Small Space
- Have a Croning Ceremony
- Pagan Baby Naming Ceremony
- Pagan Baby Blessings
- Ritual Fasting
Handfastings
For many Pagans and Wiccans, a handfasting ceremony is a great way to get married. A handfasting typically honors the gods or goddesses of your tradition, and incorporates Wiccan and Pagan elements into the marriage ceremony. In addition, a handfasting can be held by hetero couples, same-sex couples, and even poly groups. Read on for some information about how to make your handfasting an event that you -- and your guests -- will remember for a long time to come!
- Handfasting History: An Old Tradition Made New
- Sample Handfasting Ritual
- Tips on How to Have a Magical Ceremony
- Jumping the Broom: Besom Weddings
- Handfasting Bonfires: What You Need to Know
- Handfasting Favors: Magical Gifts for Your Guests
- Handfasting Cakes
- 13 Blessings Basket - the Perfect Handfasting Gift
- Pagan & Wiccan Officiants by State
- Handfasting Photo Gallery
Feasting and Food
No Wiccan or Pagan celebration is complete without food! Here's a selection of recipe and cooking ideas to get you started for your Sabbat feasts.
Pagan Prayers for All Occasions
Pagans and Wiccans pray just like people of other religions. Here's a selection of prayers for just about any occasion.
