Sabbats and Other Rituals
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
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.
- 2012 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
- Making Non-Pagans Feel Welcome
- How to Organize a Pagan Event
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
- Hold a Journal Ritual
- Discussion Forum: Sabbats and Celebrations
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
- Initiation Ceremony for a New Seeker
- Perform a Self-Dedication Ritual
- Cast a Circle
- Purifying Your Sacred Space
- Dedicating a Ritual Space
- Consecrate Your Ritual Tools
- Hold a Tool Recharging Ritual
- Disposing of Ritual Tools
- How to Celebrate In a Small Space
- Create a Birthday Altar
- Have a Croning Ceremony
- Pagan Baby Naming Ceremony
- Pagan Baby Blessings
- Ritual Fasting
- Abstaining Before Ritual
Non-Traditional Celebrations

Some Pagans and Wiccans celebrate holidays that are not necessarily religious in nature, but still important to the individual. Let's look at some different approaches people may take to these non-traditional holidays.
- Celebrating the Sabbats Seasonally
- Can I Make Up My Own Holidays To Celebrate?
- Should Pagans Observe Thanksgiving?
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.
- Sacred Places in the United States
- Sacred Springs, Holy Wells
- What are Ley Lines?
- Stone Circles
- Glastonbury Tor
- The Great Serpent Mound
- The Bighorn Medicine Wheel
- The Land's End Labyrinth
- Share Your Story: Sacred Places to Visit and See
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.
