The Sabbat of the Witch, also known as the Witches' Sabbath, is a concept found in Western folklore and mythology. It refers to a gathering or meeting of witches, typically held during the night and associated with various supernatural activities. In popular culture and fantasy literature, the Sabbat of the Witch is often depicted as a secret and sinister gathering of witches. It is portrayed as a place where witches engage in dark magic, perform rituals, and commune with supernatural beings. The Sabbat is often portrayed as a time of revelry and debauchery, with witches engaging in immoral or forbidden activities. Historically, the concept of the Sabbat of the Witch has roots in European witch trials and persecutions that took place during the late Middle Ages and Early Modern period.
(The sixth caller ties a tiny wheatsheaf to the end of one wheel spoke. The seventh caller steps forward, dressed all in orange and gold.)
Imagine that you watch the Sun rise, seeing it come up in its appointed place as it always does, and a hush of wonder falls over your tribe, crowded around you. The items needed for this ritual 4 sprigs of holly; 1 long strand of gold Christmas tree garland the longer the better; tea light candles in holders that protect the flame.
Historically, the concept of the Sabbat of the Witch has roots in European witch trials and persecutions that took place during the late Middle Ages and Early Modern period. During this time, belief in witchcraft was widespread, and those accused of being witches were often tortured and executed. The Sabbat of the Witch was seen as a way for witches to communicate and conspire with the Devil and other demonic entities.
Pagan Yule rite
The items needed for this ritual:
4 sprigs of holly;
1 long strand of gold Christmas tree garland the longer the better;
tea light candles in holders that protect the flame. More specifically, these candles will be placed on the floor and you want to protect long clothing from catching fire. Ideally, you will need enough to place around the perimeter of the garland spiral.
Use the garland (or two strands if you would like to make it larger) to create a spiral in the center of the floor, making the space within wide enough to form a path on which to walk. Place tea lights around the perimeter of the spiral. Lay the holly at the entrance to the spiral. Light the candles around the spiral(s) just before beginning the ritual.
Read the following just before beginning the ritual:
Putting bright lights on Christmas trees and around the house began with the tradition of lighting candles and fires to honor the return of the sun. The burning Yule log itself represents the new, shining sun. A piece of the Yule log, which is traditionally oak, is kept from one year to the next providing continuity as the old year finishes and the new one begins; death is followed by rebirth. A common component of the Yule ritual, when done outdoors, is to jump a bonfire and make a wish for the coming year. Tonight we combine this basic idea with the spiral, which is associated with the Goddess, winter, and the Winter Solstice.
The spiral is a fundamental form found in nature. To ancient people, the spiral was a sacred symbol of the Goddess and her transformative powers. Our ancestors knew about, and we are only rediscovering, the vortex of energy in a spiral that allows us to connect with our deepest selves, the web of life, and the Divine.
At the ancient site of Newgrange in Ireland there is a set of three spirals on the back wall of the inner chamber, 65 feet from the entrance. On the Winter Solstice, as well as the day before and the day after, the rising sun illuminates these spirals.
The spiral is also symbolic of winter hibernation. During the cold months we turn inward for a time of reflection. But the same spiral of energy that leads us downward, inside ourselves in winter eventually leads us up toward the light in spring.
Pick up the four sprigs of holly and walk around the perimeter of the spiral to define your circle as you say:
"Red and green, holly bright,
Help me cast my circle tonight.
The sun returns, glowing white,
With the child, Lord of Light."
Place a sprig of holly at the edge of your circle in each direction after evoking it, saying:
"Come ye spirits of the North, powers of Earth, your bounty sustains me through the winter. Be with me as the silent cavern; place of renewal. Be with me this night.
Come ye spirits of the East, powers of Air, sail on crisp winter wings as you bring the golden dawn. Be with me as a clear night sky. Be with me this night.
Come ye spirits of the South, powers of Fire, bring the heat of a flame to warm my heart. Be with me as a welcoming hearth. Be with me this night.
Come ye spirits of the West, powers of Water, you nourish the earth and bathe me in sweet rains. Be with me as a quiet snowfall. Be with me this night.
Great Mother Goddess, provider of all life, Lady of Heaven and Earth, bring forth your son, transform the light. Be with me this night. Tonight I celebrate the return of the sun and the rebirth of light."
Take time to think of what you want to bring into your life. When you are ready, follow the path into the spiral. When you get to the center, pause and then step over the inner-most coil. As you do this, say your wish aloud. You may want to pause again or sit in the center of the spiral to contemplate your wish as well as the coming year. When you are ready, follow the path back out of the spiral.
When you emerge from the spiral, begin chanting as you walk around your circle:
"With this wish I make,
And every step I take,
Bring me to center
Where my dreams awake."
When it feels appropriate, slow and then end the chant, and then say:
"May my wishes and intentions voiced here this night manifest into the physical world. As above; so below. Blessed be."
Use your usual centering to ground the energy or playback a recorded one.
Bring the ritual to a close, saying:
"Great Mother who gives birth to the light and gives our world form, thank you for your presence this night. I ask for your blessings as you depart. I bid thee farewell."
As you dismiss each direction, pick up the holly you placed at the edge of your circle and return it to the entrance of the spiral, saying:
"Spirits of West, of Water that fills the rivers in spring, thank you for your presence this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid thee farewell.
Spirits of South, of Fire that provides new beginnings, thank you for your presence this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid thee farewell.
Spirits of East, of Air and the precious breath of life, thank you for your presence this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid thee farewell.
Spirits of North, of Earth that sustains me, thank you for your presence this night. Stay if you will; go if you must. I bid thee farewell.
For deep in the darkness Odin the Wanderer
It was believed that witches would gather at a secret location, usually in the wilderness or a remote area, to engage in rituals, worship the Devil, and engage in acts of evil. The concept of the Sabbat of the Witch has evolved and changed over time. In modern interpretations, it is often seen as a celebration of nature, femininity, and personal empowerment. It is portrayed as a place where witches come together to connect with their spirituality, engage in magical practice, and celebrate their identity as witches. In modern witchcraft and Wiccan traditions, the Sabbat of the Witch is associated with the changing of the seasons and the cycles of nature. There are eight Sabbats that are celebrated throughout the year, each marking a significant point in the wheel of the year. These Sabbats include Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, and Mabon. During these Sabbats, witches may engage in rituals, spellwork, feasting, and other forms of celebration. It is a time for witches to honor and connect with the natural world, as well as to reflect on their own personal journey and growth. Overall, the Sabbat of the Witch is a complex and multifaceted concept that has evolved over time. It has its roots in folklore and mythology, as well as in historical witch hunts and persecutions. In modern witchcraft, the Sabbat represents a time of celebration, spirituality, and connection with the natural world..
Reviews for "Sabbats and the Divine Feminine: Honoring the Goddess in Witchcraft"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Sabbat of the Witch". The plot felt incredibly disjointed and the pacing was all over the place. It felt like the story was trying to go in too many directions at once, resulting in a confusing and frustrating reading experience. Additionally, the characters felt flat and lacked any real depth. I couldn't connect with them or invest in their journey. Overall, I found "Sabbat of the Witch" to be a lackluster read that didn't live up to its potential.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Sabbat of the Witch" based on the intriguing synopsis, but I found myself bored and uninterested throughout the book. The writing style was dull and lacked any real spark or creativity. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to feel any connection to the characters or the story. Furthermore, the romance felt forced and lacked any real chemistry. I was left feeling underwhelmed by "Sabbat of the Witch" and wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for an engaging and captivating read.
3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I struggled to get through "Sabbat of the Witch". The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took far too long for the story to get going. The world-building was underdeveloped and left me feeling confused and disconnected from the setting. Additionally, the plot seemed to meander without any real sense of direction, leaving me feeling unsatisfied with the overall story. While some may enjoy the slow-burn romance, I found it lacking in chemistry and didn't feel invested in the relationship. Overall, "Sabbat of the Witch" was a disappointing read that didn't capture my attention or leave a lasting impression.