The Wiccan Sabbats circle is an intricate part of Wiccan practices and rituals. Sabbats are seasonal celebrations that mark the cycles of nature and the changing of the seasons. The circle is an important symbol within Wicca, representing unity, wholeness, and the eternal cycle of life. During a Sabbats circle, Wiccans come together in a sacred space to honor and connect with the natural world and their spiritual beliefs. Each Sabbat has its own unique significance and purpose within the Wiccan calendar. The Sabbats are divided into two main categories: the Lesser Sabbats, also known as the solstices and equinoxes, and the Greater Sabbats, also known as the cross-quarter days.
Origin and distribution: Witchgrass is native to eastern North America from southern Canada to Florida, and a western variety extends to the Pacific. Prior to agriculture, the species persisted on beaches, riverbanks and similarly open, disturbed habitats. It has been widely introduced into temperate areas of the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and southern South America. (Clements et al. 2004)
Dormancy and germination Seeds are dormant when shed from the parent plant and require a period of cold, wet conditions before they are ready for germination Baskin and Baskin 1969. Interestingly, preparing a tincture of the fresh grass, splashing some into one s hands, and inhaling the fumes is said to help halt an allergy attack.
The Sabbats are divided into two main categories: the Lesser Sabbats, also known as the solstices and equinoxes, and the Greater Sabbats, also known as the cross-quarter days. The Lesser Sabbats include Yule, also known as Winter Solstice, Ostara, also known as Spring Equinox, Litha, also known as Summer Solstice, and Mabon, also known as Autumnal Equinox. These Sabbats coincide with the Earth's changing seasons and are celebrated as times of renewal, growth, and harvest.
Witchgrass ( Panicum capillare )
Witchgrass is a clumping, summer annual grass with open, branching, flower heads. Other common names for this weed include tumbleweedgrass and witches-hair. It is common throughout California and grows at elevations to about 4900 feet (1500 m). Fall panicum, Panicum dichotomiflorum, a related species, is similar in appearance to witchgrass, but is less common in California. Witchgrass is a desirable member of natural communities (leaves and seeds are an important source of forage for many species of birds and mammals), but it can become weedy in agricultural and landscape sites.
Habitat
Open disturbed sites, pastures, crop fields, orchards, vineyards, gardens, canal banks, ditches, and pond and reservoir edges.
Seedling
Seedlings resemble those of crabgrass but have longer silky hairs with swollen bases.
Mature plant
Witchgrass forms “bushy” clumps, grows erect to spreading, and can reach 3 feet (0.9 m) tall. Its stems are round in cross-section, hollow between stem joints, and start branching at the base. Leaves are flat with pointy tips, about 2 to 10 inches (6–25 cm) long, 1/5 to 4/5 of an inch (0.5–2 cm) wide, covered with short to long spreading hairs, and rolled in the bud. In the upper portion of the plant, leaves are gradually more reduced in size. Sheaths are open and about 1-1/2 to 3 inches (4–8 cm) long, often purple- or red-tinged, and covered with short to long, stiff, spreading hairs that have tiny pustule-like bases.
Collar region
The collar area usually has long hairs and often appears whitish. Ligules are composed of a fringe of hairs. There are no auricles.
Flowers
Flowers bloom from June through November. The flower head is erect, has an overall pyramid shape (sometimes egg shape), and is about 6 to 16 inches (15–40 cm) long, and at maturity its branches have an open form and appear diffuse.
Reproduction
Reproduces by seed.
Related or similar plants
- Fall panicum, Panicum dichotomiflorum
- Large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis
More information
- Grass ID illustration
- Calflora's distribution map
- For agriculture: UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines
I can’t vouch for using grass medicinally, particularly given the difficulty with distinguishing one species from another. If you want to use it that way, you may be better off buying dried or tinctured grasses, versus trying to harvest and prepare your own. (Grasses are also generally doused in pesticides, fertilizers, and other things you probably don’t want in your medicine.)
The Greater Sabbats include Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain. Imbolc marks the beginning of spring and the return of light, Beltane celebrates the fertility of the Earth, Lammas is a time of gratitude for the first harvest, and Samhain is the Wiccan New Year and a time to honor the ancestors and the thinning of the veil between the mortal world and the spirit world. During a Sabbats circle, Wiccans come together to create a sacred space, often by casting a circle using various symbols and tools such as candles, incense, and representations of the four elements. The circle acts as a boundary between the physical and spiritual realms, allowing for a heightened connection to the divine. Within the circle, Wiccans perform rituals, spells, meditations, and ceremonies to honor the specific Sabbat and its associated themes. The main idea of the Wicca Sabbats circle is the celebration of the natural world and the cycles of life. Through ritual and ceremony, Wiccans connect with the seasons, the Earth, and their own spiritual beliefs. The Sabbats circle is a sacred space that allows for a deeper connection and understanding of the divine. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration, and acts as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things..
Reviews for "The Wiccan Sabbat of Mabon: Balance and Gratitude in the Harvest Season"
1. Jessica - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Wicca sabbats circle". The book promised to provide detailed information about the Wiccan sabbats, but it was incredibly shallow. The author barely touched upon each sabbat and failed to offer any sort of depth or insight. It was almost like reading a pamphlet rather than a comprehensive guide. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for meaningful information about Wiccan sabbats.
2. John - 2 stars - As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was hoping to find new and interesting perspectives in "Wicca sabbats circle". Unfortunately, I found the book to be quite repetitive and lacking in originality. The author regurgitated the same basic information that can easily be found in any introductory Wiccan book. The book did nothing to challenge or expand my understanding of the sabbats. If you're new to Wicca, you might find this book useful. But for more experienced practitioners, it's a waste of time.
3. Emily - 1 star - I found "Wicca sabbats circle" to be poorly organized and confusing. The author jumped from one sabbat to another with little explanation or transition. It was difficult to keep track of which sabbat was being discussed at any given time. Additionally, the book lacked depth and did not provide enough practical guidance for celebrating the sabbats. Overall, I was thoroughly disappointed with the book and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive resource on Wiccan sabbats.
4. David - 2 stars - While "Wicca sabbats circle" did provide a basic overview of the sabbats, I found the writing style to be quite dry and uninspiring. The author failed to inject any passion or personal anecdotes into the book, making it feel like a textbook rather than a guide to celebrate the sabbats. It was difficult to stay engaged and interested throughout the book, and I ultimately did not find it to be a memorable or impactful read.
5. Sarah - 1 star - If you're looking for a book that delves into the rich history and symbolism of the Wiccan sabbats, "Wicca sabbats circle" is not it. The book barely scratches the surface and fails to provide any meaningful explanations or insights. It felt like a rushed and poorly researched attempt at capitalizing on the popularity of Wicca. I would not recommend this book to anyone serious about their Wiccan practice.