Wicca holy days, also known as Sabbats, are the significant dates in the Wiccan calendar. In 2023, there will be eight Sabbats celebrated by Wiccans throughout the year. The first holy day is Imbolc, which is celebrated on February 1st. This Sabbat marks the beginning of spring and is associated with the goddess Brigid. Imbolc is a time for purification and the planting of seeds, both literal and metaphorical. Next is Ostara, which is celebrated on March 21st, the spring equinox.
Tituba applying the ointment on Mary's lips in preparation to Dream Walking
Tituba utilized different ointments on Mary Sibley, to stimulate the reception of the latter during spells and rituals, for example, the flying ointment used during the ritual to create an astral projection. There are so many possibilities for a good potion or brew and I d like to list my thirteen favorite ways to use magical liquid infusions in everyday practice.
Next is Ostara, which is celebrated on March 21st, the spring equinox. This Sabbat represents the balance of light and darkness, as the days become longer. The goddess Eostre, who symbolizes fertility and rebirth, is honored during this time.
Potions
Learning to make potions is a vital skill not only in witchcraft, but also in creating remedies for illness and diseases. In the magical world, potions have been used or healing the sick, for changing someone's appearance, or for inducing people to fall in love.
Curators looking at the British Museum's Battersea CauldronThe British Library
'"I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly shimmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes. "'
Professor Snape, in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
"Ulrich Molitor, De laniis et phitonicis mulieribus ad illustrissimum principem dominum Sigismundum archiducem Austrie tractatus pulcherrimus" (1489/90)Первоисточник: IA.5209..
Witches with a Cauldron
The first printed image of witches with a cauldron is found in this book, printed at Cologne in 1489.
This illustration shows two elderly women placing a snake and a cockerel into a large cauldron, in a bid to summon up a hailstorm. Popular perceptions of witches as ugly, haggard and demonic can ultimately be traced to this highly influential publication.
"An exploded cauldron" (20th century)Первоисточник: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, 170.
An Exploded Cauldron
This cauldron is no longer in pristine condition. It reportedly exploded when a group of modern-day Cornish witches were using it to brew a potion on the beach. So the story goes, when ‘it was realised that the volume of the smoke was reaching unprecedented proportions … they lost their nerve and panicked and fled the spot as best they could.’ When their friends visited the site, all they found was this damaged cauldron, coated in a black, tarry substance.
Visitor in Potions room with Jim Kay's portrait of Professor SnapeThe British Library
"Hermione threw the new ingredients into the cauldron and began to stir feverishly. 'It'll be ready in a fortnight', she said happily."
Hermione Granger, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Following Ostara is Beltane, celebrated on May 1st. This Sabbat marks the beginning of summer and is associated with the god Bel and the goddess Danu. Beltane is a time of fertility and sexual energy, and many Wiccans celebrate by dancing around the Maypole. Litha, celebrated on June 21st, the summer solstice, is the next holy day. This Sabbat represents the peak of summer and the longest day of the year. The goddess Brigid is honored during Litha, and bonfires are commonly lit to celebrate the sun. The fifth holy day is Lammas, celebrated on August 1st. This Sabbat marks the beginning of the harvest season and is associated with the goddess Ceres. Lammas is a time for gratitude and giving thanks for the abundance of the earth. Next is Mabon, celebrated on September 21st, the autumn equinox. This Sabbat represents the balance of light and darkness as the days become shorter. The god Mabon is honored during this time, and it is a time for reflection and giving thanks for the harvest. Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, is the next holy day. This Sabbat marks the beginning of winter and is associated with the god Cernunnos and the goddess Hecate. Samhain is a time when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, allowing for communication with the spirits of the departed. The final holy day is Yule, celebrated on December 21st, the winter solstice. This Sabbat represents the rebirth of the sun and the return of light. The goddess Freya and the god Odin are often honored during Yule, and many Wiccans celebrate with feasting and the lighting of Yule logs. Throughout the year, Wicca holy days provide opportunities for Wiccans to honor the cycles of nature and connect with the divine. Each Sabbat has its own unique symbolism and rituals, but all are centered around celebrating the seasons and the gods and goddesses associated with them..
Reviews for "Wicca and the Lunar Cycle: How to Harness Lunar Energy in 2023"
1. Samantha - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "Wicca holy days 2023" as I am new to practicing Wicca and was looking for a comprehensive guide to the holy days in the coming year. However, I was disappointed with the book. The information provided was very limited and lacked the depth and detail I was looking for. It felt more like a basic calendar with dates instead of a guide that explained the significance and meaning behind each holy day. I would not recommend this book to someone looking for a thorough exploration of Wiccan holy days.
2. Michael - 1 star
I found "Wicca holy days 2023" to be extremely disorganized and poorly formatted. The holy days were listed in a confusing order and there was no clear structure to the book. In addition, the information provided was very repetitive, and it felt like the author was simply filling pages rather than providing valuable content. I was expecting a well-organized and informative guide, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable resource on Wiccan holy days.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I was hoping that "Wicca holy days 2023" would provide me with an in-depth understanding of the traditions and rituals associated with each holy day. However, I found the explanations to be quite superficial and lacking in detail. The book focused more on the historical origins of the holy days rather than providing practical information on how to celebrate them. Additionally, there were minimal suggestions for rituals, spells, or activities to engage in during these holy days. Overall, I was quite disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to those seeking a more thorough exploration of Wiccan traditions.
4. Jason - 2 stars
As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was hoping that "Wicca holy days 2023" would provide me with new insights and information about the holy days. Unfortunately, the book was very basic and did not offer any new or profound knowledge. It felt like a rehash of generic information available in any beginner's guide to Wicca. Additionally, the writing style was rather dry and lacked any engaging or thought-provoking content. I would not recommend this book to experienced practitioners who are looking for a more advanced understanding of Wiccan holy days.
5. Chloe - 1 star
I found "Wicca holy days 2023" to be incredibly inaccurate and filled with misinformation. For example, the book listed incorrect dates for several holy days, which left me feeling frustrated and confused. In addition, the author's descriptions of the rituals and customs associated with each holy day were oversimplified and lacked the depth necessary to fully understand and appreciate these traditions. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for accurate and reliable information on Wiccan holy days.