Traditional British Witchcraft

The Festivals
Introduction

In Traditional British Witchcraft, the festivals are festive times of celebration, but they are of less importance than Full Moon Shabbats. The festivals are called "sabbats" by Wiccans and "High Days" by Neo-Pagans. However, the term "festival" is traditional and preferable.

The festivals celebrated by Trads have always varied considerably from one Trad to another.

Wiccans keep eight sabbats (what they call Festivals); however, Traditional British Witches rarely keep all of these eight listed festivals. Many Trads are likely to keep only some of the eight listed festivals and may well keep some other festivals associated with the gods or pantheon they recognize. As an example: Trads that recognize the Roman pantheon, such as Blue Moon Manor, are very likely to keep Saturnalia in addition to Yule.

Each seeker needs to decide for themselves which festivals to observe. Of course, as time goes by, you will gain insight as to which festivals have meaning to you.

How to Observe

Full observance of a Festival involves honoring that day with activities related to that festival. Dedicate the day as a special day.

Before hand, read about the festival you plan to observe. Decide upon appropriate activities. Buy special treats.

On the eve (the night before the day of the festival), light candles and maybe incense. Enjoy a fine dinner. Families with young children may follow the meal with games.

On the day of the festival, do special things you like doing. Take a long walk in a park. Visit a museum or art gallery. See a movie. Meditate.

I would suggest that if circumstances prevent you from doing very much, then at least light a candle and meditate.

List of Common Festivals:

Imbolc - February 1st

Spring Equinox - The Vernal Equinox, March 21st

May Day - Also called Beltane, May 1st

Midsummer - The Summer Solstice, June 24th

Lughnasadh - August 1st

Autumn Equinox - September 21st

Samhain (pronounced: SOW-an and not "sam hain") - October 31st

Yule (pronounced: you-EL and not "youl") - The Winter Solstice - This 12 day Winter Festival has always started on the night of December 24th and not on the exact Winter Solstice.

Plus:

Twelfth Night - Twelve nights after Yule, January 4th, concludes the Yuletide season.

More information on the Festivals including a detailed look at each Festival is in the Full Course material in The Journey to Trad Witchcraft.

The Festivals