ESBATS

Esbats are moon rituals that have both magickal and religious aspects.  They are celebrations of the Goddess, and many types of magickal workings are performed on these days.  Many Coven gatherings are done on the nights of the full moon, while other nights can be used as well, at least one a month should be observed.  During these gatherings you draw on the Goddess's energy and pay homage to her.  The following are a listing of the 13 magickal moons.

Blue Moon: The second full moon in the same month.  This occurs about once every 2-1/2 years.  This is a special night for special magickal workings.  Do magick for something that has never been done on this night.  This is also known as the Wine Moon.  It is for love, goodwill, peace, and protection.

January (Wolf Moon): Also known as the Cold, Snow, or Winter moon.  This is a time for protection and strength magick,  Also a time for beginnings and endings.  This is also the perfect time to plan for Spring planting.

February (Storm Moon): Also known as the Death Moon.  This is a time for fertility and strength magick.  Also a god time for cleansing and help in facing life's challenges.

March (Chaste Moon): Also known as the Seed Moon.  This is a time to plant mental seeds for success and hope.  A time of purity and newness. Time to bless the seeds and herbs that you will plant to aid in your magickal workings.

April (Seed Moon): Time of fertility, growth and wisdom.  Also known as the Egg, Grass, and Wind Moon.  This is the time to sow and plant the seeds.

May (Hare Moon): This is the planting moon. A time of health, love, romance, and wisdom.  During this time you should plant seeds, rekindle romance, and passion.

June (Lovers Moon): Also known as the Strawberry or Rose moon. This is a time to work on Love, marriage, and success, as well as nurturing your magickal garden.

July (Mead Moon): Blessing or Thunder Moon. A time of enchantment, health, rebirth, success, and strength.

August (Wyrt Moon): Barley, Corn, or Red Moon.  A time of abundance, agriculture, and marriage.  Time to collect the herbs and begin to store them.

September (Harvest Moon): Hunter's Moon. A time of protection. prosperity, and abundance.

October (Blood Moon): Falling Leaf Moon. Time of new goals, protection, resolution, and spirituality.  Great night for divination and scrying.

November (Snow Moon): Beaver or Tree Moon. Time of abundance, prosperity, family bonds, and divination.

December (Oak Moon): Cold or Long Night Moon. Time of hope and healing.

Blood of the Moon: Days of greater power. These occur during a woman's menstrual cycle.  Even greater if one day is on the full moon.

PHASES OF THE MOON

New Moon: New beginnings, initiate a new project, start and adventure.

Waxing Moon: Growth potential. Moon is growing larger.  Work with building on what was started under the New Moon.

Full Moon: Accomplish almost anything during this time.  The 3 days prior and the 3 days after are powerful days as well.

Waning Moon: Banishing magick. Get rid of negative things in your life.

Dark Moon: The Goddess's energy is at its lowest. No magick should be done at this time. This is a time to relax and mediate.

Drawing Down The Moon:  This is done during a full moon ritual.  The High Priestess or Solitary pulls the energy of the Goddess into themselves.