Where the are Sabbats are fire or sun festivals often to celebrate the changing of the seasons, Esbats are dedicated to the Moon in her various phases. These are considered the 'working' celebrations, times to do magick. The Esbats are held in honor of the Goddess.

Moon Magick

Most often, magical work is done during a Full Moon, however work can be done on the New and Dark Moons. The Dark of the Moon is the period measured from the time the moon enters the sign of the New Moon until the actual time of the New Moon. Traditionally, the energies raised during a Full Moon is used for protection, divinations, and removal of negativity. The energies raised on the Dark and New Moons are for growth, healing, and blessings, with the hoped for goal being achieved by the full moon.

The Lunar Year contains 13 Full Moons. These have all been called by various names in the past but the ones that seem to have become the most popular are:



The Blue Moon

This is only 12 moons. The 13th Moon is called the Blue Moon, and occurs when four full moons fall within the same season. As regular seasons only have 3 full moons, the fourth full moon between solstice and equinox, or vice versa, is the Blue Moon. This happens once a year, always at a different time due to the inconsistency of the modern calendar with the luner cycles. The Celts originally set their year to correspond with the 13 moons but with the coming of the Romans, this tradition was lost. Their 13th Moon was called Ruis or Elder. The Blue Moon is considered the 'goal moon', at this time it is customary to set specific goals for yourself and to review your accomplishments and failures since the last one.

A look at the other 12 moons...

• January is the time to conserve energy by working on personal problems that involve no one else. It is also a time for protection rites and reversing spells. During this month the energy flow is sluggish and below the surface.
  
  
• February is the time for loving the self, accepting responsibility for past errors, forgiving yourself, and making future plans. At this time the energy flow is working toward the surface; good for purification, growth, and healing.
  
  
• March is the time for new beginnings, breaking illusions, and seeing the truth in your life however much it may hurt. The energy flow breaks into the open, a good time for growing, prospering, and exploring. Light and Dark are in balance now.
  
  
• April is the time for working on your temper, emotional flare-ups, and selfishness. The energy is flowing into creating and producing; a good time for change, self-confidence issues, taking advantage of opportunities, and realizing self-reliance.
  
  
• May is the time for strengthening the connections with supernatural protectors and beings around you. The energy is in full flow making this a good time for intuition, propagating, and connecting with faeries and nature spirits.
  
  
• June is the time for decision making, taking responsibility for present happenings, working on personal inconsistencies, and for strengthening and rewarding yourself for your positive traits. The energy is in full, but restive, flow, the Earth tides are turning making this a good time for protection, strengthening, and prevention spells.
  
  
• July is the time for dream-work, divination, and meditation on spiritual goals and plans. The energy is slower and more relaxed, proper for success and prosperity spells. This month is the time to start preparing for the colder and darker months ahead.
  
  
• August is the time for harvesting, gathering, and appreciating. The energy flow is slowing more and now is the time of vitality, health, and friendships.
  
  
• September is the time for organizing and straightening up physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual clutter. The energy flow is resting and Light and Dark are in balance.
  
  
• October is the time for inner cleansing. Meditate on the laws of Karma and thoughts of reincarnation. This is the time of letting go, justice, balance, and inner harmony.
  
  
• November is the month of transformation. It is time to prepare for the coming winter and a time to strengthen communication with the god or goddess closest to you. The energy flow is taking root and preparing to flow once more.
  
  
• December is the time of Spiritual Paths. The Earth tides are turning and it is time to reach out to friends and family, the lonely, and the needy. This is the month of death and renewal. Spells should should be aimed at endurance and provision.