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by AntigoneRising on February 8th, 2007

AntigoneRising

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What is an Esbat?

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Answers. 4 helpful answers below.

  • by Anonymous on February 8th, 2007

    Anonymous

    An esbat is a ritual observance of the full moon within Wicca and other Wiccan-influenced forms of Neopaganism. Some groups extend these celebrations to include the dark moon, or even the first and last quarters. Traditionally, the Sabbats are times of celebration, while magical work is done at the esbats.

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  • by -Ben 10- on February 10th, 2007

    -Ben 10-

    A regular meeting held in a coven of Witches which may include religious worship, business discussion, and/or magic and healing work. The term esbat came into popular usage during the 20th century, and does not celebrate a major festival like the sabbats do.

    The frequency of which esbats are held depends on the routine of the coven. Many coven meet at every full moon, which occurs 13 times during a year. Other coven meet on every new moon, wile others meet weekly.

    These meetings may take place indoors or outdoors at a covener’s home. The dress is usually informal, such as loose clothing or robes, or skyclad, nude. Animals, or pets, are allowed as long as they do not disturb the energy flow during the magical work.

    Esbats are ended with sharing of food and drink

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  • by Tom Terrific on February 12th, 2009

    Tom Terrific

    I have read that the word "esbat" is a neologism, created by Margaret Murray. There is some basis, apparently, for the word being etymologically indistinguishable from "sabbat"; both may be derived from the French "s’ébattre" or "ébattre," meaning "to frolic."

    Why is this significant? you may ask. Well, when I read about Sabbats of centuries past, they seem to be at night, a full moon seems to be involved, and the participants seem to be frolicking. Put this together with some other stuff, and you may get the idea that it's the Full Moons that are the historical "Sabbats," and not the eight solar holidays.

    I suspect the eight solar holidays were public celebrations for the entire community, while the lunar celebrations were for Witches. I suspect that the association of the word "Sabbat" with the eight solar holidays is one of the great ironies of the Witchcraft revival - greater even than the placing of Air in the East. ;)

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  • by hedge-rider on February 22nd, 2009

    hedge-rider

    Other than Anonymous's great answer which gives the best actual definition, I wanted to add something my mentor explained to me about the Esbats.

    The Esbats, in many ways, are when Wiccans become Tradition Wiccans (feel free to replace "Tradition" with Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Feri, Eclectic, Hedgecraft, Algar, etc.). For it is through the Esbat rituals that their beliefs, practices, and rituals are different from one another. As soon as the Esbat is over - they are just Wiccans, once more.

    Although there are pieces of this that I disagree with, I thought it was an interesting adage to share.

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