The Full Moon EsbatFull Moon Esbats are important to the Witch. For one thing, the Moon is at her peak, and that alone is cause for celebration, since her growth in the sky is a natural phenomenon. But for the Witch, it goes much deeper than that. Because this fullness signifies the pregnancy of Moon coming to term - and there's nothing as powerful as containing a seperate life within-Her magickal energies are more potent than at any other time of the month. This means that any request-no matter how difficult-has a better chance of being granted during this time. So the Witch not only celebrates the fullness of the Moon, but harvests that energy for magickal purposes.
Each Full Moon Esbat centers around formal circle-casting. And though the Charge of the Goddess is always recited, the Charge of the God is omitted. This is, in no way, a slight against the God. Since the Moon is ruled by the Goddess and it's Her energy that we celebrate at this time, the God simply steps back to let Her shine.
The MoonsEven though there are only twelve months in our calendar year, there are thirteen moons in a lunar year. This means that in every year, two Full Moons fall in one month. The second appearance is commonly known as the Blue Moon, and make the month containing it a very powerful one.
December - The Oak Moon The oak tree has long symbolized the amle aspect of Divinity and the natural flow between the worlds of mundanity and spirituality. One reason is that it's trunk and branches grow and stretch fervently toward the sky in the physical world, while it's roots dig deeply inot the hidden planes of the underworld. Another reason has to do with the Holly King, who symbolizes the waning year. The Oak King takes his place at Winter Solstice, and brings the returning light of the newborn Sun with Him. And, of course, there's the mistletoe. Even in the dormancy of winter, this new life sprouts from it's branches.
As the Oak Moon waxes full in the December sky, remember that you plan an integral part in the workings of the Cosmos, just as you do in the world you wake to everyday. Celebrate the return of the Divine Child and New Light by adorning yourself with sprigs of mistletoe, and give candles to others as a reminder that they are each individual flames of the Coming Sun with their own paths to light.
Celebration Ideas- Wear white and yellow to welcome the Sun.
- Decorate alters with holly, mistletoe, and Sun symbols.
- Use white candles and burn Full Moon or frankincense incense.
- Mark the Circle perimeter with yellow candles or sunflower seeds. If using seeds, keep some for spring planting and spread rest for the birds.
- Adorn a candle holder with holly, then secure a white candle inside. Name the candle for any problems or bad habits you have picked up in the past year. Light the candle and release those energies. Let the candle burn all the way down, then toss the holly on the hearth fire or burn in a fireproof dish and scatter the ashes in the winds. Know that life has begun anew.
January - The Wolf Moon This moon is named for the wolf for two reasons: for one thing it occurs during the time of year when predator food supplies are scarce, and this brings wolves into villages in search of something to eat. The other thing has to do with family and togetherness. Wolves live in packs, and, like humans, they keep the same families for life. They not only depend on their families for love, wisdom and moral support, they depend on their families for their lives. Without them, many wolves simply pine away and cease to exist.
As the Wolf Moon rises high in the sky, heed the lesson of the predator of the same name. Spend some quality time with both blood-relatives and extended family. Remember that you are who you are because of what they have given. Thank them and show your appreciation. Lend you support. And don't forget that the Gods are family too. A few words of thanks in their direction will go far in the coming year.
Celebration Ideas- Wear shades of burgandy or rose as a symbol ov family love and togetherness.
- Decorate the alter with photos of family and friends, mementos of special occassions, and apples.
- Use rose-colored or burgandy candles and burn Full Moon, or pine incense.
- Asperge the circle with a pine branch to symbolize eternal life and growth.
- Serve sugar cookies and apple juice for libation.
- Spend some time in Circle working on family issues.
February - The Storm Moon During the fullness of this moon, we honor the silent winter storms that cover teh Earth with frosty ice and snow. Beneath the irridescent blanket, Mother Nature rests and regenerates, renewing Her energy for the growing season ahead.
Since it's important that we renew our energy as well, this is a good time to kick back and relax, and take some time for ourselves. This doesn't just mean physical time, though. We need spirital time too. Time to take that inner journey and find out who we are and where we're going. Our growing season will come soon enough. And when it does, we need to be ready.
Celebration Ideas- Wear tranquil shades of blue to honor the Earth's dreaming period.
- Decorate the altar with paper stars and snowflake designs, and symbols of peaceful rest. Try a quilt for the altar cloth.
- Use blue candles and burn Full Moon or sandalwood incense.
- Serve butter cookies and hot chocolate for libation.
March - The Chaste Moon Because this Moon waxes full when snow is still on the ground in many places, it holds the power of purity, innocence, and joy. It speaks to teh child within us - a reminder of a time when life was simple, a time when a smile went a long way, and everything imagineable seemed possible. Because of this, the Chaste Moon makes us want to laugh, run and play, turn cartwheels and have fun.
Beneath her light, we find solutions to messy situations. Barriers flex and give way, and our personal goals are suddenly attainable. The Chaste Moon brings us the opportunity to toss out that which is old and useless. Her coming is the signal to turn a page in life's book and start a new chapter.
Celebration Ideas- Wear white to honor innocence and joy.
- Decorate the altar with white flowers - narcissus and other early bloomers.
- Cast the Circle using the wand, cleanse it with burning sage, and use white candles.
- Serve chocolates or chocolate chip cookies and milk for libation.
April - The Seed Moon With the coming of the Seed Moon, Mother Earth begins to stir. The snow melts, and bulbs - which only yesterday were a tiny sprout of green - burst into full blossom. Squirrels play among the budding treetops, and birds hurriedly search for nest-building materials. Spring has finally come, and with it, a ton of work. All of Nature is busy just trying to keep up.
We, too, feel the need to shake off winter's state of inertia, get up, get out, and do something. Just as it stirs beneath the Earth's surface, the need to create stirs deep within our spirits and wells up inside of us. Her wild and unbridled energy beckons us to till our spiritual gardens and plant them with qualities that better our lives and bring us into harmony with nature and humankind.
Celebration Ideas- Wear green to honor the Earth's sprouting.
- Decorate the altar with wildflowers and spring greenery
- Use green candles and burn full moon or a soft floral incense.
- Asperge the Circle with a newly budded tree branch, then set it aside for burning in the Beltane fire later.
- Serve milk and poppyseed rolls or sesame sprinkled bread for libation.