Sun Sabbats and Moon Sabbats
Sun sabbats refer to the cross quarter days, which are based on the astronomical position of the sun.
"Moon sabbats" can be observed on Full Moons,
typically the one closest to the traditional cross quarter date or the 2nd full moon after the preceding cross quarter day.
This would place the moon sabbat
anywhere from twenty nine to fifty nine days after the preceding solstice or equinox.
Moon sabbats can also be observed on the nearest Lunar phase to the Cross quarter
day.
Imbolc: New, Crescent
1st Quarter
Beltane: 1st Quarter
gibbous, Full Moon
Lammas: Full, Disseminating
3rd Quarter
Samhain: 3rd Quarter
Balsamic, New
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High Cross Quarter - Sabbat of Imbolc
Imbolc (High Cross Quarter)
Imbolc {im' molc} or {im' bolc} - Categorised as a High Cross Quarter Sabbat
15 Degrees of Aquarius, or Feb 1st
Wiccan Mythology: The Goddess recovers from child birth. Becomes a Maiden.
Imbolc is the start of Spring. The child God continues to develop, as can be witnessed in the lengthening of days, and festivals frequently centre around light and luminescence. The old crone Goddess of Winter gives way to the Maiden, who having recovered from the child birth prepares the earth to start its growth cycle yet again.
Imbolc is really also a festival of purification rite, stripping away of the aged and the old in expectation of the fresh and new.
Symbolism: Historically Imbolc was an gaelic festival dedicated to Brigid or Bride the goddess of healing, creativity, and blacksmithing.
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