Esbats

The Full Moon, formerly known as an Esbat, occurs every 28 days in the midst of the moon’s cycle. It is the most powerful time during the month to perform magick. Since the face of the moon is largest here, it embodies the Goddess and her cycle as well. During a full moon, her belly is round with birth trailing not far behind. She is joyous and content. She readily awaits the birth of her Son as the Solar God.

One of the most important parts of the esbat ritual is the actual Drawing Down the Moon. When it is performed in a coven, the High Priest and Priestess take on the roles of the Sun God and Moon Goddess. When it is spoken, they actually kiss the parts of the body listed such as “Blessed Be thy Feet that have brought thee in these ways.” The High Priest kneels and kisses the Priestess’ feet and they repeat this for every body part.

January- Wolf Moon– Miriam

February- Storm Moon– Brighid

March- Austere Moon– Allat

April- Awakening Moon– Adamah

May- Flower Moon– Mother Mary

June- Dyan Moon– Shekinah

July- Thunder Moon– Tehom

August- Lightning Moon– Mary Magdalene

September- Harvest Moon– Eden

October- Descending Moon– Sheol

November- Mourning Moon– Esther

December- Oak Moon– Maveth

Blue Moon– Eve

New Moon– Levana

Waxing Moon– Hannah

Waning Moon– Devorah

Dark Moon– Jezebel

Black Moon– Lilith