Sabbat: Imbolc and Lammas

Happy sabbat witches, as the wheel of the year continues to creak its eternal motion. Today is Imbolc in the south and Lammas in the north, as the sun crosses the midpoint between equinox and solstice.You may have noticed its celebration last weekend on the 1st of the month. The application of fixed dates to the sabbats was a relatively recent decree, only taking hold in the 1960s in Wiccan circles largely for organisational convenience. But as a card carrying star witch, my wheel follows the sun's progression through the stars.The wheel of the year itself was first documented by mythologist Jacob Grimm in his 1835 work, Teutonic Mythology. In it he was scribing centuries old traditions of ancient pagans, whose ritual observation and festivals were based around the movement of the sun and the moon, the stars and and the seasons.This sabbat, as the midpoint between solstice and equinox, is known as the cross quarter on the wheel of the year. It is when the sun arrives at the midpoint of Leo. In the south we feel the first stirrings of an earth waking up from its Winter slumber. In the north it is the peak of Summer and harvest. Because Mama Nature does not shunt dramatically but does so gradually, the cross quarter sabbats call our attention to the changing earth. It is a subtle shift, imperceptible to those hijacked by a virtual post modern existence, visible only to those who care to look.Over in the coven, I have posted about the history and traditions of both Imbolc and Lammas - because witches from all over the world have joined our community. I have also included some beautifully simple ways to feel into this sabbat and anchor yourself in its magics. If you would like to join us there, the coven is hosted on Patreon.I hope this magical day gets under your skin and finds its way home in you, darklings. Art by @amandaclarkartistWords c. Kerrie Basha 2020