An Esbat is a gathering of Witches at a certain phase of the moon. These are the rhythms we live by, and reflect the patterns of life. The moon is a powerful aspect of the Goddess, and through her we see the three stages of -particularly a woman's life- (waxing)the Maiden, (full)the Mother, (waning)and Crone.

The word Esbat is thought by many to derive from the french word esbattiere meaning "to frolic" as is rightfully so, as Esbats are joyous occasions.

Esbats are the Wiccan celebrations of the Full Moon. Some Wicca consider the New Moon to be an Esbat also. There are approximately 13 Esbats (Full Moons) a year, at approximately 28 days apart. An Esbat is a time for recognizing the Goddess. Magick performed at this time is especially powerful. The Esbats are also excellent times for meditation and divination.

Esbats are moon rituals and times that covens get together for intimate communing, teaching and discussing. All Esbats are done at night & considered working celebrations

The thirteen full moons of the year hold sacred energies associated with the Great Goddess and to the Moon. Traditionally, these thirteen full moons coincide with the thirteen Esbats of the year. These days, many Witches hold Esbats every week or at least twice a month. In some Craft traditions, these working nights offer an array of food after the ritual. Participants bring all sorts of dishes, including one hot item such as soup or other covered dish.

Esbats performed on a full moon represent ritual working occasions at the time when the Goddess is at full power. Esbats represent celebrations of creative life force throughout the universe, and during them Witches often work petition and candle magik to achieve their goals. An Esbat, whether performed solitarily or with a group, gives the Witch personal time to link their spirit with deity. If you haven't figured it out by now, a one-on-one relationship with Spirit is vitally important to any Witch.

In group format, Witches choose the Esbat as a working session for coven business (the teaching of Craft history or magickal practices, initiation, or for engaging in special projects). In solitary format, Witches utilize Esbat energy to connect with Spirit, meditate, or work toward personal goals to enhance the Witch's life. No matter the solitary or group format, the consecration of cakes and ale (now usually just a piece of pound cake and some type of non-alcoholic natural fruit juice), our communion, is customary at Esbats during the performance of a ritual in a magick circle.

To provide the most powerful connection to the Goddess, the best thing to do is work outside under the full moon. Drawing down the moon by the High Priestess is a regular part of highly ritualistic Esbats in some traditions; in others, any coven member may participate in the drawing down of the moon ceremony. At a solitary Esbat, a Witch usually draws the energy of the moon into him or herself.

Other special events such as Handfastings (marriages) and Wiccanings may be done at Esbats, as well as Goddess-oriented rituals, the charging of talismans or amulets, or the consecration of tools, et cetera. The Esbat provides a foundation ceremony for many various magickal applications.

Traditionally, most early Witches spent the evening of the full moon in prayer, personal celebration, and magickal workings to draw on in the coming month. They would mix herbs, make magickal cords, grind powders, and empower amulets and talismans.

We come together to give the Goddess thanks for all that She has given us. The full moon represents the Goddess in her aspect as the Mother. This is the time when the Goddess is in her full power and her full strength. This usually takes place about 13 times a year. because there are about 13 full moons in a year. Some covens hold Esbat on new and full moons. At a coven Esbat, coveners discuss problems and important issues, perform special rites, work magick and healings, and give thanks and request help from the Goddess and God.

The Esbat should not be confused with the Sabbat, which takes place eight times within the course of a year and corresponds with the seasonal cycle of the Sun and Earth. The Esbat is a lunar (moon) celebration.

The Moon is an ancient symbol of the Goddess. Countless religions have recognized it with rites and ceremonies throughout the ages, Wiccans of today still do. On the nights of the Full Moon, and sometimes the New Moon, (depending on the individual or coven,) they honor the Goddess and God with worship, and if needed, perform magick. This doesn't mean that they "worship" the Moon. Wiccans see in the Moon a symbol of the Goddess, not Her face. The Moon's dramatic cycle of waxing and waning long ago attracted religious awe from peoples attuned with nature. Wiccans may admire the Moon's beauty, and may thrill to seeing it slowly rise from the eastern horizon, but they don't worship it. The Moon is also seen as a mystic source of energy. Wiccans know that though it glows at night, the Moon possesses no light of its own. It reflects light from the hidden Sun. Because light can be equated with power, and because of the Moon's strong, proven effects on the tides and the cycles of both women and animals, Wiccans draw energy from the Moon during Esbats to further empower magickal workings.

Some female witches believe that they're monthly cycles are attuned to the moon. To have your cycle during the Full Moon is said to strengthen your magick. The menstrual cycle is referred to as "Days of Power" womens intuition and psychic gifts are more attuned on these days. Thus, an Esbat (, Full Moon Ritual) is a rite involving worship of the Goddess and (if needed) a magickal working, in all cases I'm familiar with, the worship comes first-before the magick. To Wiccans, the time of the Full Moon is a time of sanctity and spirituality. The ritual usually occurs at night. The circle is cast, the Goddess and the God is called in poetic words, or chant, or song, or dance. A meditation session may follow, after which works of magick are carried out, Most Wiccans like to be out doors beneath the light of the Moon, whenever possible. Afterward, wine or juice and some kind of cake is consumed, and shared with Deity. This is the Esbat--a time of reverence and magic....