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Books on the Sabbats

As Pagans, we celebrate the changing of the seasons, the equinoxes and solstices, and the traditional harvest times. The turning of the Wheel each year is marked by 8 Sabbats, each with its own history, meaning and traditions.

pagan sabbats

Sabbats
By Edain McCoy. One big book that covers each of the 8 Sabbat holidays. Everything you want to know, including lots of history and folklore, as well as recipes and craft ideas. This great book will keep you busy all year long.

Celebrate the Earth.
By Laurie Cabot. Another good book that covers all aspects of the Sabbats (history, recipes, crafts, etc.) Don't let the small size fool you, there is a lot packed into this slim book. A particularly good choice if you are new and get overwhelmed with too much info.
sabbat holidays
A Year of Ritual
By Sandra Kynes. This book is specifically on rituals for the Sabbats, for both solitaries and covens. Rituals for esbats (full moon ceremonies) are also included. The rituals are complete and can be performed as given, though they could also be adapted to your own particulars.
wicca and witchcraft
Eight Sabbats for Witches
By Stewart and Janet Farrar. An older book, and it does deserve to be called a classic. The style is more academic than the other books mentioned and focuses more specifically on Gardnerian Wiccan traditions. It's a serious book on the subject.
sabbats
Celebrating the Seasons of Life
By Ashleen O'GaeaThis is actually a 2-book set, with 1 book covering the first half of the year, and the next for the second half (Celebrating The Seasons Of Life: Beltane to Mabon). Both books are written by Ashleen O'Gaea. She doesn't simply cover each Sabbat on its own, but covers each half-year as a larger unit and discusses the relationships between the Sabbats and how they flow from one to the next.

Sabbat Entertaining
By Willow Polson. This isn't really a book ON the Sabbats, but an excellent book FOR the Sabbats. Mostly craft and decorating ideas and instructions, as well as recipes for throwing the perfect Sabbat party.
sabbats
Seasons of the Witch
By Gail Duff. Another basic book on the subject of Sabbats, covering all the introductory topics of history, mythology, traditions, rituals and craft ideas. Another good beginner selection.
sabbat books
The Magickal Year
By Diana Ferguson. This book takes a much more a historical and cultural approach to the holidays on the Pagan calendar. Not much on how to celebrate (no rituals or crafts) but a very detailed and academic comparison of the Sabbats with regards to how Christianity has adapted their holidays based on older Pagan ones.

The Witches' Sabbats
By Mike Nichols. A no-nonsense guide to the Sabbats, with history and folklore explained. Not cluttered with recipes, rituals or craft ideas. Further essays on related (and not related) topics are also included in this book.
sabbats

Candlemas: Feast of Flames
This is just 1 of an 8-book series. With a whole book per Sabbat, you will find plenty (too much?) detail for each. Each book is written by a different author.
The rest of the series:

 

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