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As in the Old Religion, the eight main festival observances or Sabbats remain days of ascendancy for those men and women who follow the modern, innovative schools of Wicca and may, in essence, constitute rather large tribal gatherings of celebration and community. In addition, some Wiccan traditions may also celebrate “esbats,” much smaller gatherings that correspond to the phases of the moon. There may also be special purpose gatherings which are limited to the members of a coven who meet to deal with a problem or issue specific to the group or an individual within the coven.

When most Wiccans hold an esbat, they generally meet in a group of thirteen, which comprises the membership of a coven. While some Wiccan traditions permit larger numbers to participate in the esbats, most maintain the old practice that if a coven exceeds more than thirteen, it should split off into another group. During the eight Sabbats, however, many covens may meet together to celebrate the festivities.

An altar combining European Witchcraft symbology with Voodoo-Hoodoo artifacts (art by Bill Oliver).

While the esbat is considered a sacred event, it does not take place in a building deemed holy. Since there is no dogma within the Wiccan traditions, the esbats primarily occur in an outdoor setting so that the coven members may touch the earth. When a desirable location has been found, one of the coven members, usually the High Priest or High Priestess, draws a large circle on the ground while walking in a clockwise direction. The instrument used to etch the circle in the earth is generally a wand or the ceremonial “athame” (dagger), and once the circle has been made, the four cardinal directions (and often Above and Below) are invoked by the High Priest or Priestess. Some covens perform this rite of invocation in front of a small portable altar.

Once the parameters of the sacred circle have been drawn, the celebrants usually invoke the names of the Goddess and God and various nature entities to manifest among them in the circle. Some groups conduct this ritual “skyclad” (naked), while others prefer to dress in gowns or other special costumes. The area formed by the circle of celebrants represents a holy space signifying an altered state of consciousness that exists between the material world of time and space and the immaterial world of limitless being. The circle of combined psyches also serves as a receptacle of magical energy that will build its strength until it is released in what is known as the “Cone of Power.”

When the Cone of Power has attained the energy deemed necessary for the purposes desired by the coven, it is released and sent out to perform the various tasks assigned to it by the wishes of the celebrants. Once the power has been released, some traditions pass a chalice of wine and small cakes around the circle to be enjoyed by the coven. As the refreshments are passed from member to member, the practitioners pronounce “Blessed Be” to one another. Once the ritual has been completed, the circle opens and members walk around the parameter in a clockwise direction.

If a coven meets for an Esbat at the time of a full moon, it will quite likely engage in the ritual known as “Drawing Down the Moon,” in which the spirit of the Goddess and God are “drawn” down into the physical bodies of the High Priestess and priest. During this time, they are considered by the coven members to be the Goddess and God incarnate. While this spiritual possession is taking place, the high priestess and priest relay teachings and knowledge to the coven and may even answer personal questions relevant to the needs of individual members.