Esbats are celebrations of the various Moon phases. Some acknowledge each individual phase while others acknowledge the New and Full Moons.
Stepping outside or looking out your window each night and seeing what phase the Moon is in, whisper or shout a "Hello!", say a prayer something simple is easiest if you include a small child in your 'ritual'. If you would like to have a full, more elaborate ritual then please take a peek at each of the month's Moons and their correspondences. Each Moon has it's own special significance, research is an option or simply listen to your inner self. A Pagan or Heathen path, especially if one doesn't really follow a set way, is more about listening to the rhythms and hum of our world and it's energies than following a prescribed path.
Stepping outside or looking out your window each night and seeing what phase the Moon is in, whisper or shout a "Hello!", say a prayer something simple is easiest if you include a small child in your 'ritual'. If you would like to have a full, more elaborate ritual then please take a peek at each of the month's Moons and their correspondences. Each Moon has it's own special significance, research is an option or simply listen to your inner self. A Pagan or Heathen path, especially if one doesn't really follow a set way, is more about listening to the rhythms and hum of our world and it's energies than following a prescribed path.
January
The Wolf Moon, Old Moon, Cold Moon, Moon of BeginningsThe first full moon is a time of silence and sitting by the home fire. As the wild winter howls, appreciate the warmth of home and family. Now is the time to go within and plan the changes you will make in the spring. Consider now what you will plant. Start a moon journal to record your lunar tides and write down your spring dreams.
Herbs: Marjoram, Blessed Thistle, Nuts, Pine Cones
Colors: White, Blue, Black
Flowers: Snowdrop,Crocus
Incense: Musk, Mimosa
Stones: Garnet,Onyx, Jet, Chrysophase
Trees: Birch
Animals: Fox, Coyote
Birds: Pheasant, Blue Jay
February
The Storm Moon,Ice Moon, Storm Moon, Bony Moon, Moon of VisionAt this Moon begin your spring cleaning. Think about what needs to be released and let go of in your life and in your home. Burn white candles and purifying incense, sweep out the cobwebs and prepare for the new growth of spring.
Herbs:Hyssop, Myrrh, Sage
Colors:Blue Purple
Flowers:Primrose
Incense:Wisteria, Heliotrope, Sage & Myrrh
Stones:Amethyst, Jasper,Clear Quartz
Trees:Rowan, Laurel, Cedar
Animals:Otter, Unicorn
Birds:Eagle, Chickadee
March
The Chaste Moon, Sap Moon, Worm Moon, Windy Moon, Moon of WatersThis is the Moon of the maiden and Faery folk. Gather the seeds of inspiration and imagine what they can grow into. Build an Altar to the Moon and bless your garden in the moonlight. Prepare the earth for planting and yourself for change.
Herbs:Yellowdock, Irish Moss, High John the Conqueror
Colors:Green, Purple
Flowers:Jonquil, Daffodil, Violet
Incense:Honeysuckle, Apple Blossom
Stones:Aquamarine, Bloodstone
Trees:Alder, Dogwood
Animals:Cougar, Hedgehog, Boar
Birds: Sea Crow, Sea Eagle
April
The Seed Moon, Growing Moon, Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Pink Moon, Flower Moon, Moon of UtilityAt the Seed Moon plant your seeds of magick, whether it be in a garden, in a pot by the window or simply in your heart. Fill your home with light and flowers, create colorful eggs to decorate it and bring fertility and joy. On the full Moon plant herbs. Sing in the rain...
Herbs:Basil, Chives, Dragon's Blood, Geranium
Colors:Red, Gold
Flowers:Daisy, Sweetpea
Incense:Pine, Bay, Bergamot, Patchouli
Stones:Ruby, Garnet
Trees:Pine, Bay Laurel
Animals:Bear, Wolf
Birds:Hawk, Magpie
May
The Hare Moon, Milk Moon, Planting Moon, Flower Moon, Moon of BalanceNow is the time to celebrate life and love. Renew and affirm your sensuality, kindle the fire of romance . Dance and make love by the light of a bon fire, the glow of red candles, or just the full Moon's radiance. Free your wild nature....
Herbs:Elder, Mint, Rose, Mugwort, Thyme, Yarrow
Colors:Green, Pink, Brown
Flowers:Lily of the Valley, Foxglove, Rose
Scents:Rose, Sandalwood
Stones:Emerald, Malachite, Amber, Carnelian
Trees:Hawthorn
Animals:Cat Lynx Leopard
Birds:Swallow, Dove, Swan
June
The Dyad Moon, Mead Moon, Honey Moon, Strawberry Moon, Rose Moon, Green Corn Moon, Moon of RestraintSee how things are growing! The old has died away to make room for the new . Create an Altar of roses and honor the beauty of nature. Send flowers to your mother. Hike to the top of a mountain...
Herbs:Skullcap, Vervain, Tansy, Parsley, Mosses
Colors:Orange, Green
Flowers:Lavender, Orchid, Yarrow
Incense:Lily of the Valley, Lavender
Stones:Topaz, Agate, Alexandrite, Fluorite
Trees:Oak
Animals:Monkey, Butterfly, Frog, Toad
Birds:Wren, Peacock
July
The Mead Moon, Hay Moon, Thunder Moon, Ripe Corn Moon, Buck Moon, Moon of StrengthBask in the warmth of summer and take time for yourself, relax. Perhaps a moonlit walk by the sea to gather sacred seashells. Make an ocean amulet necklace for one you love.
Herbs:Agrimony, Lemon Balm, Hyssop
Colors:Silver, Blue
Flowers:Lotus, Water Lily, Jasmine
Incense:Orris, Frankincense
Stones:Pearl, Moonstone
Trees:Oak, Ash
Animals:Crab, Turtle, Dolphin, Whale
Birds:Ibis, Swallow, Starling
August
The Wyrt Moon , Green Plant Moon, Corn Moon, Fruit Moon, Grain Moon, Moon of PolarityThis is a time to harvest the gifts you have nurtured and give to those who are in need. Collect and store fresh herbs for the coming winter. Bake special breads to honor the God and Goddess of grain and growing things, share them with your family and friends but save some to offer the Earth.
Herbs:Chamomile, St. John's Wort, Bay, Angelica, Fennel, Rue
Colors:Yellow, Gold
Flowers:Sunflower, Marigold
Incense:Frankincense, Heliotrope
Stones:Carnelian, Jasper
Trees:Hazel, Alder, Cedar
Animals:Lion, Sphinyx, Phoenix, Dragon
Birds:Crane, Falcon, Eagle
September
The Harvest Moon, Barley Moon, Fruit Moon, Nut Moon, Moon of WisdomDrink a toast to Dionysus, the God of wine and ecstasy - The son of the Moon! Gather with friends to celebrate the vine with a bottle of good wine and good cheer. Catch the Moons reflection in your cup and raise it up in salutation, now drink in her essence and feel the presence of the God and Goddess.
Herbs:Copal, Fennel, Rye, Wheat, Valerian, Skullcap
Colors:Brown, Green, Yellow
Flowers:Narcissus, Lily
Incense:Gardenia, Bergamot
Stones:Peridot, Citrine
Trees:Hazel, Larch, Bay
Animals:Snake, Jackal
Birds:Ibis, Sparrow
October
The Blood Moon, Harvest Moon, Hunter's Moon, Moon of CelebrationIn the past this was the time of hunting and storing. The wheel of the year turns like the cycle of life and death. At this Moon the veil is thin, make an Altar to honor your ancestors and ask them to guide and protect you. Carve pumpkins and place candles within to light their way.
Herbs:Pennyroyal, Thyme, Catnip, Uva Ursi, Angelica, Burdock
Colors:Blue, Green
Flowers:Calendula, Marigold, Cosmos
Incense:Strawberry, Cherry, Apple Blossom
Stones:Opal, Tourmaline, Beryl, Turquoise
Trees:Yew, Cypress
Animals:Stag, Jackal, Elephant, Ram, Scorpion
Birds:Heron, Crow, Robin
November
The Snow Moon, Trading Moon, Frost Moon, Beaver Moon, Hunter's Moon, Moon of ResilienceWinter's cold descends and outward growth slows. Make this a time for inner growth. Learn a new craft or study thwarts of divination. When the Moon is full do a reading for yourself or your friends. Develop your psychic talents.
Herbs:Verbena, Borage, Cinquefoil, Blessed Thistle
Colors:Gray, Green
Flowers:Chrysanthemum, Blooming Cacti
Incense:Cedar, Cherry, Hyacinth, Peppermint, Lemon, Narcissus
Stones:Topaz, Lapis Lazuli
Trees:Alder, Cypress
Animals:Unicorn, Scorpion, Crocodile, Jackal
Birds:Owl, Goose, Sparrow
December
The Oak Moon, Cold Moon, Snow Moon, Moon Before Yule, Long Night Moon, Moon of HomeThe time of the Suns return approaches and the Moon awaits her lover. Make wreaths of Holly, Pine, Oak, Cedar or Ivy. On the full Oak Moon burn them as an offering to the Sun and Moon. Create a sacred Moon ornament to hang on the boughs of your yule tree.
Herbs:Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe
Colors:Red, White, Black
Flowers:Holly, Poinsettia, Christmas, Cactus
Incense:Violet, Patchouli, Geranium, Frankincense, Myrrh, Lilac
Stones:Serpentine, Peridot
Trees:Pine, Fir, Holly
Animals:Mouse, Deer, Horse, Bear
Birds:Rook, Robin, Snowy Owl
The Blue Moon
This is the second Full Moon which falls within in a single month, it varies each year. When the Blue Moon occurs plan to do something strange, something you have never done before. Write letters to folks you have not seen for years, plan a surprise for someone you love. Howl at the Moon!
sources: egroup- author unknown;
additions made to this sources from:
Farmer's Almanac
http://galerandall.tripod.com/cherryvillecelticulc/id33.html