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A regular Wiccan meeting, as opposed to the sabbats, which are held at fixed dates throughout the year. The esbat may be held as often as the coven deems necessary or preferable. Some groups meet once a week, others once a month. The meetings should be held at least once a month, preferably at the full of the moon, so there are at least thirteen esbat meetings each year. Considering the association of the Goddess with the moon, the full moon would seem the most propitious time to meet. In addition, during the persecutions when Wiccans had to meet in secret, gathering during full moon ensured sufficient light to see where they were going and what they were doing without using tell-tale lanterns.
While the sabbats are times purely for celebration, the esbat meeting is a time to
- Discuss Problems
- Plan Events
- Train Witches for Advancement
- Initiations
- Work Magick
- Divination
- Consecrations
- Healing
An esbat may be called for at any time if there is need for healing magick to be done on someone ill. An esbat is the religious meeting of a particular coven, while a sabbat may have a number of different covens coming together to celebrate.
The word esbat comes from the Old French s’ebattre, " to amuse oneself". Yet the primary purpose of the meeting is to worship the old Gods, to give thanks for what has been received, and to ask for what is needed. The Old Religion is one of joy and, as at the sabbats, it is not unusual for singing and dancing to take place as part of that worship.
The meeting starts with the Priest or Priestess or the Solitary Practitioner casting a circle, consecrating it and all within. The Gods are invited to attend and prayers are offered. One of the segments of the ritual is termed the Cakes and Ale, which is thanking the God and Goddess for the food and drink necessary for life.
Handfastings and Wiccanings also may take place at an esbat.