Wicca Wheel of the Year Magic: A Beginner's Guide to the Sabbats, with History, Symbolism, Celebration Ideas, and Dedicated Sabbat Spells

by Lisa Chamberlain

Everything You Need to Know About the Wiccan Wheel of the Year The ancients lived by a fundamental truth that is often lost in our fast-paced world—that time is circular as much as it is linear. Following the Wheel of the Year by honoring the eight Sabbats, or days of power as they’re often called, helps us integrate this concept of circular time into our daily lives. The Wheel provides a sense of rhythm to the year, as the equal increments of days and weeks between the Sabbats allow us to feel the seasons turning in a beautiful symmetry. The Sabbats also provide a context for honoring the dynamic relationship between the Goddess and the God. As the seasons turn, the divine pair shifts from mother and child to co-creative consorts and then back again. We honor these shifting roles and aspects throughout the year, with each Sabbat representing a point in the overarching story. This close participation with the cycles of the season is what some Wiccans refer to as “turning the Wheel.” Perhaps because it’s such a big topic all on its own, many introductory sources on Wicca tend to gloss over the Wheel, providing just a paragraph or two on each holiday. In Wheel of the Year Magic, best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain devotes a full chapter to each of the their significance within the context of the ever-changing seasons, the part they play in the mythological cycle of the Goddess and the God, and the spiritual themes they ask us to reflect upon as we celebrate them. So whether you’re just starting out in Wicca or you're a seasoned practitioner looking for new perspectives, this guide can support and inspire your journey. And while the information here is rooted in Wicca, much of it is applicable to Pagans of all stripes, as well as anyone who is simply curious about the rich traditions surrounding these milestones of the Old Religion. For those who include spellwork in their practice, the energies surrounding the Sabbats make them excellent opportunities to work magic. In fact, many Wiccans and other Witches like to incorporate spellwork and/or spellcraft (creating magical oils, incense, amulets, etc.) into their Sabbat celebrations. As with all of Lisa’s books, the spells and other workings included in this guide can be followed as-is or adapted to suit your individual style. They can also be a springboard for more ideas about how to approach magical work on these special occasions. Foundations in Celebrating the Days of Power A dynamic, creative and evolving approach to connecting with divine Nature is at the heart of Wicca and other forms of modern Paganism. Wheel of the Year Magic was written in this spirit, offering insight and information that will help you to build your own unique relationship with these eight days of power. Whatever your experience level, you can build on your knowledge with the information in this guide, The origins and development of the modern Wheel of the Year The seasonal and spiritual significance of each of the eight days of Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon and Samhain The pagan history behind each Sabbat—the myths, beliefs and customs that have inspired our modern celebrations Suggestions for creating your own Sabbat celebrations, whether you’re a solitary practitioner or working with fellow Witches Spells and other magical workings aligned with the seasonal and divine energies of each Sabbat When you choose to mark the Sabbats, you are participating in a timeless tradition of honoring th

Genres: Witchcraft, Wicca, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Paganism, Magic, Reference

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Lisa dispels all the common misconceptions about this diverse religion, giving her readers the perfect foundations for taking their first steps on their Wiccan journey.

Unlike other Wicca guides, Lisa's books provide information that's found across many Wiccan traditions, rather than coming from just one person's perspective. In fact, she writes the kinds of books she wishes had been available when she was just starting out in the Craft all those years ago.

When not writing or experimenting with spellwork, Lisa loves to read, play piano, and spend time surrounded by nature.

Reviews

[Dorian Jandreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book the author tells about each Sabbat of Wiccans. Descriptions are quite short and has basic knowledge you need to know if you are a beginner in Wicca belief. And each celebration has soe spells included at each chapter's end.
I was happy to see mention Latvia (I live in Lithuania so our Pagan celebrations are pretty the same), gays and transgender people very shortly in some chapters.

[Carrie (The Butterfly Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Start!

This book is exactly what it claims to be, a starters guide and it fully performs perfectly at its task. It's also a great refresher course for those that may have left the craft and come back. Well worth a read!

[M.L. Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information without getting weird

I’m reading these books as research into Wiccan beliefs and practices rather than as a potential practitioner. I really appreciate the author’s insistence on stating the lineage of any and all practices distinguishing between practices that have ancient roots and those which are modern inventions. I find the history aspects particularly fascinating. I also like that she does not insist that her interpretation is the correct one and she continually reminds the reader that any practice can be tailored to individual needs. The best part of this series is the author’s informative tone. Too many new age books waste the reader’s time using pseudoscience and twisted logic trying to back up bizarre spiritualism practices. Instead, this book merely lays out a practice, gives the historical context, and leaves the reader to make the final choice. I will definitely continue reading her books

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read for all to learn about traditional spiritual practices inspired by nature!

Continuing my education on nature and the spiritual beliefs held by my ancestors, I found this little book really interesting. It makes more sense to me to celebrate the seasons of our world throughout the yea following nature as opposed to the commercialization of a frenzied handful of "holidays" dictated by $$$ and modern societal pressures. Really like the author's style of writing!

[Plateresca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, a very basic guide from Lisa Chamberlain (or a group of authors working under this pseudonym). Like I said about her other books, I desperately wish the author could go at least a little more in-depth. Actually, some parts of the book read like a school essay: "many animals hibernate, and the snow covering the ground seems to have a quieting effect on the landscape" - technically, yes, this is what happens in winter, so I can't really protest, but in my opinion, the only surprise here is to find this kind of information in this kind of a book.
That said, this work is, once again, a good enough starting point for someone who just needs to start somewhere, and with a helpful 'Further Reading' suggestions section.
And once again, very accessibly priced, especially in a Kindle edition, so one can't really get too picky about it.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great little guide to the Wheel of the Year. Of the 8 Wiccan holidays, only one was not in some way a part of my Christian childhood: Lammas on Aug. 1-2. You’d think it would be, living on a farm, but maybe we were so busy actually living through harvest season, that each day of that month was a Lammas in our world. The correlations and connections between pagan and Christian holiday traditions is so interwoven that they often felt like almost the same thing as I read through the descriptions. Christianity was a master of colonizing cultural appropriation (not to mention abuses of all kinds) as it spread across Europe. I loved reading the ancient history behind the veneer of Christendom.

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is absolutely a book for beginners! That can not be stressed enough. It never claims to be anything else, so it has some precisely what it set out to do: inform beginner Pagans / Wiccans on the basic points of the Wheel of The Year. I did enjoy the historical aspect, as that is often glossed over. However, if you are looking for an in-depth guide to celebrating sabbats and esbats, this isn't the book for you.

[Steve Kruppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me a wonderful beginners knowledge of the wheel of the year. A lot of the information I had heard before but with each Sabbat there was always a new bit of information that I never heard. Great ideas on different ways to celebrate and keep the true meanings of these points of the year in your practice. I recommend.

[Michelle Lasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative overview on Wiccan celebrations

Neatly tying in various history around the world, focusing on Celtic and Anglo Saxon traditions, this book is a great overview of how the wheel of the year has evolved over time. It is especially informative with how the traditions have been named and evolved to what modern Wiccans celebrate today.

[Raven Lancaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I needed

This is a wonderful beginning guide to the wheel of the year. It gives a good overview without being bogged down with too much information. I love how the author always encourages you to learn more and go with your intuition. She stresses different people have different perspectives. I love that most about these guides.

[Rhiannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this book isn't bad. It is definitely designed for beginners. As someone who isn't a beginner anymore, the content was a bit boring minus a few spells here and there. If the book had more of this content compared to long bouts about the history of each Sabbat, I would have enjoyed it more.

[Gale Bruckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Chamberlain's books are always fantastic, comprehensive, and concise guy guides for whichever topic she is presenting on. I read this book in combination with another that expounded expounded on greater detail. I so appreciated having this book to reference when the details started to feel muddy and muddled.

[Denielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate these books usually as a 3. They are great for beginners and if I was a beginner I would probably rate them a 4 or 5. I like to read them as refresher and to let my friends who are new witches know. They are very informative and a good launching platform.

[Elyse Welles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introductory book

I wish I had found this book 5-10 years ago, it has great recommendations and explanations of each of the holidays, and it is really accessible even if you have 0 knowledge base. As an 8 year practitioner, I have found some things in this book that were interesting ideas.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book about the year according to Wicca. Gave some interesting insights and history, along with symbolism, celebration ideas, and spells. I definitely would like to read and learn more.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa's work is always enjoyable to read. This is the first book I've had that goes into a bit more detail about each Sabbat. All my other books just tell me when they are. It was nice to finally read a bit of history about it all.

[Kate Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty basic overview. Some of it could probably have been arranged better - for example, dedicate a couple pages to the cycles of the God and Goddess rather than the repetition found through the book - but it works well enough at a beginner's guide

[Suzanne Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A keeper

I really enjoyed this book, not only for its historical information but for the creative ideas. I will definitely go back to it for reference.

[MICHELLE E STALEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview

Good overview for the beginner with careful takeaways and loving suggestions. Recommend for beginners or those being a reminder of their beginnings

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to know dates, associations, and a bit of background so I can decide how to celebrate it myself, and the book delivered. I also appreciated the recommended further reading at the end!

[Melissa Cintron · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤

I'm starting my Wicca journey and boy did I pick some awesome books to help me with that journey!! !

[Lisa Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction!!

I love Lisa Chamberlain's books. I really enjoyed this book. It was a terrific intro to the special days of the year.

[tammy barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

As a relative new comer to Wicca practices and beliefs i found this book very informative and will no doubt return to it many times

[Catriona Kupper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read with plenty of information. A good source book to go back to throughout the year

[Mostbest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative. Short and sweet.

[Shaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction! ✨

[Thersea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new look on holidays

It give insight on the different holidays and how the church try to use them for theirs. Tells what is good to preform or have for the holiday.

[Amanda Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. I enjoyed reading this book very much.

[Katt Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and informative if you're wondering how Wiccans see the sabbats. I am not a wiccan but I like the sabbats.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference for the various seasons and cycles.
including basic rituals and information.