Experiential Sabbat Symbology
by Blayze

Each time you dance upon the Wheel you gain a deeper insight into the cycles of the Sabbats, and their marking points, along the way. This then means that if you have worked consistently with the Sabbats for a couple of turns of the Wheel, you should have more access to the mystery of the Sabbats and their symbolism. You will begin to notice not only the changes in the world around you but also the changes that occur within yourself. 

It is important to experience an holistic approach to the Sabbats, not just rely upon the established symbols associated with them. The symbols that are commonly used are there to mark the differences, and sometimes the similarities, between each of the festivals, as well as providing a standardised focus for the celebrants. However, whilst these symbols will provide access to much of the inherent surface mystery, they do not really provide a personal or experiential access to the deeper mysteries of the Wheel’s cycle.

As well as just the symbols of each of the Sabbats, we also draw heavily from mythology to act as a framework for mystery and celebration. Sometimes this mythology is based on recognised pantheonic stories with all of their particular subtexts and cultural references, other times it is a created mythology, which speaks to us in the language of symbols and archetypes. However, as experiential pathworkers we also have access to the language and responses of the physical and spiritual aspects of the natural world. 

As previously mentioned, we may experience the Sabbats as marking changes both around us and within us. For the moment, let us examine some of the physical characteristics that the Sabbats reveal to us in our surroundings. 

Have a look at what is happening with the flora and fauna of your environment around the time that Sabbats occur. Look at these aspects in terms of both native and introduced species. Can you perceive a cycle occurring? This may take a whole wheel’s observation but it is worth the effort. 

Ask yourself these questions

•	Do the cycles of these plants and animals evoke feelings / memories of different festivals for you - or should they?
•	How do you respond to this?
•	Do you see a certain flower blooming and think, “ah __________ sabbat is approaching”. 
•	Do you see the patterns in the bark that falls off the trees in summer, or the fruiting of certain plants?
•	What about the mating or behavioural cycles of your pets?
•	Do you notice an annual or seasonal occurrence, which you can now perceive as being a personal symbol for a particular festival?
•	What has meaning for you?

The physical attributes of the Sabbats and their symbols also relate to astronomical occurrences, whether real or perceived. We mark our festivals with the presence, absence and return of the light and darkness, with the tides of the moon and stars. We watch the movement or perceived movement of the Moon, the Earth and the Sun. These movements become more apparent at certain times of the year. A Summer Moon ‘feels’ different to a winter moon. It seems to look different too. A Winter Sun is again different to a Summer Sun, they evoke certain memories and responses.

The quick progression towards the longest night may provide physical, emotional and mental reactions and often results in a change of lifestyle - as does the extreme of the longest day.

So have a think about your own personal triggers with which you mark the Sabbats. In the next article in this series we will look at the Senses in relation to Sabbat symbology.