Esbat Notes

I. There may be thirteen Full Moons in a Solar Year of twelve months, meaning that one month will have two Full Moons. The Esbat Lunar Cycle begins with the Full Moon close to Yule (N) and this is the Oak Moon. All the other Moon Names follow from this in sequence. The two Full Moons in one month often occur in July/August.

II. There are three descriptive names for Full Moons that are used only when the event they describe occurs, and are used in addition to the usual name of the Moon. These three descriptive names are: Blood Moon, Blue Moon, and Sidhe (or Otherworld) Moon. The Blood Moon is uncommon, and shows the Moon as a russet to dark red wine colour. When it does appear, it is generally between August and October, and adds Power, Energy, or Aggression to the Full Moon of that month.
The Blue Moon is a name given for the given for the second Full Moon as it occurs in any Month, being in addition to the named Moon of the month, adding Spiritual Energy.
The Sidhe Moon is the name given for the second Dark Moon as it occurs in any month. When it does occur, it adds Intuitive Power, Psychic Energy, or Occult Wisdom to the Dark Moon of that month.

III. The names for the yearly Twelve Full Moons are:


1. Oak Moon - December
2. Wolf Moon - January
3. Storm Moon - February
4. Hare Moon - March
5. Seed Moon - April
6. Drayad Moon - May
7. Mead Moon - June
8. Herb Moon - July
9. Barley Moon - August
10. Harvest Moon - September
11. Hunter's Moon - October
12. Snow Moon - November

13. Blue Moon (The second Full Moon in any Solar Month)


IV. The New Moon Esbat may be celebrated at the last sliver of light before turning Dark.

V. The Dark Moon Esbat shows no light, and is generally not used for magickal work.

VI. Use given name or a Craft Name; use Working or Secret Name only if alone.