The time of lessening light has arrived. The lands of our Southern Hemisphere are entering a period of rest, and it is wise to follow their example.
This is a deep Esbat. It asks us to face our darker parts, our mistakes, and our fears. Like caterpillars, we must withdraw for a time so that we may emerge with strong wings and fly farther. In dark times, seek those who bring peace, warmth, and true nourishment to the soul. In the past, harmony in the clan was essential for surviving winter; today it is a choice, but we still must choose wisely those who accompany us—partners, friends, family, work, and studies. Use this night to reflect on what is worth keeping in your life.
Suggestion for ritual:
Suggestion to celebrate the Dark Moon
Correspondences:
– Symbols: black or dark blue.
– Incense: cedar or another scent that calms and brings peace.
– Food: -.
CELEBRATING THE ESBAT
Use one black or dark-blue candle, calming incense, wine or concentrated grape juice, and meat with red sauce or dark red fruit such as blackberries and plums. Open the circle. Sit and focus on your breath; enter the darkest part of your soul and let sadness, pain, and longing flow out. Give your tears to the Goddess so that she may turn pain into strength. When the night grows darker, the sun will come out.
Now honour those who keep you warm in the dark. Make protection charms for them, or write their names on a black candle rubbed with rosemary and ask the flame to burn away any evil in their lives.
(Or use a spell to make loved ones more loving.)
Cut an apple to make a lid and hollow it, keeping the seeds. Put honey in the hollow, write the names on paper, and place both paper and seeds inside. Fill the apple with honey, close it with a red or green ribbon, and place it in a garden or pot. Light a candle before it and say:
May the seed of love that exists in me for them and in them for me grow!
Let the winter cold come!
By the strength of this union, may this love blossom again!
So be it, and so it will be, for I have done it and only I can undo it.
Give thanks to the greater forces. Play uplifting music, eat and drink the Gods' feast, and leave their portion on the altar for three hours or until the candle goes out. Bury the food. It is done; you have passed through another Dark Moon.