Most Australians celebrate the seasonal changes at the beginning of a particular month. The committee have chosen to celebrate the seasonal changes in accordance with the Pagan Wheel of the Year. It highlights 8 seasonal sabbats and thirteen Esbats (which celebrate each full moon). Yule (the lesser Sabbat) is the sabbat for the Winter Solstice- The shortest day and the longest night of the year. C
ontemporary witches still celebrate midwinter as a time of magic, as a celebration of birth, growth, death and rebirth. Midwinter sees the the triple Goddesses- maiden, witch and crone celebrated with dance. Pagans have used candles, fire, greenery and feasting as a way of showing respect. Traditionally the Winter Solstice has been acknowledged in many cultures: Neolithic farmers, American Indians, Persians, some African tribes, Bon Tribes in Tibet etc. All celebrating aspects of the 'innate creative power of nature'.
