Thoughts from the Dean's Desk

One of the most enduring conversations in Wicca and paganism is about timing: When is the “right” moment to celebrate a sabbat? Historians look to ancient traditions, astrologers track celestial alignments, and traditionalists hold fast to dates that have been honored for generations. Some practitioners prefer the night before; others insist on the exact astrological moment. The truth is, this debate has been ongoing for decades—and perhaps it misses the deeper point. 

At WSTS, we take a holistic approach. We plan around calendar dates for practicality, holding rituals on the Sunday before the sabbat so our community can gather without conflict. But spiritually, we teach that a sabbat is not a single point in time it’s a living current of energy. It rises, crests, and flows out as the next wave begins. These energies overlap, creating a rhythm throughout the Wheel of the Year. 

Think of it like surfing: the magic isn’t only at the crest—it’s in the entire wave. While many aim for the peak moment, the whole season carries power. This perspective frees us from rigidity and invites us into a more organic relationship with the cycles of nature. 

When we view sabbats as seasons, we step into a deeper spiritual truth: nature doesn’t move in abrupt stops and starts. The Earth’s energy shifts gradually, like tides. The sabbat is a doorway, not a deadline. Its essence is felt before and after the “official” date, and that liminal space is rich with magic. 

This approach honors the ebb and flow of life itself. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so do our intentions, our energy, and our spiritual focus. By embracing the season, we allow ourselves to align with nature’s rhythm rather than impose a rigid schedule upon it. 

This Yule, I embraced this philosophy through a simple yet profound ritual: wishes. Beginning after Samhain, I wrote down heartfelt wishes—not goals or resolutions, but pure hopes, like those we made as children. Each day since the Solstice, I’ve burned one, releasing it to the universe. 

By now, I’ve forgotten most of what I wrote, which makes the act even more magical. It’s a ritual of trust, gratitude, and surrender sending positive energy into the world without clinging to outcomes. Each burning is a prayer; a spark of intention carried on the wind to the divine. 

This practice transforms Yule from a single day into a season-long celebration. It deepens my connection to the cycles of nature and reminds me that magic thrives in openness, not control. 

What does this teach us? That the sacred is not confined to a calendar. The sabbat’s energy is a river, not a stone. When we ride its current, we experience: 

• Trust in the Universe: Letting go of rigid timing teaches surrender. 
• Connection to Nature: Seasons, not dates, guide our spiritual rhythm. 
• Joy in Simplicity: Wishes, like childhood dreams, rekindle wonder. 
• Expanded Magic: A season-long practice amplifies energy and intention. 

Even though the Solstice has passed, its energy lingers. The afterglow is still potent, inviting us to savor, reflect, and create. Growing up, Yule was “one day and done.” Now, it’s a flowing, vibrant experience that enriches my practice and my soul. 

So, ride the wave. Celebrate the season. Let your rituals be fluid, your magic expansive, and your heart open to the rhythm of the Earth. May your Yule season be rich with meaning, and may the coming year bring blessings beyond measure. 

Bright Blessings!