Tag Archives: Lesser Sabbat

Midsummer

The next Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year is Midsummer

This Sabbat is one of the four Lesser Sabbats or Quarter ceremonies. Typically they contain the Solstices and Equinoxes representing the astronomical beginnings of the seasons. Midsummer’s day is the longest day of the year. 

It is believed that during Midsummer the Sun God has reached the moment of his greatest strength. He is seen as being seated on his greenwood throne for he is also lord of the forests. 

The dates Midsummer is celebrated are on June 20th – 22nd

Some other names this Sabbat is known by: Alban Hefin, Enyovden, Festival or Feast of Baldur/Balder, Festival of Jani, Feill-Sheathain, Gathering Day, Ivan Kupala Day, Juhannas, Litha, Mean Samhraidh, St. John’s Eve/St. John’s Day/Feast of St. John/Johnmas, Sankthansaften, Sonnenwende, Summer Solstic, Sun Blessing, and Thing-Tide. 

Holidays/Traditions occurring during Midsummer in the NH (Northern Hemisphere): Vestalia (the Festival of Vesta), Gwyl o Cerridwen, St. Alban’d Day, and Golowan.

*Some of this information was taken from Llewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials Midsummer*

*Image found here: https://arcandemy.tumblr.com/post/177694916928/wheel-of-the-year*