Sabbats We Follow

The Sabbats we follow are the four quarters that mark the seasonal changes. Each has it's own meaning and it's own distinctive ritual. There are also Bimonthly festivals at the turning of the moon, called Esessu Festival.

Major Sabbats

Mu Bil Tu 'New Year last New Moon in April.
This day was chosen symbolically as New Year was at the time of the Barley harvest, this fell in late April to early May. On New Year the summer season begins, the world has awaken from the cold slumber of winter to the warmth of summer. Dumuzi ascends again to join with Inanna, bringing life to the land.
Kisig Ninazu last New Moon in October.
This is mid year, when summer turns to the winter slumber. Geshtinanna ascends.

Lesser Sabbats

These days are recognized from our own European heritage. There were celebrations Sumer at the Summer and Winter Solstices for their respective deities. Summer being Utu and Winter being Ereshkigal.

Moon Phase

The above time are GMT and you will have to adjust for your area, Pacific Northwest is -8.

Moon

Name Full New Quarter
Uruki(Uru-Ki) Shapatu(Sha-Pa-Tu) Itiuanna(Iti-U-Anna)
First:
Suen Dil
Third:
Suen Es

Day of the full moon: Sabattu

Itiuanna (Iti-U-Anna) The new moon is the day we celebrate Ningal, Lady of the Moon and Omens. This is the turning of the month.
Shapatu (Sha-Pa-Tu) The full moon is the day we celebrate Nanna, Lord of the Moon and of Judgment.

The Essesu is a bi-monthly ritual celebrating the changing of the Moon and the forces there represented. The Moon was believed to show the journey from darkness (a lack of faith or wisdom) to light (faith and wisdom). The journey that we all share through the material world. It is also the perfect example of the cycle of life, full phase being birth and life, new phase being death and transition.