Liber ab Luna (The Book of the Moon)^155

Liber ab Luna

(The Book of the Moon)

An Exploration of the Esbats

or The Book of Twelve, Part I

155

started the research for this chapter what seems like decades ago. Some-

one asked me why it is that Witches’ covens have 13 members. I explained

the idea that a Coven must have 13 members is a myth. Sure, it was perpetu-

ated in the early days when Wicca was first being introduced, but the word

coven is simply a spooky term for a collection of kith and kin, and any spe-

cific number is just a misconception. The research started when my friend

asked why there is a perception that Witches’ covens have a leader and 12

Witches, and I had no answer to give. This chapter is my answer.

In addition to the eight solar Holidays, many Wiccans mark the cycles of the Moon.

As you recall, I mentioned the belief that the word Sabbat is probably just another one

of those spooky words invented by demonologists for the purpose of slandering the

religious practices of folk who were not Christian. Perhaps you have heard another

scary term, Esbat. Chances are, this is yet another made up term. The difference be-

tween the words Sabbat and Esbat is that one was made up a lot later than the other

was.

Prior to the 20th century, the word Esbat seems to have appeared only once. In the

writings of Pierre de Lancre, the author claims one French Witch used the word Esbat

to refer to a Witches’ gathering. The use of the word was likely either a misprint, mis-

I

q WB Chap 09.p65 155 7/11/2003, 5:53 PM