Esbats

Esbats are a gathering of Wiccans during the full moon outside one of the eight Sabbats. An Esbat is a joyful time when Wiccans meet to celebrate the Gods, Nature and the Full Moon. There are 13 Esbats in a year. According to Janet and Stewart Farrar, Authors of A Witches' Bible, The Esbat is more than a celebration. An Esbat is a time for training a Witches talents, performing spells and conducting healings. Its also a time for sharing quality time with Temple members who are likened to a family. On Esbat, many practitioners reflect on their spiritual path, and their path to spiritual growth. 

Elder Grove Temple is a teaching coven where the Elders in the inner court educate those in the outer court. 

Outer court - Students in our outer court are undergoing a year and a days worth of study, after which the student may choose to initiate into the Temple. But only of their own free will. Elders of the Temple are responsible for deciding if  the initiate is a good fit for Elder Grove. 

Inner court - The structure consists of Third Degree, Second Degree, and Initiates. Third Degree consists of mainly The High Priest and Priestess, and attendees that have chosen not to make their own Temple but assist with mentorship of Second Degree Priesthood. Initiates of the inner court have completed their year and a day training and have chosen to accept of their own free will The Temple invitation given by the High Priesthood. Initiates wear a colored rope belt or "cingulum" as part of their ritual attire. Initiates are here to help and generally like to answer questions. 

Esbats at Elder Grove Temple are held once month. At Esbats we perform Rites of New Beginnings, Hand-fastings, Funerary Rights.

Since the moon reflects the sun, Ebats supplement the celebration of the solar Sabbats, Esbat helps us remain in tune with the cycles of the moon. As such, We not only revere the forces of nature but continue to recognize our role within it