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Esbat of the Wort Moon
An Esbat is a monthly Witches? gathering or coven meeting that takes place 13 times a year when the moon is full. The full moon that occurs during the month of July is known as the wort (or wyrt) moon. However, some folks apply this name to the full moon of August. The word wort is old Anglo Saxon for ?herb? or ?green plant.? As the wort moon of July waxes, this is the traditional time for many Pagans to go out into the garden or woods and gather herbs for magickal and/or medicinal use.
An Esbat of the wort moon is an appropriate time for wortcunning (the knowledge and use of the healing and magickal properties of herbs). Many covens, as well as solitaries, dedicate this night to the ritual charging of herbs prior to their preparation and storage. It is also an ideal time for making herbal spell candles, herbal oils, and incense, as well as performing herb-related magick, and giving thanks and presenting offerings, to the spirits that dwell in and watch over a Witch?s herb garden. As you place an offering in the garden beneath the rays of the wort moon bright, the spirits may come forth from their secret hiding places among the shadows and reveal to you the many secrets of magickal herbalism.