Pronunciation: [sˈabat] (IPA) 
The word "sabbat" is often used to refer to a witches' gathering or a religious observance in some traditions. It is pronounced /ˈsæbət/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word is spelled with two "b's" and one "t", as this reflects its origin in Old French "sabbat" and Latin "sabbatum". It is worth noting that the word "Sabbath" also shares this root but has a different meaning and pronunciation (/ˈsæbəθ/).
A sabbat is a term primarily used within the context of witchcraft and paganism as a significant and sacred gathering or celebration of practitioners. It is typically observed on specific dates that coincide with the seasons and agricultural cycles, such as solstices, equinoxes, and other major celestial events. The term "sabbat" traces its origins to the Middle Ages, when it was associated with night-time gatherings of witches and sorcerers.
In modern witchcraft, a sabbat is seen as a way for practitioners to connect with nature, honor their deities, and celebrate the cyclical nature of life. These gatherings often involve various rituals, ceremonies, chants, dances, and feasting, all aimed at fostering spiritual growth, rejuvenation, and community bonding.
The key characteristic of a sabbat is the emphasis on honoring the energies and deities associated with the specific time of year. For instance, during the Beltane sabbat, practitioners may venerate the Earth's fertility and engage in rituals related to growth, passion, and abundance. Conversely, during Samhain, the sabbat associated with honoring the dead, rituals may focus on ancestral reverence, divination, and introspection.
While the exact practices and beliefs may differ among different witchcraft traditions, the fundamental essence of a sabbat remains the same: a time for magical and spiritual practitioners to come together, celebrate nature's cycles, deepen their connection with the divine, and commune with fellow seekers on their spiritual path.
The word "sabbat" is derived from the Late Latin word "sabbatum", which originated from the Greek word "sabbaton". Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible led to the usage of "sabbaton" to refer to the seventh day of the week, which is the Sabbath. The meaning of "sabbat" later evolved to denote a witches' gathering or meeting, especially in the context of witchcraft and paganism, during which rituals and ceremonies would take place.
