The purpose of the Sabbat is to provide a forum where practitioners and other interested persons can come together to learn and share information relating to non-Wiccan witchcraft and its associated practices. This is achieved in part by performing rituals and workings to facilitate each individual’s personal experience of these practices, be they newcomers or experienced witches. This is also facilitated by discussion, story telling, and teaching each other.

The weekend consists of rituals, discussions, workshops, a potluck with stone soup feast, and much more. Together we build a relationship with the land, create a stang for the main ritual, tell stories, hang out around the fire pit, and most importantly: learn, share and grow as Witches.

Each year we focus on a main theme chosen by the participants from the year before. In 2013, it was “The Horned Lord: Master of the Arte Magickal”. For 2014 it was “The Ancestors: Ancient Flame on

Modern Hearth”. In 2015 our theme was “I Shall Go Into a Hare: The Fylgja, the Fetch and the Animal Within”. Each year we also have a chosen herb or plant that we work with. In 2013 it was wormwood, for 2014 it was the dreamy bog myrtle which grows along the shores of the river where the Sabbat is held. For 2015, mugwort was chosen.

For our fourth year (2016), the folks have chosen the theme “Curses! And Defense Against the Dark Arts”. The herb will be Henbane.

An “intensive weekend” is slightly different from a typical festival or gathering, just as a witches’ sabbat (or sabbath) can be different from a typical neo-pagan ritual. Here, we focus on ritual, magickal working, spirit work and the sharing of knowledge. While there will be some free time to socialize and relax, it is not the purpose of this intensive weekend to celebrate late into the night, to dress up in costumes, or to tell tall tales about dragons. This weekend is for the serious practice and study of witchcraft and to provide a thoughtful and thorough introduction to witchcraft for newcomers. The time is also meant to provide a place where experienced practitioners can seek what lies beyond “Witchcraft 101.”

At the Witches’ Sabbat at Raven’s Knoll, all paths and traditions are automatically valid and we welcome all comers. We encourage you to come as a student, teacher, priest/ess, shaman, witch, or seeker. The only requirement is that you be open-minded, thoughtful, and serious.

The Sabbat is held at Raven’s Knoll, a Pagan owned and operated events campground near Ottawa Ontario. There is river front access, numerous sacred sites that have been built by the community, excellent camping and even cabin/trailer space, a private swimming hole that is sky clad friendly, various fire pits, showers, flushing toilets, as well as some beautiful forest to wander in.

A Witches’ Sabbat is a gathering of witches at any time, for any reason. Today, the term Sabbat is typically used when one speaks of the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. However, the term Witches’ Sabbat (or sabbath) actually came to us courtesy of the propaganda of the “witch hunters”, claiming that witches gathered in secret to worship the devil. We know better.

We are currently prepping  for 2016. Please join our Facebook Group for updates.

2015 Program is available! 2016 program will be avaible soon.

Theme – Curses! And Defense Against the Dark Arts

Stang –  A protection stang/spell for Raven’s Knoll

Herb – Henbane

Dates – May 27- 29 2016

Location – Raven’s Knoll Campground
Facebook Event Page – Click here!

Fee – $60 at the door, $55 for pre-payment online.