The Temple Pilgrimage to the Alexandrian Grand Sabbat
An ‘Alexandrian Grand Sabbat’ was recently announced giving rise to questions about what a Grand Sabbat is. Conjectures and inaccurate responses abounded, ranging from ‘new agey fluffiness’ to heavy-duty partying with consequent hangovers to dressing-to-impress.
Alexandrian priesthood as I have known it has always desired to experience the power of ritual and pure intent; and their quest for knowledge and fulfillment would not accord with the cursory presumptions above.
Perhaps delving into history may shed some light . . .
The Temple of the Mother used to hold ‘Temple Pilgrimages.’ These involved Initiates coming from near and far to journey together to sacred places in England and Wales where they would hold rituals.
Each coven joined together in hosting a ritual at dawn, midday, and dusk so that we could perhaps learn from each other. The main ritual of the Sabbat culminates in the Great Circle where The God and Goddess are invoked, and out of the Worship the Magic begins.
These Temple Pilgrimages could easily have been called ‘Grand Sabbats’ given that the Initiates came from all over the world. Hence, a ‘Grand Sabbat’ is another term for a ‘Temple Pilgrimage.’
When the idea of holding a Grand Sabbat in Britain was suggested about eight years ago, someone commented that if there was ‘a good pi**-up tent,’ they would go. It became clear that the ideals of Temple Pilgrimages/Grand Sabbats had changed drastically over the decades. Sacred space in another land was therefore chosen.
That is what a Grand Sabbat is — a meeting of several covens who join together in magical work regardless of their personal disagreements. As Initiates, they are supposed to be capable of putting aside grievances. The successful outcome will be down to all who attend, however, it is the host coven who set the tone.
This, in essence, is the way witches avoid the debacles so often displayed in today’s social media. However, it takes a strong will to put aside the minutia of presumptions, assumptions, hearsay, and just plain cantankerous argumentative stubbornness; fortunately it is the minority who choose to be all of the above.
Alas it is the noisy, vocal social media witches who persist in bringing the Craft into disrepute by their insistence on prolonging bitterness. Witches tend to bear grudges which is their prerogative but holding on to them like little treasures, which are passed onto future generations of witches, is in direct conflict with their Initiation vows.
The opportunity of the Alexandrian Healing Grand Sabbat is offered as the first outstretch of an olive branch; the initial blade of a life-sign forging through the concrete pavement of grudges which are rooted ‘back in the day.’
Some have immediately dismissed the vitality of the offer on it’s first intake of breath. That too, is their prerogative.
Alexandrians were at one time joyous in their work, laughter and blessing — far outweighing the bitterness and curses; rather, they harboured a common will to experience and share, practice and gain knowledge.
Our autonomy protects us. Our generosity of spirit overcomes adversity, our priesthood and circles encourage the joy of being, and combined — they enable Healing.
