Do you need to celebrate every Sabbat to be considered a true practitioner? When you hear someone say they love the teachings of Wicca but they don’t actively practice, what they usually mean is that they are not practicing Sabbat rituals. But if you don’t celebrate all of them—or don’t celebrate them at all—does that mean your spiritual path is somehow less valid?
Within modern Paganism and Wicca, there is a wide range of perspectives. I have friends who are deeply committed to traditional Sabbat rituals and feel most connected when they follow ancient forms as closely as possible. For them, these practices are sacred, grounding, and meaningful. This has raised the question of whether those who do not follow the prescribed traditions should be considered a “true” witch or Wiccan.
But there is another way of looking at things—one that resonates deeply with me. A reader expressed it beautifully when she wrote:
“Sitting alone in my garden, staring at the full moon and feeling how beautiful and how powerful it is, this is one of my rituals. My everyday ritual is to try my best to be a good person, take care of Nature and feel every blessing Nature returns to me! I don’t do rituals for the Sabbats or anything else, but I still feel that I’m a witch and I feel that I’m connected.”
To me, this captures the heart of Pagan spirituality. I don’t believe the Divine requires elaborate tools, perfectly timed ceremonies, or historically accurate scripts. What truly matters is awareness—of the earth, of the cycles of nature, and of the quiet blessings woven into everyday life. When we place too much emphasis on copying the actions of others, we risk losing sight of why we celebrate at all.
This isn’t to dismiss tradition. If ancient symbols, ritual structure, and ceremonial practices speak to your soul, then honor that calling. Those traditions exist because they have helped countless people feel connected across generations. But for many, the pressure to “do it right” can drain the joy from seasonal celebrations or discourage them from observing them at all. When that happens, something essential is lost.
While the Sabbats—those eight seasonal festivals marking the turning of the wheel—are beautiful opportunities for reflection and connection, they are not a litmus test for your spiritual validity. Many find deep meaning in celebrating the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days, but others may not have the time, privacy, or resources to do so. Some connect more deeply with the moon’s cycles, their own personal milestones, or the gentle magic in daily life.
Your path is uniquely yours, and authenticity is not measured by the number of rituals on your calendar.
What matters most is intention, sincerity, and the way you weave magic and meaning into your days. Whether you mark every Sabbat with elaborate ritual or simply light a candle and offer gratitude, your practice is no less true. The Old Ways have always been about honoring nature, spirit, and self—there is no single checklist for being a “true” Witch or Wiccan.
