Esbat

A Lunar ritual observance by Neopagans and especially Wiccans, generally held on the Full Moon. Some groups also perform New Moon rites, and these may also be referred to as esbats, though this is a slight extension of the term. The complementary Solar rites that make up the Wheel of the Year are called sabbats.

Esbats are considered the proper time to do practical, thaumaturgical magick, if desired or required. There is, of course, also a strong theurgical component to all esbats; they are, after all, sacred to the Moon Goddess (by whatever name She is known by the group performing the rite), and they generally begin with the Charge of the Goddess.