As with so much in our lives, Imbolc (February 2nd) is a time of promise and expectation. And waiting. The Goddess is still embracing the aspect of Mother, pregnant with the God of the waning year (the Holly King) who will be born at Ostara.
But the unborn god-child in the Goddess's womb isn't the only life beginning to stir. At Imbolc we honor the lengthening of days and, with the increasing sunlight, we honor the stirring of vegetative life in the world. Though it is only February 2nd, warm weather is just around the corner. And although the promise and potential are there, we still have the reminder of winter's darkness to make it through.
