Imbolc
Imbolc ("IM-bulk" is an ancient festival generally celebrated on January 31, February 1, or February 2. It is also known as Candlemas. Imbolc is a Greater Sabbat in the Wiccan year.
Imbolc translates as 'in the belly', so this should give you some idea of what this festival is about - the early stirrings of Spring in the womb of the Earth. The seeds are starting to stir in the ground, despite the cold. One of the other names for this festival, Oimelc, means 'in milk' This refers to the beginning of lactation in cows and ewes, as this is the time of year that calves and lambs are born. It is a Fire festival but with the emphasis on Light, celebrating it's return as the days grow longer with the return of the Sun.
Brigid (pronounced Breed) is a Celtic Goddess who rules over midwifery, healing, fires, inspiration and much more. For a short piece on how her attributes were transferred to the Christian St Brigid and more general information on her, click on her name.
Ways to celebrate.
Imbolc is traditionally a time for purification, which has given rise to spring-cleaning! Brush those cobwebs away and start afresh.
As this is a time of rebirth and new beginnings it's also an appropriate time for thinking about what you'd like to accomplish, for making attainment goals, choosing a new skill to learn.
Make an offering of milk to the earth as a token of fertility, just pour the milk on to the ground.
Bring the Light in to your home! Lighting candles in every window is traditional, as is leaving them to burn down. Obviously this isn't always practical, or safe, so I tend to only do this in the room I'm spending time in.
It could be fun to make the candles that you light in your windows after dark. You should be able to buy kits or basics for candle-making at a local craft shop, and probably many places online.
Herbs---Angelica, Basil, Benzoin, Clover, Dill, Evergreens, Snowdrop, Bay, Heather, Myrrh, Rosemary, Willows, and the first flowers of the year.
Gemstones---
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Turquoise, Garnet, and Onyx
Incense---
Rosemary, Cinnamon, Wisteria, Frankincense, and Myrrh.
Colour---
White, Yellow, Pink, Light Blue, Light Green, Orange, Brown and Red
Foods---
Dairy, Onions, Chives, Garlic, Spiced wines, Seeds, and Herbal Teas.
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