Imbolc
Imbolc
Imbolc
(pronounced 'im'olk')
2nd February - Northern Hemisphere
1st August - Southern Hemisphere
Also known as Imbolg, Oimelc, Disting, Lupercus, Festival of Brigit and Candlemas
This Festival heralds the begining of spring. Trees are sprouting new growth, flowers are begining to bloom.
"...Imbolc is the quickening of the year, the time when the earth is made pregnant with the promise of summer fruitfulness and the harvest to come." kate West (The Real Witches' Handbook)
According to the Celtic traditions this season belongs to Brigid, the goddess who in later times became revered as a Christian saint. Originally, her festival was known as Imbolc or Oimelc, two names which refer to the lactation of the ewes, the flow of milk that heralds the return of the life-giving forces of spring. Later, the Catholic Church replaced this festival with Candlemas Day, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features candlelight processions. The powerful figure of Brigid the Light-Bringer overlights both pagan and Christian celebrations. The holiday is a festival of light, reflecting the lengthening of the day and the hope of spring. It is traditional to light all the lamps of the house for a few minutes on Imbolc, and rituals will often involve a great deal of candles.
The Wheel of the Year
The Goddess has shed her role as the Crone and has returned as the Maiden. Women who have not given birth are described as "Maidens" and take on this role in the ritual. The God, reborn at Yule is now a young man and begins his pursuit of the Goddess anew at this time.
Tie a piece of red cloth or ribbon to a tree and make a wish. This is a traditional offering to the Goddess in parts of Britain. You might also like to plant some flowers or a tree or even get an indor plant to mark the festival.
Corespondences
Herbs - Rowan, Snowrops, Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.
Foods - Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.
Incense - Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh
Colours - White, Pink, Red, Yellow, Light Green, Brown
Stones - Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise
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