Happy Imbolc 3/2/16
The Wheel of the Year turns and as we reach mid-Winter there is the anticipation of warmer times and green everywhere. Still, as an old rhyme reminds ...
If Candlemas day be fair and bright, Winter will have another flight.
If Candlemas day be shower and rain, Winter is gone and will not come again.
'Twas an overcast day this 2016 and the groundhog saw his shadow not at all. So, Spring is near at hand!
Imbolc or Candlemas is also known as Imbolg, Oimelc, Disting-tid, Nos Gwyl Fair, Feast of Brigid, Festival of Light, Feast of the Virgin, Anagantios, St. Bridget's Day, Feast Day of St. Blaize, Groundhog's Day, Candlelaria, Festival of Milk, Festival of Calving. It is mostly celebrated at the beginning of February, usually on the 2nd, sometimes beginning on the eve at sundown or as early as sunset of January 31. Some old traditions may favor the 6th or 7th on up through the 14th while others fix the start according to when the sun is at 15 degrees of Aquarius. (In the Southern Hemisphere it is Lammas time as Fall approaches.)
"Imbolc" comes from the Gaelic for "in the belly" refering to ewe's milk because it is a time for lambing and calving. Wiccans and many other Pagans see the Goddess manifesting as the Maiden and Brigid; while, the Groundhog is seen as a manifestation of the God, newly born and nursing from his mother. Many Christians celebrate the day as the feast of St. Bridget; and, as Candlemas, it is the day candles are blessed for the year.
This time is for spiritual purification and dedication, for reflecting on the promise of Spring and upon your hopes for the coming year of growth.
Be well!
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Activities
Taking a walk and searching for signs of Spring
Gathering stones
Doing early Spring cleaning
For a while, turning on every light in the house or lighting candles in each room in honor of the Sun's rebirth
Cleaning out your fireplace and lighting a new fire
Removing Yuletide greens from home & burning them
Making candles; holding a candle-making party
Making a Crown of Light of 13 candles for the high priestess to wear
Blessing rushes/straw and making Brigid wheels for placing above doors to bless the home
Weaving 'Brigit's crosses' from straw or wheat to hang around the house for protection
On the eve putting out food and drink for Brigid
Taboos: No cutting or picking plants.
Foods
Dairy foods such as sour cream dishes; Poppyseed pancakes, crepes, muffins, scones, and breads; Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.
Teas
Chamomile, Red Clover, Rosemary, Blackberry
Oils
Jasmine, Apricot, Carnation, Sweet Pea, Neroli, Olive
Incense
Basil, Bay, Myrrh, Wisteria
Colors
White, Silver, Red, Yellow, Pink, Light Green, brown
Symbols
Candles, the Snowdrop lily, Plough, the Bride, Groundhog, Sheep, straw Dolls and Crosses, Sun Wheels
Plants
Snowdrop lily, Rowan, Evergreens, Heather, Rosemary, Clover
Stones
Amethyst, Turquoise, Garnet, Bloodstone, Onyx
From
Citadel of Dragons
The White Goddess
The Wiccan Garden
Spring Wolf's Pagan Path
The Light Returns