Imbolc

Even more so than Yule, Imbolc is a celebration of light. Falling halfway between Winter Solstice and Vernal Equinox, this is often the time when we begin to see the first signs of Spring. The Sun is reborn, and growing in power, but is not yet at its full strength. In many traditions, the God is waiting to be reborn in the Goddess' womb. Cattle and Sheep begin giving milk in preparation for the birth of their young in the spring. Other Names for this Sabbat include Oimelc, Candlemas, the festival of Diana, Lupercalia, Disting-tid, St. Bridget's Day, St Valentine's Day, and Groundhog Day. Imbolc is generally celebrated Februay 2, but some traditions celebrate as early as January 31, or as late as February 14.

The Goddesses associated with this Sabbat include Brigid, Vesta and Freya. This day is in celebration of the growing of new life. It honors the twin powers of fire and water, creation and birth. While there are similar celebrations in the Norse and Roman traditions, the Sabbat as practiced today is based primarily on the Celtic holiday and the Goddess Brigid. Brigid is the Goddess of Smithing, Holy Wells, Crossroads and midwifery. She is particularly powerful when called upon during magic involving personal change and self improvement. It shouldn't be surprising that many Wiccan traditions use this day for initiation rituals.

The Celebration

Imbolc is marked by lighting of candles. Burning candles represent purification, inspiration, and the growing strengths of the light of the Sun. Wreath of lit candles are worn or carried to symbolize wheel of the year becoming warmer. Wreaths and Dolls made of grain plants (corn, straw, or vines) saved from last year's harvest are made.

This celebration of the rebirth of the sun lends itself to other types of rebirth as well. This is a time to awaken (or reawaken) your spiritual self. It is a time of introspection, meditation and personal growth. It is also a good time to work on your intuitive or psychic abilities.

Traditional Practices, Decorations and Foods

The Heart

The Heart is associated with Imbolc for several reasons. Although seldom practiced today, there were early traditions of eating an animal's heart to gain its strengths. More commonly, the Heart is associated with love and passion. This belief is based in part on the Chakra system. The heart is used to represent love, especially young love, and is given to and by young women in honor of the newly revitalized Goddess.

Power Stones

Brigid is the goddess of crossroads and smithing. Pagans believe crossroads are magically powerful. Smithing, or metal working, is symbolic of creation, using all four elements. The collection & creation of power stones, while done year round in our household, is especially appropriate at Imbolc.

More information about Collecting and Creating Power Stones will be available soon.

Weather Divination

Buried in winter snow and seeing the first bits of green starting to show through, naturally early peoples became very interested in predicting when the snows would truly clear. The best know weather prediction magic today is the oracle of the groundhog. This is one reason that this holiday is called Groundhog Day in America.

Bonding with Nature

A modern pagan tradition, especially in urban environments, is bonding with nature . Unlike people, animals do not know that winter is fading. They are still trying to survive without the foods they are accustomed to. In the city, we can help these creatures survive by providing them with feeding stations. Besides bird feeders, deer, squirrels and other small animals can be provided for.

Preparing for Planting

There is no actual planting going on, and likely won't be for several more weeks. That doesn't mean that no planting rituals should happen. At Imbolc, farmers (and other planters) will create a symbolic planting furrow. In very mild winters, or southern climates, planting may actually begin.

Dairy and Lamb

This is the time of year that many animals naturally begin producing milk. As a result, milk, cheese and other dairy products feature heavily in Imbolc feasts. Lamb is associated with this time of year for much the same reason as dairy.

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