Related Deities: Brigid (the Celtic goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft), Brid, all virgin and maiden goddesses, the Spring Goddess, the Young Lord, all fire and flame gods Goddess of Fertility and Pan.
Related Herbs: Angelica, Basil, Bay Leaves, Benzoin, Celandine, Clover, Dill, Evergreens, Heather, Myrrh, Rosemary, Willows, and all Yellow Flowers
Colors: White, yellow, pink, light blue, light green; also, red and brown.
Symbols: Candle wheels, grain dollies and Sun wheels, a besom (witch's broom), a sprig of evergreen, a bowl of snow and small Goddess statues representing her in the maiden aspect.
Altar decorations: Candles in Sabbat colors, a sprig of evergreen, wreaths, small statue of the Goddess in maiden aspect.
Other Names: Imbolg, Candlemas, Oimelc, Brighid's Day, Lupercus, the Feast of Lights, Groundhog's Day
Date: February 1 or 2
Word Imbolc literally means "in the belly"
this festival is a celebration of the first fetal stirrings of the Earth as She responds to the wake-up call of spring. And although this is definitely a fire festival, the emphasis here is not so much on warmth as it is light (Why all candles to be used in magical efforts for the next twelve months are blessed at this time.).
light is necessary to guide spring's path so it doesn't get lost, or even worse, forget to renew the Earth with its greening.
Primary meanings: The name "Imbolc" derives from the word "oimelc," meaning sheep's milk. It is considered a time of purification, preparation and
celebration for new life stirring, anticipating spring. The holiday is also known as Candlemas; the custom of blessing candles at this time signifies awakening
of life and honors the Celtic goddess Brighid, to whom fire is sacred. This Sabbat also celebrates banishing winter.
Symbols of Brid: Brid was a celtic fire goddess as well as wisdom and poetry and divination. Candles, your favorite form of divination, pine, lights all are appropriate for Candlemas.
Themes:
1. surrounds the preparation of Brid's or Brigid's (breeds) Bed. basket filled with raffia or Easter grass that's decorated with ivy and white satin ribbons. Then a corn dolly dressed as a bride is placed inside along with a symbol of masculinity. This represents the first intimate encounter between the Maiden Goddess and the Young Lord, and ensures fertility in the months ahead.
2. purification - Most Common theme.
symbolized by the sweeping of the Circle and a little like spring-cleaning for the body, mind, and spirit
We get rid of what's no longer of use to us--bad habits, old ideas, pre-conceived notions, unsavory character traits, and so forth--to make way for the new and exciting things to come. We open our minds and spirits to change and all it entails. And in doing so, we embrace new life--a fertile, wonderful life where doors open and things fall into place, a life that greens our hearts as well as our spirits, the life that we truly want to live.
Customs and myths: In Irish legends of the Tuatha De Danaan, Brighid is the
name of three daughters of Dagda who over time were combined into one
goddess. Later, Brighid's name was absorbed into that of a Christian saint, and many
of her ceremonies and traditions into that saint's worship. She was
venerated in Scotland, Wales, on the Isle of Man and in the Hebrides. When
celebrating Candlemas or Imbolc, spellwork for fertility and protection are
appropriate, defining and focusing on spiritual and physical desires for the future.
Imbolc is a good time to get your life in order -- physically, mentally,
spiritually and emotionally. Make plans, organize, clean out drawers and closets to
bring in the new and clearing out the old. Make and bless candles; light one
in each room in honor of the Sun's rebirth. Carry out rites of
self-purification. Burn mistletoe, holly and ivy decorations from Yule to signify the end
of harsh weather and old ways.
Things to do/Celebration Ideas :
1. Turn on all the lights in the house for a few moments to guide the path of spring. If you like, burn a votive candle in each room instead.
2. Tie three small ears of corn together with a white satin ribbon, then wrap the bundle in a white doily to represent Brid.
Use a clear quartz crystal point to represent the Young Lord.
As you place them in the basket, say something like:
The Maid and Lord now bring us light
The winter dies, and all is bright!
And as They lie in bed so near
The frozen ground does disappear--
For Their love brings fertility
To the Earth again; so mote it be.
3. Burn all evergreen decorations from the Yule ritual. This ensures good luck in the coming year.
4. Tie small bundles of straw together with pieces of black ribbon. Name each bundle for something you want to remove from your life, then burn it in the cauldron.
5. After libation, walk outdoors for a few moments.
Remember the warmth of spring.
Then trace the male and female symbols (the symbols for Mars and Venus) on the ground and enclose them in a circle.
Say something like:
Encased in Sun, Your light shall shine
And guide the spring toward greening time
And as your hearts both melt in love
The light grows stronger from above.
Circle Notes:
1. Use a brown altar cloth to symbolize the Earth
2. decorate with narcissus, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, or other seasonal flowering bulbs
3. Anoint white candles with musk oil and place them in ivy-covered candle rings
4. Burn Imbolc Incense (a mixture of Angelica, Basil, Bay Leaves, and Myrrh).
