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| Imbolc |
Imbolc is also known as Imbolg, Oimelc, Bride's Day, Brigantia and Candlemas and is celebrated on the 1st of February by some and the 2nd of February by others. The word Imbolg means "in the belly" Imbolg is the Sabbat the honors the First stirrings of spring and pregnant Mother Earth who is about to give birth to the new growing season. It is also a festival that honors the Goddess as the bride to be of the newly born Sun God, whom she will mate with on Bealtaine. The Goddess who gave birth on Yule is now the maiden once again and waiting for her love, the God to take her. While spring is not yet here, you can tell that it is on the way. There is a promise of the fertility that is celebrated at Bealtaine. The growing length of the day becomes apparent now. This is a celebration of the waning winter, and the first signs of spring, as well as also celebrating childhood, and the youth of all things. The Goddess traditionally associated with this festival is Brigid. Imbolc became known as Candlemas when the Christian church adopted it as "The festival of lights", by encouraging people to bring candles to church in order to be blessed. In the pagan world this is also a day to make and bless candles for use for the rest of the year. The weaving of Brigit's crosses from straw or wheat is said to bring protection, when hung around the house. A beautiful image for this time of year is to collect a bowl of snows (if there is any) and place a floating candle on it, as the snow melts the candle remains alight. Seeds are anointed and charged on this day, to be kept on the hearth until Eostre, when they should be planted. Colours associated with this festival are white, pale yellow, pale green and silver. Symbols are candles, grain and ewes. Foods for this festival include all things dairy, as this festival would signal the beginning of the lambing season, with the ewes starting to produce their milk. Women have been considered as being unclean for 6 weeks after childbirth, and so the Goddess, who gave birth at Yule, can now be cleansed at Imbolc. It is also said that if Imbolc is bright day, there will be a return to winter, whereas if Imbolc is a dull day spring will be brighter. |
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| This is traditionally a time of purification — clean your house! If you have any Christmas greenery lingering, burn it now. Make your own Brighid’s crosses and hang them up, especially in the kitchen where her influence can bless your food. Put out food — cake, buttered bread and milk will do — outside your door: Brighid and her cow walk through the neighborhood tonight, and will appreciate your offering. Leave a silk ribbon on your doorstep for Brighid to bless: It can then be used for healing purposes. Meditate upon what you would like to see grow in health and strength this year: for yourself, your family, your community, the Earth, and ask for Bride's blessing upon your prayers. |
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| Brigit standing next to the well of transformation. The young God ready to step in and be transformed into her lover. |
| An Inner Journey to invoke Brigit : The Forge in the Forest Light your candle. Gaze into the flame for a few moments, then close your eyes. You will still see the image of the flame against your eyelids. Now imagine it is growing brighter and brighter, and go one step further and imagine you are standing in a place filled with the warmth and red gold light of leaping flames… Imagine, in fact, that you are standing in the entrance to a forge in a forest, where a blazing fire is roaring, and in front of it stands a woman. Thick, auburn hair is tied back, but a few rippling curls have escaped around her face. She is dressed in dark green with sleeves rolled up to the elbows, revealing strong white arms. Brigit, for of course it is she, stands over a large anvil where all her concentration is focused on beating a sheet of soft gleaming bronze with a great hammer… At last, she looks up and smiles at you warmly. She has finished her creation and holds it up to the light of the fire for you to see. As you look at it, it appears to continually change shape: first it seems to be a leaf, then a globe, … and now it has become a star. Brigit laughs deeply, musically, and tosses the star into the air, where it sails into the night sky and takes its place among the glittering constellations… And now Brigit turns towards you and asks: What have you come here to create? … You tell her of your vision, whether great or small, personal or for the wider community… and she beckons you over to the fire. As you look into the flames, pictures start to move and you see yourself at work, filled with enthusiasm and passion as you make your vision a reality… … You and your creation are surrounded and shot through with the golden light of inspiration. Brigit is there too, watching over you with love as you work, encouraging you and filling you with confidence and creativity… If any self-doubt or fears start to arise, see Brigit surrounding you with her mantle of protection: a warm soft cloak of green that makes you feel safe and inviolable… Now see yourself with your vision turned into reality, feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride… Thank Brigit for showing you this vision, and ask her to tell you what your first step should be towards bringing it into reality…. Listen carefully, and ask her questions if you need more clarity… When you have finished the conversation with her, see the forge suddenly glow even more brightly, so that all forms and shapes, including that of Brigit herself, melt into a suffusion of golden light… and now see that the light is just the candle flame reflected on your eyelids…Slowly come back to the room. Open your eyes and write down what she has suggested. In the coming weeks, call upon Brigit to help keep your inspiration alight. |
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