Imbolc ~ Candlemas
February 2nd
Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g),
by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which
means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs
are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds
and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival
of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake
emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places
the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.
The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat. Straw Brideo'gas (corn dollies) are created from oat or wheat
straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo'gas door to door, and
gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women make
special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if
the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols
of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is place
by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room
of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun.
Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is the first day of ploughing in preparation
of the first planting of crops. A decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children following
asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the household is paid back by having its front garden
ploughed up. In other areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the "water of life" is poured
over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the newly turned furrows as offerings to the
nature spirits. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.
Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Imbolgc Brigantia (Caledonni), Imbolic (Celtic), Disting (Teutonic,
Feb 14th), Lupercus (Strega), St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Candlemas, Candlelaria (Mexican), the Snowdrop Festival.
The Festival of Lights, or the Feast of the Virgin. All Virgin and Maiden Goddesses are honored at this time.
Deities of Imbolc:
All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love
and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus.
Symbolism of Imbolc:
Purity, Growth and Re-Newal, The Re-Union of the Goddess and the God, Fertility, and dispensing
of the old and making way for the new.
Symbols of Imbolc:
Brideo'gas, Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid's Crosses, Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped),
and Ploughs.
Herbs of Imbolc:
Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets,
and all white or yellow flowers.
Foods of Imbolc:
Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products,
Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.
Incense of Imbolc:
Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.
Colors of Imbolc:
White, Pink, Red, Yellow, lt. Green, Brown.
Stones of Imbolc:
Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.
Activities of Imbolc:
Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of Spring, Making of Brideo'gas
and Bride's Beds, Making Priapic Wands, Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit.
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