Imbolc

IMBOLC

(February 1-4)

Also know as: Imbolg, Imbolgc, Brigantia, Brigindo, Brigandu, Oimelc, Uimelc, Brigid's Day, Lupercus, Lupercalia, Disting, Candlemas, Feast of Torches

It is the first day of Spring, and ancient man called this time the "breaking of Winter's back." This cross-quarter day marks the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox. It occurs when the Sun reaches 15 degrees Aquarius. This date fluctuates from year to year, so Imbolg is often celebrated on February 2.

Customs

Imbolc was one of three Celtic feasts of fire. Though fire played in all of the Sabbats, Brigid's Day was known as a festival of lights. At Brigid's shrine in the ancient Irish capital, Kildare, a group of 19 priestesses kept a perpetual flame burning in her honor. Her fire symbolizing birth and healing makes Imbolc an appropriate holiday for Brigid since it is the time period when the Great Mother is healing from childbirth. Brigid's fire was also the fire of the forge and fire of poetic inspiration.

Fire played a key role on Imbolc. Another custom of this holiday that is still carried out today in parts of Britain and America is lighting a candle in every window on Imbolg Eve, February 2. Also wreaths with candles placed on top were worn as crowns of light. This day was the special day for making sacred candles.

Brigid walks on the Earth this night. The Celts made her feel welcome by leaving food out for Her or setting a place for Her at the table. They also decorated their houses in order to welcome her.

Brigid crosses woven from straw or wheat were made on this day and hung around the house for protection. In Scotland, women and girls dress the last harvested sheaf of grain as a bride, lay Her in a cradle and carry Her through every house. Everyone gives the Bride a gift, usually food or drink, and the women lock the collected gifts up in one house. The men and boys then try to cajole their way inside. When the women feel that they have become respectful, they let them enter, and everyone feasts.

Another aspect of Imbolc was that of the milk. In many areas the lambs and calves were being born at this time of the year, so ewes and cows are full of milk. During Imbolg ritual, it is customary for Witches to pour milk or cream on the Earth to honor the Mother for her nurturing and fertility.

Most of the feast consisted of stews and soups composed of the remnants of vegetables from the Winter store. Also foods made from the first milk of the year were shared.

It was also a time for Spring cleaning. The green boughs brought in at Yule were taken out and burnt.

A good bit of culture left from this holiday today concerns weather lore. Groundhog's day is February 2, and, in America, if a groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of Winter (corresponding to Ostara). A British rhyme states," If Candlemas Day be bright and clear, there'll be two Winters in the year".

Mythology that corresponds to the Sabbat

This day honors, above all, the Celtic Goddess Brigid. (also called Brid or Bride) She is a triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother and Crone, and she was often reported to have two sisters who are also named Brigid. She is the Goddess of fire, smithcraft, poetry and healing (especially midwifery). Although the Roman Catholics canonized her into a Saint, she was and is a Goddess. On this day, Brigid the Caillech, the ancient Hag, bathes in her sacred well and becomes Brigid the Callin, the Maiden.

In Egyptian mythology, at this time of year, Isis opened the Mediterranean for navigation. On the full moon in February, the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia for Diana Lupa and Juno Februata.

The Wiccan Goddess is recovering from giving birth and is Imbolc or "in milk" for her child. It takes six weeks for a woman to recover from childbirth, and the Goddess is no different. On this day she becomes the Maiden once again.

What mundane things to do on this Sabbat

Make homemade ice cream or yogurt. Put the Yule lights back on your house in order to honor Brigid. Leave all the windows open to let fresh air in your house.

What spells and Magick correspond to this Sabbat

Spend a good part of the day itself making candles for spells you may cast through out the year. You can even have a candle making party and dip your own candles. Or write new ritual poetry for different parts of the ritual. Use Brigid's fire to purify your house by placing candles through out your house.

What you can include in your rituals

Imbolc is one of the traditional days when new coven members are initiated, dedicated or coveners celebrate raising a level. If you are a solitary, use this day to self-dedicate. Have different coven members recite their poetry, or, if you are a solitary, recite your own poetry. For assistance in designing rituals refer to the Book of Shadows files: rituals, blessings, invocations, prayers and verses.

Other correspondences

Colors: White, light blue, light or spring green

Tools: fire, candles, water, seeds, brooms

Food: Dairy products

Herbs: (oils and scents as appropriate): rose, cedar, juniper

Decorations: early flowers, candles

Home Book of Shadows Index Forum