( 2 February )
The fire festival of Imbolc brings the first thaw of winter. It is a time of rebirth, fertility and nurturing under the auspices of the Virgin Goddess.
Imbolc brings the very first whisperings of springs, Snowdrops peep up through the cold earth and the tiniest buds begin to form on the trees. Winter is by no matter over – in fact, the worst is is often to come – but there is a glimmer of hope. In northern latitudes, it becomes obvious that the days are lengthening Candles are lit to represent the return of the Sun and divine spark of creativity.
In the Triple Goddess tradition, the Crone of winter is reborn as the Virgin at Imbolc. Known to the Celts as Brigid, she was the fire goddess and one of her main aspects was a healer.
The Celtic image of a virgin was of inherent sexuality and fertility, full of potential for nurturing on all levels. As the thoughts and ideas incubated over a winter emerge at this time, it is necessary to heal old, out-moded ways to allow new ideas to be born.
Imbolc modern world
The Pagan fire festival Imbolc is present in the modern world as a festival of light. On February 2nd the returning light is celebrated by the Christian church as Candlemas. Traditionally, the candles are blessed and taken home to use in time of trouble. The festival also recognised the purification on the Virgin Mary, went to the temple for 40 days after giving birth to Jesus, to be cleansed.
Old country Lore claims that the weather at Candlemass forecasts the climate for the next 6 weeks; if the day is sunny the remainder of the winter will be stormy, but if it rains the next 6 weeks will be mild. This aspect has been taken up in Northern America where the emergence of, or not, of the hibernating groundhog is believed to be a spring weather predictor. This is known as Groundhog Day.
Celebrate the lengthening of the days and the warming of the Earth at Imbolc, with rituals of purification, fertility and renewal.
A Purifying Bath
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The Romans named the month of February after a word signifying purification, as this was the time when ritual cleansing would prepare a person for a fresh start. So take a ritual bath at Imbolc in your own homemade \”healing well\”.
1. First, collect some snowdrops and then set the scene in your bathroom with lit candles around the bathtub, to signify the burning away of old ideas as well as the coming of the light. Choose white candles for purity and green to recall and welcome the spring.
2. Burn juniper oil in a burner and put a drop or two in the bathwater. This oil is chosen because it is a very powerful auric cleanser.
3. Summon Brigid with the Snowdrops, scattering them in the bath.
4. Relax in the water, using an apple green soap and a white towel to dry off.
A Bridges Cross
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At Imbolc, it was traditional to make a Bridge\’s Cross to welcome the goddess into the home. These were hung over doors or windows for the year, then burned and replaced at the next Imbolc.
1. Bind two sticks of equal length to make a cross.
2. Imagine your cross is made of four sticks and number them 1-4 from the top going around clockwise.
3. Tie a silver ribbon around the stick, close to the centre of the cross, then take it to the right of stick 2 and wrap it around the back. From the left of stick 2, take the ribbon round to the right of stick 3 and wrap it around the back; take it from the left of the stick 3 to the right of stick 4 and so on. Continue weaving this way.
4. When it is complete, adorn your cross with other items.
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Planting Seeds
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Just as the seeds are germinating in the earth, Imbolc is a time when you should imagine your thoughts and ideas starting to warm up after leaving them to hibernate through the winter. Combine the correspondences of new life and light to perform this simple ritual for Imbolc.
1. Choose a quiet spot outdoors, in your garden or a local park, perhaps beneath your favourite type of tree or bush.
2. Plant a seed or bulb in the ground – to make the place more special to you, choose the seed of your preferred plant or perhaps one associated with your Zodiac sign.
3. Now, light a small, white candle (to represent the Virgin Godedess\’ purity), sit and watch it burn down. As you do so, imagine that the seed you have planted represents the thoughts and ideas you have shown in the hope for the year ahead.
A Fertility Doll
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Imbolc is the opposite of Lammas when the Corn Mother is made, and this festival also sees another form of fertility doll although this one is for Brigid or Bride. There were traditionally made from oats, but can be made from any type of corn. You can either fashion a full doll or just tie up a few pieces of corn into a representative style and shape.
Once you have made the fertility doll, dress it in lace and ribbons, and lay it in a basket with flowers and a wand to create the Virgin Goddess\’ bridal bed. Light white candles for purity on either side of of the basket then go to the front door and quietly call: \”Bride\’s bed is ready. Let Bride come in. Bride is welcome.\” In Celtic beliefs, you are inviting the virgin\’s potential fatality and nurturing qualities.
