Imbolc


Imbolc (em-bowl-c) also known as Imbolg, Candlemas, or St.Bridgets day appears sundown on February 1 and continuing through the day of February 2. The meaning of the word Imbolc is literally "in the belly" (of the Mother).
This sabbat is a special day to honor the  Great Goddess Mother Brigid.  The Goddess is in her maiden form now and the newly reborn God at Yule is now an adolescent.

The making of grain dollies, often called corn dollies and that of the unilateral cross called Brigid's cross were traditions in Ireland and continue to this day.

This sabbat is also a night when the spirits of the dead walk among the living and can be seen safely at a crossroad.  The crossroad represents balance and protection. Which is reenacted in the making of Brigid's cross which represents the safe crossroads.

Imbolc is also the festival of lights.  Candles are lit throughout the house in profusion.  The light acts as sympathetic magick of the sun and warmth emphasizing that Spring is not far away. Imbolc is the start of the lambing season, the first signs of returning life, the quickening of the year.

At Imbolc it is a  customary ritual for Witches to pour milk (or cream) onto the earth. This is done in thanksgiving, as an offering of nurturing, and to assist in the return of fertility and generosity of the earth to its people (the return of Spring).