Imbolg

Imbolg lure

Non-Pagan Traditions, Associations, Activities, rituals

Imbolc ("IM-bulk") is an ancient festival generally celebrated on January 31, February 1, or February 2. It is also known as Candlemas, Brighid ("breed"), and Oimelc ("EE-mulk") which means ewe's milk. The importance of this is that it was the flow of milk that heralded the return of the life-giving forces of spring.

"In most parts of the British Isles, February is a harsh and bitter month. In old Scotland, the month fell in the middle of the period known as Faoilleach, the Wolf-month; it was also known as a' marbh mhiòs, the Dead-month. But although this season was so cold and dreary, small but sturdy signs of new life began to appear: Lambs were born and soft rain brought new grass. Ravens begin to build their nests and larks were said to sing with a clearer voice.

In Ireland, the land was prepared to receive the new seed with spade and plough; calves were born, and fishermen looked eagerly for the end of winter storms and rough seas to launch their boats again. In Scotland, the Old Woman of winter, the Cailleach, is reborn as Bride, Young Maiden of Spring, fragile yet growing stronger each day as the sun rekindles its fire, turning scarcity into abundance." (Celtic Spirit)

The celebration of Imbolg signals the middle of the season of long nights and anticipates the upcoming season of light. There is the first evidence of the return of life. The Sun is slowly starting to make its return and the very hardiest of plants will begin to grow again from this day forth.

Imbolg is the holy day of Brigid, who is the Goddess of fire, healing, fertility and is the muse of the poets. Brigid is the Celtic goddess who in later became revered as a Christian saint.

The holiday is also called "Brigit's Day", in honor of the great Irish Goddess Brigit. At her shrine, the ancient Irish capitol of Kildare, a group of 19 priestesses (no men allowed) kept a perpetual flame burning in her honor. She was considered a goddess of fire, patroness of smithcraft, poetry and healing (especially the healing touch of midwifery). This tripartite symbolism was occasionally expressed by saying that Brigit had two sisters, also named Brigit. (Incidentally, another form of the name Brigit is Bride, and it is thus She bestows her special patronage on any woman about to be married or handfasted, the woman being called "bride" in her honor.) (Mike Nichols)

Imbolg is a fire celebration, but the emphasis is on the light it gives, like the sun piercing the darkness. It usually involves lots of candles in addition to the need fire.

In "The Wheel of the Year: Living the Magical Life," Pauline Campanelli writes, "Now is the time for the banishing of Winter. On the first night of February, the eve of Imbolc, gather together all of the greens that adorned the house throughout the Yuletide season, including a branch or two of the fir tree that was hung with holiday ornaments. Then, as a part of the Imbolc Sabbat rite, add these greens to the Sabbat Fire (a little at a time, and carefully, because by now they are hazardously dry), dancing and chanting all the while with words like: "Now we banish Winter! Now we welcome Spring!"

(Interesting point of note: In the Christian Calendar, this holiday is called Candlemas and all church candles are blessed for the year. The Virgin Mary is honored on this day.)
Today, this holiday is chiefly connected to weather lore. Even our American folk-calendar keeps the tradition of "Groundhog's Day", a day to predict the coming weather, telling us that if the Groundhog sees his shadow, there will be "six more weeks" of bad weather (i.e., until the next old holiday, Lady Day). This custom is ancient. An old British rhyme tells us that "If Candlemas Day be bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year." Actually, all of the cross-quarter days can be used as "inverse" weather predictors, whereas the quarter- days are used as "direct" weather predictors. (Mike Nichols)

If Candlemas day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight.
If Candlemas day be shower and rain,
Winter is gone and will not come again.

Other names: Imbolc, Imbolig, Imbolic, Candlemas, Oimealg, Briganatia, Lupercus, Disting, Lupercalia

Symbolism: renewal, grown, purification, fertility, out with the old; in with the new

Symbols: Candles, bonfire, Brigid's Crosses, Bride's Beds, Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs.

Herbs: Angelica, ashleaf, balsams, basil, bay, benzoin, blackberry, celandine, chamomile, coltsfoot, coriander, dragon's blood, sage, garlic, heather, iris, lemon, mastic, myrrh, rose hips, sunflower, tansy, vervain, violets, wheat, witch hazel and all white or yellow flowers

Incense: Basil, Bay, Benzoin, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Dragon's Blood, Frankincense, Heather, Myrrh, Red Sandalwood, Sage, Wisteria, Vanilla, Violet.

Foods: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seed cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, peppers, onions, garlic, raisins, spiced wines and herbal teas.

Stones: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Clear Quartz, Citrine, Garnet, Green Tourmaline, Hematite, Iron, Lodestone, Onyx, Red Zircon, Rose Quartz, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Tourmaline.

Altar Decorations: Snowflake cut-outs, white and yellow flowers, a crown of thirteen candles, a sprig of evergreen, witches broom or besom, statue of Triple Goddess in Her maiden phase.

Sources: Celtic Spirit, Selena Fox, Gwydion Cinhil Kirontin / Mike Nichols, Silver RavenWolf, Sacred-texts.com, The Crone's Cottage