• also called February Eve, Imbolg, Candlemas, Brighid's Day. In Gaelic Imbolc means 'in the belly', a reference to the lambing season.
  • a Greater Sabbat, one of the four Fire Festivals or Cross-Quarter Days
  • some choose to mark this Sabbat on February 1st, others astrologically, when the sun reaches 15 degrees Aquarius.
  • a celebration of the growing strength of light; in England spring is emerging from winter and lambs are being born
  • first Sabbat in the Season of Air
  • the time between Winter Solstice and Imbolc is traditionally a time to make offerings to fruit trees, so they awaken in Spring with plentiful blossoms.
  • often the Goddess is revered at this time as a Virgin once more, awaiting the maturation of her son and lover, the God
  • themes include cleansing and purification, creativity, awakening, dedication, seeking the first signs of Spring, marking the end of Winter, and planning and preparing for a new growing season.

    Symbols

  • solar symbols; suns, equal-armed crosses
  • candles and fires
  • early flowers, such as snow drops, crocuses, etc.
  • small white flowers
  • milk
  • lambs and ewes
  • colours include white, silver, pale green, yellow, and gold

    Activities

  • making candles
  • creating a corn dolly from a sheaf of wheat or other grains
  • craft a priapic wand
  • creating a birch besom
  • cleansing your ritual tools and spaces
  • blessing your house and/or temple
  • consecrating new tools
  • dedications, renewing vows or oaths
  • lighting candles in windows to drive away the dark Winter
  • divination, esp. fire gazing
  • burning the evergreens left from Winter Solstice; the ashes can be saved and used to light the next year's Yule log.
  • decorating with fresh flowers

    Food

    Food for Imbolc typically involves either milk products, or spicy hot foods to encourage the Sun to grow strong. Seeds and grains also appear.

  • lamb or mutton
  • milk or cream-based dishes
  • dishes with seeds, such as poppy seed or sunflower seed
  • sun-dried fruits

    Gemstones and Minerals

  • Amber
  • Carnelian
  • Clear quartz
  • Garnet
  • Honey calcite
  • Topaz

    Herbs, Oils, and Resins

  • Angelica - cleansing, consecration, protection, renewal, divine wisdom. (*Warning* - take care handling this oil; it can cause photosensitive reactions on skin.)
  • Bay - cleansing, consecration, divination, psychic protection, spell-breaking, transformation, wisdom.
  • Benzoin - harmony, inspiration, knowledge, love, tranquility, wisdom. (*Warning* - this oil can cause allergic reactions.)
  • Dragon's Blood - consecration, fidelity, raising power, magic, love, protection, strength, virility.
  • Lemon Balm - happiness, uplifting, brightness, compassion, endings, release
  • Rosemary - confidence, consecration, courage, fidelity, love, magic, memory. (*Warning* - this oil can be toxic if taken internally.)
  • Scotch Broom - cleansing, purification, weather magic. (*Warning* - toxic if ingested.)
  • Tarragon - commanding, confidence, courage, passion, protection, strength, virility.
  • Violet - beauty, fidelity, gentleness, harmony, love, modesty, tranquility. (*Warning* - this oil can cause photosensitive reactions on skin.)

    Incense Recipe

    This is my own recipe for an Imbolc incense; it is loose, and meant to be burnt on charcoal. A part is simply whatever you choose to use as a measure. A 'few drops' is to your taste, but is typically less than ten drops per ounce of incense.

  • 1 pt. benzoin resin
  • 1 pt. rose
  • ½ pt. bay
  • ½ pt. dragon's blood resin
  • ½ pt. tarragon
  • ¼ pt. cinnamon
  • A few drops of violet oil