Imbolc (February 1st or 2nd)

also known as: Candlemas, Imbolg, Imbolgc brigantia, Lupercus, Disting Imbolc, which literally means "in milk", traditionally has marked the lactation period of ewes and cows. Ewes are unable to produce milk until after they bear their young, which occurs at this time. Since milk was very important to the basic survival of the tribes, this was a time of great joy. For the end of a long winter was in sight, and green hills and pastures were only a few months away.

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

Imbolc is the holiday in which we honor Brid (pronounced breed), also known as Brigid, Brigit, or Bride, in her maiden aspect. Brid is the daughter of Dagda (the good God). Brid is the Protector and Preserver of All Memory and Knowledge, who empowers us with the wisdom and knowledge to protect, nurture, and encourage fruitfulness of the land. For the land is the source and foundation of all life.

Imbolc is also a fire festival, with significance placed upon the Light of fire. We celebrate the ever increasing light at this time, as the earth works Her way back to Spring. Brid is crowned with a wreath of candles. At Imbolc, Brid is pregnant with the seed of the Sun. She is ripe with the promise of new life, as the seeds of the earth deep within its soil begin to awaken at this time, ripe with the promise of Spring, new life for the planet. Although the days of February are filled with winter's bitter cold, the seeds deep within the womb of the earth are safely nurtured as they begin to awaken with life. It is this knowledge and understanding we celebrate at this time, adding our magic to that of the earth's, and assisting the Wheel's turning once again.

It is traditional for Witches to prepare grains, saved from the previous harvests, to be Blessed by the Light of Brid for Beltane planting. This is the season for celebrating the growing Light, as the seed grows within Brid, to be delivered at Beltane. It is a time for introspection of our own fallow seasons and seeking the glimmer of personal growth. For as it is with the earth, we each have our own Spiritual winters, only to be followed by the glorious return of Spring. With the return of new life, we retain great lessons and wisdom we would not have the gift of, unless we acknolwedged the winters harsh months.

Other Traditions and Activities of Imbolc

Imbolc is a great time for candle-making.

Imbolc is a great time for cleansing and purification in the form of "spring cleaning."

As a time of cleansing and purification it's a great time to make or buy a besom if you don't already have one.

Imbolc is a time to ritually bless the seeds you will plant in the Spring.

Michael Hall presents this Imbolc Ritual for Solitaries based on a combination of the lore of the Wicca and some of the afro-caribbean diaspora traditions of Paganism and Magick