Imbolc - February 1st/2nd (Greater Sabbat)

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Published: 11 Sep 05

IMBOLC is a cross-quarter day, midway between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara). The holiday is a festival of light, reflecting the lengthening of the day and the hope of spring and is also known as: Candlemass, Imbolg, Bride's Day, Oimelc, and Brid's Day.

Imbolc was one of the cornerstones of the Celtic calendar. The success of the new farming season was of great importance and as winter stores of food were now getting low, Imbolc rituals were performed to harness divine energy that would ensure a steady supply of food until the harvest six months later. Imbolc is a time of purification, new beginnings, a time for looking to the future and deciding what you hopes, dreams and ambitions are for the coming year. it is a time when the first fresh shoots appear, bringing the the promise of growth.

The day is marked by the lighting of candles, symbolising Imbolc is believed to have first appeared as a Celtic celebration, honouring Brigid, whose name means “The Exalted One,” queen and mother goddess of many European tribes. She is also known as Brigid, Bridget, Brighid, Brighde, Brig or Bride. She is said to have had two sisters: Brigid the Physician and Brigid the Smith, but it is generally thought that all three were aspects of the one goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft. She was a goddess of regeneration and abundance, a provider of plenty.

The arrival of Christianity changed the Goddess into the 'Saint Brigid', and like the goddess of old, Saint Brigid was renowned for her gift of healing. She wove the first piece of cloth in Ireland and wove into it healing threads which kept their power for centuries. Many healing wells and springs were named after her.

Imbolc, is also called Oimealg by the Druids, it is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the mid point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal.

This is often the time for initiation or Self-Dedication.

Read about the other Sabbats