Candlemas / Imbolc (Imbolg)
February 2nd
Dedication / Purification / Return of the Light / Initiation
Candlemas is a time to nurture the fragile life flame, born at Winter Solstice, welcoming back the light. We celebrate the first stirrings of Mother Earth. What seeds are planted in me, asleep yet ready to manifest even in the tiniest way? How will I protect and nurture this new life flame?
It is also known across Gaelic lands as the Festival of the Bride (Brid, Brigid, Brigidh...).
It is also known across Gaelic lands as the Festival of the Bride (Brid, Brigid, Brigidh...).
Imbolc means, "In the Womb"
In the womb, there is a divine spark.
Untouched newness, potential awakening, igniting a flame in the darkness.
It is the festival of new fire!
In the womb, there is a divine spark.
Untouched newness, potential awakening, igniting a flame in the darkness.
It is the festival of new fire!
Imbolc occurs at the peak of Winter. The growing light of each day is a sign of the promise of Spring, even in the coldest time of the year. Candles are lit to represent the small fire of the baby sun/son glowing within each one of us as well as to represent the returning light. Imbolc/ Imbolg is also known as Candlemas for this reason. Candlemas is one of the major Sabbat days which means that it was one of the original Celtic harvest festivals. It is a time to plan what crops are going to be planted in the Spring, which corresponds with the theme of hope. Imbolc means “in the bag” (or teat). Lambs born at this time brought a fresh supply of milk which helped people make it through the Winter which in turn brought hope. It is also the festival of the goddess Bride (pronounced breed), also known as Brighid, Brigantial (northern England), and Brigindo (eastern France). (Go to Candlemas Goddesses for more information.)
Hope, purification, and clearing out the old to make way for the new, are attributes celebrated at this time. It’s a time to reaffirm the divinity in each of us and recognize that we have the power and strength to make our hopes realities. It is a time of honoring hearth, home and healing.
Hope, purification, and clearing out the old to make way for the new, are attributes celebrated at this time. It’s a time to reaffirm the divinity in each of us and recognize that we have the power and strength to make our hopes realities. It is a time of honoring hearth, home and healing.