Imbolc

Wheel of the Year. Something new to me, yet seems so familiar. It is the order of nature, my personal temple of worship. Simple. Spring is around our corner.. Moons. Tulips. Newborn calves. Fresh paint. Tadpoles. Sounds of weedeaters and treefrogs again. Out with the old, in with the new. How appropriate as I prepare for the second half of my life! Have a read here Imbolc (Candlemas) February 1 (beginning at sundown) Purification; Initiation; Feast of Lights; Preparation for Spring

Imbolc celebrates the earliest signs of Spring ... the blossoming of the earliest flowers (in some climates snowdrops and crocus appear around this time), the first signs of thawing. At this time the sap begins to rise in the trees. The seeds which slumbered at Yule begin to germinate. It is the “quickening” of the Year.

Imbolc is a time of purification. A time to clear away any last dregs which may still be holding us back as we move toward the growth and brightness of Spring. This holiday is a traditional time for initiations and dedications of oneself to new levels of spiritual exploration & commitment. Through the preparation for and process of initiation, one is purified and focused for the tasks and growth ahead. This is an ideal time to do a thorough Cleansing & Blessing for your home.

Imbolc is a sacred feast of the great Celtic Goddess Brighid. In honor of the growing light (and in honor of the Brighid’s perpetual flame) it is traditional to burn candles to celebrate this feast, particularly silver and white candles. It is customary to make and/ or bless candles to be used for the coming year. On this night, people ask the for Divine favors, blessings and insight for the coming year. The insight received may shape the challenges and blessings of the year.