Imbolg
February 2nd
Also known as Candlemas, this is
a day for celebrating the beginning of spring.
The Goddess and the God are youthful, and seeds are planted for all things
desired.
History & Lore
In Ireland, Imbolg was the predecessor to St. Bridget's Day. It was a day to honor the Goddess Brigid as the youthful bride waiting to unite with her love, the God. On this day, young women would wear wreaths of candles upon their heads to represent the Virgin Goddess turning the Wheel of the Year and luring the Sun back to the Earth.
In Greece, this day was known as the Festival of Diana, the Goddess of Love.
The Roman
holiday of Lupercalia fell near Imbolg, and was the predecessor to
St. Valentine's Day.
Colors: WHITE and LAVENDAR
Activities:
MAKING CANDLE WREATHS
You may have seen images of the Goddess with a wreath of candles upon her head. Many Wiccans today still construct candle wreaths at Imbolg, although caution should be used when wearing such a wreath upon one's head!
Simply purchase a pre-made wreath from an arts and crafts store (or construct your own with dried vines) and evenly space eight white candles around the wreath. You can either push the candles into the intertwined vines, or reinforce the candles by constructing small candle holders to affix to the wreath. Do not leave candles burning in your wreath while it is unattended!
MAKING BRIGID'S CROSS
Also known as a solar cross or sun wheel. Brigid's Cross is comprised of an equilateral cross surrounded by a circle, which represents the Wheel of the Year. The cross is usually constructed of grape vines.
Purchase about twenty feet of unbroken grape vine. Soak the grapevines in warm water to keep them pliable until ready to use. Cut ten strips of vine, approximately one foot long each. Place five strips in the vertical position, and five strips in the horizontal position. Weave the cross, leaving a couple of inches unweaved at each end. Use the remaining vines to weave the circle around the cross, being sure to weave the ends of the cross into the circle. Allow the vines to dry.
These crosses are commonly displayed at Midsummer and Lammas (Lughnasadh) when the sun is at its peak. Feel free to adorn the cross with flowers or leaves for an added touch.
BLESSING CANDLES
This is a common day to make and bless candles for the coming Sabbats.