Day: January 31, 2011

About Imbolc

About Imbolc

a guide to the Sabbat’s symbolism

by Arwynn MacFeylynnd

Date: February 1 or 2.

Alternative names: Imbolg, Candlemas, Oimelc, Brighid’s Day, Lupercus, the Feast of Lights, Groundhog’s Day

Primary meanings: The name “Imbolc” derives from the word “oimelc,” meaning sheep’s milk. It is considered a time of purification, preparation and celebration for new life stirring, anticipating spring. The holiday is also known as Candlemas; the custom of blessing candles at this time signifies awakening of life and honors the Celtic goddess Brighid, to whom fire is sacred. This Sabbat also celebrates banishing winter.

Symbols: Candle wheels, grain dollies and Sun wheels, a besom (witch’s broom), a sprig of evergreen, a bowl of snow and small Goddess statues representing her in the maiden aspect.

Colors: White, yellow, pink, light blue, light green; also, red and brown.

Gemstones: Amethyst, aquamarine, turquoise, garnet and onyx.

Herbs: Angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, clover, dill, evergreens, heather, myrrh, rosemary, willows and all yellow flowers.

Gods and goddesses: Brighid, the Celtic goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft; all virgin and maiden goddesses; all fire and flame gods, connected with the newborn Sun.

Customs and myths: In Irish legends of the Tuatha De Danaan, Brighid is the name of three daughters of Dagda who over time were combined into one goddess. She was venerated in Scotland, Wales, on the Isle of Man and in the Hebrides. When celebrating Candlemas or Imbolc, spellwork for fertility, inspiration and protection are appropriate, defining and focusing on spiritual and physical desires for the future. Imbolc is a good time to get your life in order — physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Make plans, organize, clean out drawers and closets to bring in the new and clearing out the old. Make and bless candles; light one in each room in honor of the Sun’s rebirth. Carry out rites of self-purification. Burn mistletoe, holly and ivy decorations from Yule to signify the end of harsh weather and old ways.

Happy Monday, dear friends!

I couldn’t resist him, he is so cute. I have been emailing my children this morning that is why I am running late. They both work their butts off and it much easier to email them instead of calling them. Both of them will answer their phone no matter what. My daughter is a nurse that works in ICU, she would answer it if she was coding somebody. My son is a foreman and also works with heavy equipment. He would be working the boom truck and look down to see who is calling and knock someone in the river. So it is much safer for all involved to just email them.  We have our phone, cable and DSL through our local Co-Op. When our phone rings, I can turn around and see the caller ID on the TV, which is pretty cool. I like that feature and that’s about it. I had DSL installed where I use to work and it was super fast. So we were trying to save money on it. Cable was absolutely pathetic. Every month, we had a $280.00 bill and that started to hurt. So I called the Co-Op and I figured their DSL would be fast like what I had at work. HA,  HA! HA! I should never figure at  all. All I do is get myself in trouble. Hubby has done nothing but bitch the whole time.  I told him the more computers we hook up to it, the slower it would get. Well he believed that and I do too! Well I have talked to much again. Time to go to work. Have a great Monday!