Day: February 1, 2016

The Magick of Imbolc

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
The Magick of Imbolc

In many Wiccan traditions, Imbolc is celebrated as the point in the year when the Goddess recovers from giving birth to the Sun. The young God grows from an infant to a child. It is a time when the growing light promises the return of springtime. Many Wiccans tend to focus their rituals on the Maiden aspect of the Goddess at this time as well.

In Celtic lore, the Goddess Brighid, is primarily worshiped because of her triple aspect as the patroness of smith-craft(fire), healing and inspiration.

As Imbolc Approaches

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
As Imbolc Approaches

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.

Prayer for Imbolc

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments

Prayer for Imbolc

On this Imbolc day, as I kindle the flame upon my hearth,
I pray that the flame of Brigid may burn in my soul,
and the souls of all I meet today.

I pray that no envy and malice,
no hatred or fear, may smother the flame.
I pray that indifference and apathy,
contempt and pride,
may not pour like cold water on the flame.

Instead, may the spark of Brigid light the love in my soul,
that it may burn brightly through this season.
And may I warm those that are lonely,
whose hearts are cold and lifeless,
so that all may know the comfort of Brigid’s love.

To All Those Celebrating Imbolc Today, We Wish You A Very Blessed & Beautiful Day! For The Rest of Us, Happy Monday!

Imbolc/Candlemas Comments
Good Morning to all our precious family & friends! We wish all those celebrating Imbolc today, a very beautiful & blessed day! For everyone else, you will hear another “Happy Imbolc” tomorrow, I guarantee you. There are so many different traditions here, we realize we don’t always celebrate our Sabbats on the same day. Most of the time when our Sabbats fall on different dates, you will hear me give a speech about outsiders moving our dates. Not this time, I did my research and found out that different Pagan Traditions celebrate Imbolc on February 1 while others celebrate it on February 2. So who are we to argue with that, all I can say is we are one lucky bunch of people. We get to celebrate and party for two days instead of one! Now tell me, how many other religions can do that?

Before we get things started, I did want to take a moment and thank you for your concern about one of my familiars Friday. I appreciate it deeply and it is nice to know I am amongst people that care and love me. I know everyone probably thought it was Kiki since she has the heart problems but it wasn’t, it was Razputin (Razzy, the bobcat). I will try to make this short….we have a lynx that has been coming around the house. I have tried everything to run him off. I didn’t want to shoot him, he was a beautiful creature of the Goddess.’ He had been picking at the front windows on the porch all winter. Finally Friday, I guess he got tired of picking and went right through one. The neighbor called me and told me what had happened. He was getting his gun then the next thing he knew the lynx was gone. He saw the window, walked over, and told me he wasn’t going in because Razzy and the lynx were trying to kill each other. I rushed home and when I got there Razzy was covered in blood and the lynx was dead. I called the vet and he told me to bring both of them in. Razzy had a few deep bites but nothing major. He stitched her up and gave me an antibiotic to keep her on. He is sending the lynx off to test it for rabies. I did nothing all day Saturday except pamper the big baby. Today, I brought her to work with me. I made her a bed on the floor and right now she is sound asleep. Kiki is wandering around, expecting everyone to love on her and they are. We won’t get nothing done today. But for everyone concerned I wanted to let you know what happened and I appreciate you very much for caring about me and my critters. Oops! they ain’t critters, they are my babies.

You truly are my family, my brothers and sisters, no one could ever wish for or hope for such a wonderful family as I have here. I love you all. Thank you again, so much!

Love ya,

Lady A