Imbolc means "the belly". As the foetus stirs for the first time in it's mothers' womb, so Imbolc is the first stirrings of spring in the earth. It is a fire festival but the focus is light instead of heat.
Winter is less dark; slowly the light of Spring is on it's way.
Imbolc is the feast of Brigid (Brid, Brigante, Bride), a triple muse-goddess, a fertility bringer. The moon is a light symbol of the Goddess representing her three-fold aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone. These are linked with the moon's three major phases...waxing, full and waning (enchantment, ripeness and wisdom).
In Ireland St. Brigid's Day is celebrated Feb. 1st on the eve of Imbolc. It is said that St. Brigid was raised by a wizard, that she could multiply food and drink to feed the hungry and that she could turn her bath water into beer. (Nice!)
Today in Ireland it is customary to make St. Brigid's crosses out of straw. This may be connected to the ancient ceremony of the preparing of the seed grain for growing in the Spring.
The Druids called this holiday 'Oimealg' (Im-molg), the festival of lactating sheep. In Gaelic, the word 'Oimelc' means "ewes milk". Animals of the herds have either given birth or are about to and are lactating (producing milk). It was a time when seeds for planting were blessed and agricultural tools were consecrated.
"Each of the eight Sabbats in the year celebrates a phase in the relationship between the Goddess and the Horned God, Mother/Father Nature, according to season. Imbolg is about beginnings.....There are other themes being played out at Imbolg. It is a time of cleansing and purification. Spring-cleaning now prepares our minds and bodies for a resurgence. Bride the Maiden sweeps away the debris of winter and last year's growth with her new broom (besom). Like all young people, she is keen on new ways and new ideas. Like her, we must prepare and clear the groud for something new. It is a time of youthfulness and inspiration."
From "Hedge Witch" by Rae Beth
Even though traditionally Imbolc is the time of making new witches, it needn't be limited to that time alone. Initiation is much more than a mere ritual. It is something that happens within the heart, and when you are truly ready the Goddess and God will draw you. It can be on your birthday, on the Feast of the Full Moon, or at the New Year...it doesn't really matter.
Initiation is not to be rushed into or taken lightly. It is a death and re-birth experience. You lay to rest the old life and your old ways of thinking and behaving and you are reborn into a whole new way of living and of looking at the world around you. Usually it involves making a pledge or offering, a consecration and taking a new name that is between you and the gods if you practice solitary, or between you and your coven when one is given you by the High Priestess. But we need to be clear about this...no one makes you into a witch. Even if you were never formally initiated, if it is in your heart and if the gods are calling you, you will become one by means of evolution. It will happen naturally. A witch is not "what" you are but "who" you are.
I am including here a Self-Dedication by Scott Cunningham from his book "Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner". Just click on the button below. I chose this because it is a simple dedication, however, I would encourage you before you decide to dedicate yourself, that you very carefully consider this path. Perhaps some meditation followed by journalizing the reasons you want to follow the path of Wicca. What drew you to Wicca in the first place? Why do you feel there is no other path for you at this time? What do the Goddess and God mean to you? What do you desire to accomplish while on the path? Are there any doubts that you are feeling at this time? If so, now is not the time. The ways of Wicca will open its arms to all who can truly come in "perfect love and perfect trust". I wish you well on your journey into yourself. BB Sage
