ImbolcOther Names: Candlemas, Imbolg,
Date: February 2 Festival of Lights (to encourage the sun's return)
Symbols: Colours are white, or green and white, or blue. A dish of snow; evergreens; candles; altar candles should be white; incense may be benzoin vanilla basil, myrrh and wisteria; circle may be decorated with white flowers Circle candles remain the usual colours for the elements (green yellow red blue); Lay your besom upon the altar; Have a white votive candle in the cauldron; Have rosemary and bay burn; Have extra wine; Foods-sunflower seeds, poppy seed breads and cakes and herbal teas; Gemstones-amethyst, garnet, onyx and turquoise.
Ritual Actions: Candles or torches are lit and held in circle, and are usually carried around the altar at some point; symbol of the wheel is placed upon the altar; ritual blessings and planting seeds in pots in the circle with requests to the God/dess. A good time for self-dedication rituals (performed or renewed). Represents new beginnings and spiritual growth, and the "sweeping out of the old." This is also a good time to look over your magickal cabinet.
Lore: Imbolc is also known as Feast of Torches, Feast of Pan, Brigid's day, and probably by many other names. Some female Wiccans follow the old Scandinavian custom of wearing or carrying crowns of lit candles (a symbol of the Wheel of the Year being warmed and lighted again by the returning sun.... see image below), but many more carry tapers during their invocations. Marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God. The lengthening periods of light awaken her. The God is a young boy, but His power is felt in the longer days. The warmth fertilizes the Earth, causes seeds to germinate and sprout. And so the earliest beginnings of spring occur. This is a Sabbat of purification after the shut-in life of winter, through the renewing power of the Sun. It is also a festival of light and of fertility. Once marked in Europe with huge blazes, torches and fire in every form. Fire here represents our own illumination and inspiration as much as light and warmth.
Activities: Burn Yule greens to send winter away On imbolic eve leave buttered bread in bowl indoor for the fairies who travel with the Lady of Greenwood. Dispose of it next day
Place 3 ears of corn on the door to symbolize the triple goddess and leave there until Ostara
Light white candles and burn sandalwood
Make dream pillows
Throw open the shudders and roll up the shades. Spring is well on its way.Traditions: It is traditional upon Imbolc, at sunset or just after ritual, to light every lamp in the house - if only for a few moments. Or, light candles in each room in honor of the Sun's rebirth. If snow lies on the ground outside, walk in it for a moment, recalling the warmth of summer. With your projective hand, trace an image of the Sun on the snow. Imbolc is the traditional time to collect stones for new magick circles and for general magickal use. Foods appropriate to eat on this day include those from the dairy. Sour cream dishes are fine. Spicy and full-bodies foods in honor of the Sun are equally attuned. Curries and all dishes made with peppers, onions, leeks, shallots, garlic or chives are appropriate. Spiced wines and dishes containing raisins - all foods symbolic of the Sun are also traditional.