IMBOLC

(February 2)

Also known as:

Candlemas
Oimelc

Brigid's Day
Imbolg

Lady Day
Feast of Pan

    This holiday is not common to all Pagans.  Refered to sometimes as Brigid's day, this Sabbat is very popular among the Wiccans and various Celtic sects. Brigid (pronounced Breed) is the Celtic goddess of Fire, Poetry and Healing. She is also another representation of fertility and Love.
     Bridgid had such a strong following among the Celts that the Christian church decided it was easeir to just assimilate her into thier own system, hence St.Brigit. Hand crafts are usually sacrificed to Brigid or are dedicated to her on this day. It is usually a celebration of feasting and lighting many candles. This date was also taken my the Christian church, moved back and made into the day for St.Valentine and used it as a day of chaste and love (hence Valentine's Day)! This Sabbat is the recovery of the lady from her birth of the God. It is traditionally a good time for initiation be it self, or into a coven.
     All Yule decorations must be must way by this day. To keep them is to invite bad luck. We must not cling to winter , but instead welcome the spring and the new season.

Traditional Ritual Herbs:

Myrrh &
all yellow flowers

Bay
Benzoin

Angelica
Basil

Celandine
Heather

Altar Decorations:

Crown of 13 red Candles
Sprig of Evergreen

Triple Goddess Figure
Witch's broom or Besom

Incense:

Basil

Myrhh

Wisteria

Gemstones or Jewels:

Onyx
Turquoise

Amethyst
Garnet

Sabbat Deities:

Brigid (Celtic goddess of Fire,Wisdom, Poetry, and sacred wells, she's also associated with Prophecy, Divination and Art of Healing

Aradia (Daughter of Diana, and "founder of the Witch cult on earth")

Candle Colours:

Foods:

Seeds
Poppy Seed Bread

Cakes
Herbal Teas

White
Red

Pink
Brown

Info taken from: Every Day Wicca, Gerina Dunwhich and 21st Century Wicca, J.Hunter (Both by Citadel Publishing.) Some info also from: www.witchway.net

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