Imbolc / Candlemas / St. Brigid’s Day

Introduction

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• Imbolc / Imbolg is also known as Candlemas, St. Brigid’s Day and the Feast of Brigid.
• Imbolc is pronounced “EE-molc” or “IM-olk” and means “in the belly” to refer to the pregnancy of ewes. (source)
• It is one of four traditional Gaelic seasonal (“fire”) festivals.
• Held halfway between winter solstice (yule) and spring equinox (ostara), Imbolc marks the beginning of spring and the beginning of the agricultural year.
• It also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Crone to Maiden.

Theme Ideas

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• Ritual
• Regeneration, renewal
• Light
• Spiritual purification / tapas
• Signs of Spring
• Symbols: Lighting candles, lamps or fires; white flowers, sheep’s milk; livestock

FOR THREE NIGHTS, LIGHT A CANDLE AT THE SAME HOUR

Imbolc/Candlemas [is] the pagan root for our Superbowl parties in the US.  We want our pleasure endorphins released in a festive communal way, so that with happier hearts, we can skip through the remaining weeks of winter… Brigid, the Celtic goddess of passion, poetry, inspiration and spring is often honored now.  If you’re so called, you can reach out to her anytime [within the month] to be sure to nourish your spring with her blessings.  For three successive nights, light a small candle at the same hour. Focused internally on your heart, recite Brigid’s prayer [prayer is in link – or substitute another prayer of choice]. When the poem is complete, close your eyes and wait to be touched by the goddess. – DanaGerhardt