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CANDLEMAS

Imbolc, Oimelc, Imbolg, Festival of Bridgit, Festival of Bride (pro. 'Breed')

This is the holiday that normal celebrates the banishing of the winter and the presence of fertility. At 'Imbolg" the spark of light born at Yule becomes a flame to warm the people of the land. We now see the first signs of spring and birth. The word 'Imbolg' means "in the belly", while 'Oimelc' means "ewe's milk", both refering to the first impregnations and births. The Earth is made pregnant with the promise of summer fruitfulness and the harvest to come.

Some faiths consider this Sabbat the time the Goddess casts aside the robes of the Wise One and returns as the Maiden, dressed in white. In ancient Rome this was a festival of Pan and the priests of Pan, called Luperci, who would run through the streets dressed in goatskin cloth whipping the people, especially women, to make them fertile for the coming year. In many parts of the British Isles you can find wells dedicated to Bride of St. Brdget. Originally these would have been associated with the Goddess. If you are lucky enough to live near one or able to visit, look for a nearby tree with scraps of fabric tied to its branches. This will be a 'wishing tree'. The festival held by some faiths is the first rite of spring where the dark of winter is behind and now the Goddess takes on the robes of the Maiden while the God is seen as a young man.




TIMES

February 2nd



DECORATION

* Lavender & White Candles
* New Beddings, Curtains, Tablecloths, Placemats, Sofa Pillows, and other fixtures
* Decorations made with bulbs and seed (artificial if desired to preserve).



ACTIVITIES

* Plant bulbs and seeds.
* Buy a new houseplant to nurture and care for.
* Choose a suitable tree in your yard to be your own, to watch it change through the seasons and be your link to the Wheel of the Year. If you have already done this, sit near your tree to reflect and dream of new ventures.
* Burn Lavender & White Candles
* Read about trees and herbs.



FOOD & DRINK

* Edible Seeds
* Milk (Try toasting with Soy Milk if you are Lactose Intolerant)



CANDLEMAS RITUALS

Solitaire Pagan/Wiccan Ritual for Imbolg

by Kate West

Find some time and a place where you will be undisturbed. Take a black or dark red candle to represent the Goddess as Wise One and a white one to represent her as Maiden. Call upon the elements and the Goddess and God to be with you.
Light the dark candle and say, "This light is the light of the Crons, the Wise One who has ruled over the winter months, the resting time." Spend a few moments thinking of all the has passed since your celebration of Samhain, especially of what you have learned in this time. Next say, "Now it is time for the Crone to turn away and become once more the Maiden, Lady of Spring and of promise." Light the white candle and extinguish the dark one.
Now spend a little time thinking about what you would like to begin in this new season. Thank the elements and the Goddess and the God for their presence during your rites. An alternative to this ritual would be to take some ice, a large piece if possible, and, taking it in your strong hand hold it over a bowl and say, "This represents the Crone, Lady of Winter, of the time when the land is still and resting. But as winter's thaw begins, so the Lady casts off her robes of stillness and becomes once more the Maiden. Full of movement, like the cool waters of spring, she flows once more to bring life and hope to all the land."
Once the ice has fully melted, keep the resulting water to put on your favourtie plant, either indoors or in the garden. Please wait until the water has reached a reasonable temperature before you do this, otherwise you will freeze the poor thing's roots!