Imbolc

This is one of the most beautiful of all the Sabbats honoured by Witches and Pagans, celebrating the return of the Goddess in her Maiden aspect, and the return of spring out of the winter's darkness. . Even the more common religions of this country today still honour this ancient festival of light in the form of "Candlemas."

The Goddess of this time is an already pregnant Maiden, her belly swollen with the life of the spring, and the God, that will soon arrive. The word "Imbolc" itself means "in milk," signifying that the Goddess' breasts are beginning to ready for nursing. The Celts especially honoured the Goddess Brigid at this time, and this aspect of the Goddess has been retained even in Catholic churches in the form of St. Brigid, whose feast is celebrated on February 1st. St. Brigid, in Catholic tradition, was the alleged midwife to the Virgin Mary, again showing Her status as a fertility deity. Traditions for this Sabbat are little changed from centuries ago. At the start of the Sabbat evening, Pagan households darken all lights, blow out all candles, and spend a moment in darkness, symbolic of the darkness of death and winter. With great ceremony, new candles are lit and carried, amid song and laughter, into each room of the household, bringing the new lights of spring and the Goddess within. Other rituals include having a priestess represent the Goddess by wearing a wreath or crown of lights or candles on her head, as the aspect of Spring Herself!

Because of the Celtic influence, Bride's Beds are made by many Pagans and Witches, of various traditions. The Corn Dolly or Corn Mother saved at Lammas is brought from Her resting place and decorated with flowers, lace, and white roses which honour Brigid and the Maiden, and ceremoniously placed in a "bed" or basket in front of the family altar.

Altars at this time are typically decorated with white roses or other white flowers, lace, ribbons, strings of beads, and many candles. Sabbat feasts usually include some type of corn meal bread or other type of sweet breads, honey milk, salmon or other fish, and cream puffs or other desserts made with milk and sugar.

As the Wheel turns to Imbolc, may the growing light of Spring and the Goddess burn in your hearts, and may Witches and Pagans everywhere look with joy on the coming year!