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Joined: Apr 2006
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Location: Durant Iowa
Karma: 2 |  | Eight Sabbats Class: Imbolc
« Thread Started on Oct 6, 2006, 7:38pm » | |
This week we're looking at the first Sabbat of the calendar year, Imbolc. Spring is just starting to show itself, and the miracle of renewed fertility is celebrated.
The Meaning of Imbolc
Why do we celebrate?
Imbolc is celebrated on February 2nd, and is also known as Candlemas. Another name is Oimelc, which means "ewe's milk" and refers to the pregnant sheep coming into milk at this time of year.
Celebrations at Imbolc are performed to welcome back the sun, which is slowly but surely making a comeback. Days are noticeably longer now, and people were anxious for spring to return in full force. Lighting candles and fires is the most common activity for the day.
February 2nd is also Groundhog Day, which many have speculated arose from some of the Pagan practices surrounding Imbolc. With spring on the horizon, weather prediction was a common rite at this time.
Both the God and Goddess are young in the Spring, and symbolize new life and new beginnings.
Imbolc is a special holiday, sacred to the Celtic Goddess, Brigid. One common rite of the past is for a young girl dressed as the virgin Goddess to proceed through the village wearing a circle of candles on her head. Love for Brigid was so strong that the Church was forced to recognize her, though the Catholics turned her into St. Brigit. And Imbolc became St. Brigit's Day.
Some Imbolc Traditions
Things to Do
Light Candles - To celebrate the returning light and warmth of spring, light a candle in every room.
Make Grain or Corn Dollies - Rough dolls were made from sheaves of corn, grain or straw, and dressed to represent the Goddess in her maiden (Spring) aspect. These dolls would be kept in a bed of some kind, as the young Goddess awaits her husband (who will come to her at Beltane). These grain dolls would often be decorated to match the upcoming summer holidays.
Weather Prediction - You don't need to watch for a groundhog. Try some divination of your own to see how much longer winter will be around.
Symbolc
Things seen at Imbolc
Colors - White, yellow, pink
Herbs - Rosemary, clover,
Oils/Incense - Jasmine, neroli, carnation
Other Symbols - Candles, grain dolly
Related Festivals
Other Celebrations
Groundhog Day - A rather non-religious holiday where the end of winter is predicted based on whether or not a groundhog sees his shadow. Original weather prediction involved watching the shadow of a hedgehog. When the practice migrated to North America, it was changed to suit the local wildlife.
St. Brigit's Day - The Catholic version of Imbolc, as mentioned above.
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DarkRose
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The Dark Rose can only be pricked with her own thorns if she doesn't slow down and look where she is grasping lifes stem. |
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