Imbolc celebrates the banishing of winter and welcoming of spring. The name Imbolc, derived from Gaelic, means "ewe's milk" after the lactating sheep that are feeding their first born lambs of the new season. At the time of Imbolc, the newborn Sun God is seen as a small child nursing from his Mother. Imbolc is a time to sweep away the cold past and nuture new beginnings. This Sabbat also represents growth and is a good time to get your life in order, whether mentally, physically, spiritually or emotionally. Rituals may be performed for fertility, protection, and aid in defining and focusing on desires for the future.
Some traditional activities during Imbolc (also known as Candlemas) include: placing lit candles in each room on Imbolc eve, gathering stones, searching for signs of spring and learning about alternative healing techinques.
A Candlemas Poem
Night of lit white candles
Darkness turned into light
"Everything She touches changes"
Feast of waxing flame
Fire of heart and hearth
Fire on the mind
Flickering of spark
Quickening of air
Warming into inspiration
Thawing in Her innocence
Snow into desire.
"She shines for all of us
-She burns within us all"
Spiral heat of life
"She shines for all of us
-within us all She burns"
The fires to create
"She shines in all of us
-She burns us all within"
Awakening, arising is Her need
"She shines for all of us
-She burns within us all"
Her candle is our only source.
HERBS:
Angelica, Basil, Bay, Heather, Myrrh, Evergreens, Clover, Willow trees, Dill, & all yellow flowers
FOODS:
Seeds of Pumpkin, Sesame, and Sunflower; Poppyseed Bread, Cakes, Muffins, Dairy, Sour Cream dishes, Poultry, Pork or Lamb, Spicy dishes made with Peppers, Onions, Leeks, Garlic or Chives; Herbal teas, Spicy wines, Honey, and Raisins
COLORS:
White, Yellow, Pink, Red, Light Blue, Light Green, and Brown
STONES:
Amethyst, Garnet, Onyx, and Turquoise
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