I recently decided to to take up "blogging". To be more honest, I considered it some time ago and never followed through. I don't know anything about it, but I wanted to share what little, growing knowledge I have of old, traditional way and so now I'm taking it up! This is my first blog, so bear with me!
I am a Pagan Witch who does my best to find time to perform ritualistic ceremonies, utilize herbs in ways or healing and creativity, and honor the Sabbats. What are Sabbats, you might ask? That, friends, is the topic of this entry- or more specifically- Imbolc.
Sabbats are the annual cycle of seasonal celebrations, or Pagan holidays, as it were! In fact, most secular holidays celebrated today are derived from Wheel of the Year, or Cycle of Sabbats. The eight magical festivals hosted throughout the year are celebrated on solstices, equinoxes, and Cross- Quarter mid ways between the two. Each one is focused on a stage of life, as in birth, growth in a variety of manners, and death. Imbolc is the first Cross- Quarter celebration, and is centered much around birth.
At the beginning of February we proclaim the recovery of the Goddess after birthing the God (at Yule)! Oimelc (EE-melk), as some call it, means "ewes milk", and Imbolc means "in the belly", clearly referring to this as a celebration of the beginning of life, when so much is happening that we can not see. The sun showers light on us for longer each day and the earth begins to reawaken, showing perhaps, the first signs of spring. Imbolc is 'The Feast of Waxing Light', and was once welcomed with blazing torches, candles, and fire of all kinds! Tradition holds now, just after sun down, light every lamp in the home, or burn a candle in each room. There are infinite ways to honor the suns rebirth, and being witch often means finding your own way, so I encourage you to get creative!
Imbolc is a time for purification and initiations. After the long drab of winter when many of us are shut it there is much need for clearing of space and rejuvenation of spirit! As with any purification ritual, physical cleansing is often in order. Imbolc is the perfect time to do some ritualistic sweeping to "make room for new", or to actually do some tiding up around the house for new endeavors! If you haven't already, come up with some new projects or aspirations for spring time, as it has always been a time of inspiration and fertility.
Opposite of the mens festival, lughnasadh, Oimelc is a time to celebrate womens mysteries, rites of passage into womanhood, midwifery, herbal healing, and sisterhood. Imbolc is also often called Brigantia and dedicated to the Irish goddess of fertility and fire! In old times it was said that Brigid would visit the home at Imbolc, and it was customary to make 'Brigid dolls' and a bed for her, in order to receive her blessing. Many people still make Brigid dolls and Brigid Crosses today. If your looking for ways to celebrate Imbolc these are simple ways you can honor the Goddess, but however you choose to celebrate be sure to light as many candles as you can! Invite your friends over and share poetry or goals for the coming of spring, or do a solitary ritual to purify your home and get inspired! Blessed Be!
Herbs to use at Imbolc
Angelica, Basil, Bay, Benzoin, Celandine, Heather, Myrrh, Snowdrop, rowan, the first flower of the year.
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