IMBOLC . .
09/26/2013 15:43
| IMBOLC . . | |||
Imbolc literally translates to "Lactation of the Ewes" If you take a look around the countryside, you should see all the new lambs as they have just been born. It is sometimes refered to as Candlemass, but I find this is a more Chritian name for it, which they thus dubbed as so many candles were used for this sabbat. It is a time to celebrate the return of the Sun God as he grows stronger in the sky with each passing day. It is the promise of the return of Spring, look around in your garden and you will see tress once again starting to bud, and the seeds that lay dormant all winter start to poke their heads out of the ground. The last grain from Samhain is usually brought into the house at this time, to be blessed by the Goddess, and then put aside to be the first seed planted at Oestara. This is the first of the Fire festivals, but in this sabbat, we see it more as a hearth fire, remember it is still cold outside, the frosts are not quite over. We gather around the fireplace, where we light lots of candles in honour of the goddess (in her maiden guise), and ask that she watch over us and give us her blessings for the coming year. It is a time to recommit to your path, a time of divination to see what may lay ahead. Imbolc is usually celebrated on the 1st August, and our Northern Friends celebrate it on February 2nd. It is traditionally celebrated in America as Groundhog Day, which is where if the Groundhog comes out, it fortells an early spring, If it does not, then 6 more weeks of winter are to come. Colours: White, Lavender, Silver, Light Yellow, Green Herbes: Jasmine, Lotus, Gardenia, Rose, Basil, Violets, Myrrh, Angelica, Bay, Wisteria Foods: Sunflower seeds, Poppy seed cakes, Breads, Dairy products, Peppers, Wine, Tea Deities: Brigid, Persephone, Demeter, Hagia, Sophia, Juno Februata. Symbols: Candles, bread, corn dollies, spring flowers, seeds, poetry. |
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