Imbolc

[meridian_rose]

Imbolc, occurring on the first or second of February, occurs at the same time as other festivals including Candlemas and Groundhog Day. The emphasis is on warmth and light and burgeoning spring, being the halfway point between Yule and the Spring Exquinox.

The Goddess Brighid [Brigid, Bride, etc] is honoured by many at this festival. She is known for healing, smith craft, and poetry. Imbolc was incorporated into the Church calendar as Candelmas and Brighid became Saint Brigid, renowned for her healing gifts; many wells and springs are named after her. About.com has an article about her Who Is Brighid and the History and Lore of Brighid's Mantle.
There's a list of other deities associated with Imbolc here

It is also a festival of milk, since Imbolc derives from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth, or are about to birth, the first offspring of the year and hence have milk to give.

With its focus on renewal Imbolc is a good time to spring clean, or begin new projects.

This post gives an overview of the history of Imbolc and the various celebrations taking place at this time: History of Imbolc

Correspondences: Brighid's cross, candles, poetry, agricultural tools, smith craft, milk, renewal, purification, fertility, yellow, pink, green, Basil, Rosemary, Bay, Oak, Strawberry.
There's also a tumblr post of Imbolc correspondences here: correspondences

Last year I shared my recipe for jam buns - this year I'll be making something different though.

Those in the Southern Hemisphere observe not Imbolc at this time but Lammas/Lughnasadh, which is the first of the harvest holidays.

Comments

[hrhrionastar.livejournal.com]

These posts are always so interesting :D I'm feeling swamped right now, and it's nice to think we're already halfway to the spring equinox. I like the longer, sunnier days :D

[meridian_rose]

Thank you :) I always try to include something a bit different each time alongside the basics which are the same. Yes, Ostara is just six weeks away, and hopefully the snow and cold will be a distant memory :)