Imbolc

[meridian_rose]

Magickal Graphics


Imbolc, also known/celebrated as Imbolg, Oimelc, Candlemas, (St) Brigid's Day, Groundhog Day, and the Festival of Nut, takes place on or near the 1st/2nd of February and is a festival marking a cross-quarter day in the wheel of the year, heralding the first signs of spring.

It is a festival particularly associated with Brighid(Brigit, Bride, or Brigid), goddess of healing, smith craft, and poetry. She was Christianised as St Brigid of Kildare.

"Brighid's Kiss - LaLugh" (Watch on YouTube)

(previously posted with the lyrics, here)

Imbolc is a festival associated with candles, milk, new beginnings, and poetry.

There's a longer list of correspondences here.
It's a time for blessing candles, seeing hope that winter will end, writing poetry, and cleansing.

This article gives some background about the history of Imbolc and some of the other festivals taking place at this time.

Lupercalia is also celebrated in February. Named for the She-Wolf who suckled Romulus and Remus it too is focused on cleansing in preparation for spring.

In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the time of Lammas.

Links/Further Readings
Previous Imbolc posts
Brigit of Kildare
Imbolc
Lupercalia
Imbolc History

Comments

[silk_dragon_zen]

Thanks for the links. I was wondering about this earlier this week but hadn't got around to looking it up.

[meridian_rose]

You're welcome, and thank you for commenting :) I make posts for each of the neo-pagan sabbats/festivals that gather together some background information, and often include new articles, personal stories, or maybe a recipe or a photo.

[silk_dragon_zen]

Awesome, I look forward to future posts. :) (smilie)