Imbolc

Feb. 2

       Imbolc, also known as Feast of Torches, Lady Day, Candlemas, Oimlec, Lupercalia, feast of Pan, Snowdrop Festival, Feast of the Waxing Light, Brigid's Day (Brides day), etc.  marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God. It is a Fir Festival celebrating the coming of spring.  The warmth fertilizes the Earth (the Goddess), causes seeds to germinate and sprout.  And so the earliest beginnings of Spring occur. This is a sabbat of purification, new beginnings, initiations (of covens, and self-dedication rituals), warmth and light. Wiccans sometimes wear crowns of 13 candles on their heads, sweep the circle with a besom (symbol of "sweeping out the old"), and have torchlight processions to purify and fertilize the feilds before the seed-planting season and honor the various associated deities and spirits.

Incense: Basil, Myrrh, Wisteria

Stones/Gems: amethyst, garnet, onyx, turquoise

Dieties: The Goddess in her Maiden aspect, Brigid (Celtic Goddess of fire, wisdom, poetry, and sacred wells; also a deity associated with prophecy, divination, and the ats of healing), and Aradia (the daughter of Diana, and "founder of the Witch cult on Earth")

Candles: brown, pink, red, white

Herbs: angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, celandine, heather, myrrh, and all yellow flowers

Foods: foods that rep. growth, such as seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, etc.), poppyseed breads & cakes, and herbal teas

Decorations: crown of 13 candles,  a sprig of evergreen, a besom (Witch's broom), a small statue or figurine representting the Triple Goddess in Her aspect of the maiden, & seeds.

Colors: brown, pink, red, white

Rituals

Candlemas Sabbat- "Wicca Craft"  Gerina Dunwich

Imbolc- "Wicca; A Guide For the Solitary Practitioner"  Scott Cunningham

Imbolc Sabbat- "Green Witchcraft" Ann Moura