February 1st or 2nd
Imbolc (Imbolg, Feast of Brigid, Feast of Lights, Oimelc, etc.) is a celebration of the rebirth of Spring, the first stirrings of life under winter's hard crust. In the Northern hemisphere where the winters are hard and frigid, Imbolc celebrates the breaking away of the ice, when icicles begin to drip, and brooks bubble merrily with snow melt. Beneath the chill soil, seeds are bursting through their hulls, and the cycle of life begins to stir again.
All life begins to stir again. The Sabbat celebrates a time of returning vigor, symbolically represented by the return of menstrual blood after recovering from birth at Yule. Old traditions include placing a crown of lighted candles upon the head of a young woman to represent this returning of vital life.
The energy of this time of year can be used even by urban dwellers to revitalize their lives: break unwanted habits, clear out clutter and have fresh space, get a fresh start on new paths or old. It's a time for accenting one's individuality and independence.
Ritual Ideas
* Melt snow for the holy water bowl, or float icicles in the water. Substitute ice cubes if you're in a temperate climate. Accentuate the symbolism of fire and ice, of rebirth sparking forth from winter's death.
* Acknowledge the return of moon blood by placing a large bowl on the altar. Use clear or frosted glass, fill with water and tint with red food coloring. Float wintry snowflake candles in the red water.
* Use a single, blessed and anointed candle on the altar at the beginning of ritual. Light all other candles from that candle.
* Read poetic passages or invocations by candlelight. Provide one white or appropriate colored candle for each person, and let them light their candle while relating stories about themselves or their experiences over the past season. They can carry the energy of that renewing fire home with them in their candles.
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