The Sabbath of Imbolc

Imbolc Shona Daoibh - Happy Imbolc

Imbolc originates from the Celts and symbolises a cross quarter day on the Celtic Wheel of the Year. It is the halfway point between winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara). The word Imbolc means in the belly of Mother Earth. It is he quickening, the celebration of the end of winter. It is a time to give thanks for the growing daylight. The warmth of the growing sun begins to activate seeds deep within the Earth to germinate and sprout, with the quickening pace of life emerging. Imbolc is also known as Saint Brigid’s Day, Candlemass, feast of Torches, Feast of Pan and Oimelc.

The Goddess Brigid

Brigid or Bride was the daughter of the Dagda, the oldest god in the Celtic pantheon Tuatha du Danann. She was the patroness of healing poetry and smithcraft. A triple goddess and a solar deity. Her skills are all those associated with fire. Her attributes are light and inspiration. She is the benefactress of inner healing and vital energy. She was and continues to be known by many names; Bride, Bridey, Bridghid, Brigit, Briggida and Brigantia. I shall refer to her is Brigid. She was the lady of the Sacred Flame.

 https://thegoddesscircle.net/visionary-writing/brigid-lady-sacred-flame

Brigid is also known as the Mistress of the Mantle, she represents the virgin aspect of the Great Goddess. Her totemic animals are the cow and the ewe. By Imbolc these animals would have birthed their young and be lactating. Milk was sacred food to the Celts and was valued for its purity and nourishment. The cow was symbolic of the sacredness of motherhood. Brigid was honoured as the Great Mother. She also has correspondences with the rooster; herald of the new day, and the snake; symbol of regeneration.

The Return of the Light

The significance of Imbolc is the harbinger and indication of better times to come following the colder months. A celebration of The Return of the Light. In ancient pre-Christian times, in the British Isles, Imbolc observance was marked by preparing for a visit into their homes by crafting an effigy of the goddess from bundles of oats and rushes. This is known as a ‘brideog’ and is placed in a basket by the hearth. A time to light candles and welcome Brigid into your home to bless your hearth. In the Northern Hemisphere Imbolc is celebrated on February 1st or 2nd. https://druidry.org/druid-way/teaching-and-practice/druid-festivals/imbolc

Southern Hemisphere Festivities

In the Southern Hemisphere we celebrate on the 1st or 2nd of August. The colours of Imbolc burst forth: green for new life with eucalyptus and tree ferns sprouting fresh new greenery. Gold for fire; wattle flowers begin blooming and our forests are bright with golden flowers. Until fairly recently the first of August was “Wattle Day” in Australia (it has since been moved to the first day of September. Purple/blue hues for protection: native violet viola hederacea put forth buds; and white for purity: the majestic King Orchid dendrobium speciosum v grandiflorum is in blossom. The quickening signifies the emergence of butterflies and the arrival of whales on the east coast and eels in the rivers. Dingo pups are being born, turtles and snakes lay their eggs.

It is the season to embrace the new. I believe the kookaburra is a totem for Brigid in the Southern Hemisphere as the bird heralds the new day. It is a time to light candles, plant seeds and set your intentions to lay the groundwork for the summer harvest. If you have a besom broom it’s a great time to cleanse your space. You could also try a spring cleanse.

Bright Blessings of hope and renewal.

Cath

Clan Mother for the Merciful One

Image: The Coming of Bride (1917) by John Duncan