‘Reawakening and Initiation’

Also known as Candlemas, Oimelc, Brighid’s Day

Element: Air

The ground is still hard and the weather inclement at the start of August, but yet light is growing. Winter starts to ease and the first sprouting of seedlings are peeping out and all life is stiring. It feels like the time to make new beginnings. This is a festival of light and the origin of the name of Imbolc means “Ewes Milk” which represents the newly born lambs.

The Goddess Brighid is thought of especially now, as patroness of poets and inspiration. We see the Goddess especially as Mother and Maiden. She is Mother, having recently given birth to the Sun God. But She is also Maiden – young and vivacious as the growing year.

Imbolc is especially Feminine, and was a favourite time for initiation of Priestessess.

Things to do: Imbolc is a good time for cleansing and blessing of ritual tools and the altar. Burning of white candles and Sandalwood incense can be used for purifying the home. Make and hang Brighid’s Crosses in each room to invite the blessings of the Goddess into them.

Correspondences

Goddesses:    Virgin Goddess, Venus, Diana, Februa, Maiden, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Vesta, Gaia, Brigid, Selene and Branwen.

Gods:        Pan, Cupid and Eros.

Colours:    White, yellow, pink, red, light green, lavender, silver and brown.

Symbols:    White flowers, white candles, Brighid’s crosses and ploughs.

Essence:    Conception, initiation, insight, inspiration, creativity, mirth, renewal, dedication, breath of life, life-path, wise counsel, plan, prepare.

Purpose:    Honouring the Virgin Goddess, festival of the Maiden/Light.

Rituals:        Cleansing; purification, renewal, creative inspiration, purification, initiation, candle work, house & temple blessings, welcoming Brigid, feast of milk & bread.

Tools:        Cauldron and Besom.

Candles:    Red, pink and brown.

Animals:    Firebird, dragon, groundhog, deer, burrowing animals, ewes, robin,     sheep, lamb, other creatures waking from hibernation.

Plants:        Marigold, daffodil, birchwood and carnation.

Herbs:        Angelica, basil, bay laurel, blackberry, heather, iris, myrrh, clover, celandine, dill, willow and violets.

Incense:    Basil, bay, wisteria, cinnamon, sandalwood, violet, vanilla, jasmine, rosemary, frankincense, neroli, musk, olive, sweet pea and myrrh.

Stones:        Amethyst, bloodstone, garnet, onyx, ruby and turquoise.

Food:        Pumpkin and sunflower seeds, muffins, scones, cakes and bread, all dairy products, peppers, onions, garlic, raisins, spicy foods, honey,  poppyseed and apricots.

Drink:        Milk, spiced wine and herbal tea.