Imbolc Lore and Information, Correspondences

Wiccan, Pagan and Witchcraft Holidays.

Imbolc Lore
(February 2nd)
  Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), celebrated at the first stirrings of Spring is a dual festival, the promise of the end of winter, and also the recovery of the Goddess after birthing the God at Yule. Other names include Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g), by the Druids, Imbolgc Brigantia (Caledonni), Imbolic (Celtic), Disting (Teutonic, Feb 14th), Lupercus (Strega), St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Candlemas, Candlelaria (Mexican), the Snowdrop Festival. The Festival of Lights, or the Feast of the Virgin. All Virgin and Maiden Goddesses are honored at this time.  The name Imbolc is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk" or "in milk" as tis the time when Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders.

     It is the considered the beginning of Spring, a time of Blessings of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools for the coming growing season. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places the first Crocus and Daffodil flowers begin to spring forth from the frozen earth.

     The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat.  In Ancient Pagan times Straw Brideo'gas (corn dollies) were created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carried the Brideo'gas door to door, and gifts were bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women made special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth were examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen.

     Brighid's Crosses were fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year, and even until the beginning of the 20th century folk in outlying areas of Scotland celebrated by creating a Bride's Bed, dedicated to St Bridget (the Christianized version of the Pagan Brighid) covered with flowers. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom (traditional broomstick) is placed by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun, and it is customary to put every light in the house on for a few minutes. Some Wiccan traditions favor this as a day for initiations into the Craft, symbolizing the New Beginning.


Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg,
("IM-mol'g), by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is
derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals
have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs
are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It
is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools.
It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival
of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare
for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth
Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many
places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.

The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat. Straw Brideo'gas (corn
dollies) are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with
white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo'gas door to door,
and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the
traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies
to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if
the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned
from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in
the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is
place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the
new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the
re-birth of the Sun.

Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is
the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A
decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children
following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the
household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other
areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the "water of life" is
poured over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the
newly turned furrows as offerings to the nature spirits. It is considered
taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.

Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Imbolgc Brigantia
(Caledonni), Imbolic (Celtic), Disting (Teutonic, Feb 14th), Lupercus
(Strega), St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Candlemas, Candlelaria (Mexican),
the Snowdrop Festival. The Festival of Lights, or the Feast of the Virgin.
All Virgin and Maiden Goddesses are honored at this time.

Deities of Imbolc:
All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and
Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus.

Symbolism of Imbolc:
Purity, Growth and Re-Newal, The Re-Union of the Goddess and the God,
Fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new.

Symbols of Imbolc:
Brideo'gas, Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid's Crosses, Priapic
Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs.

Herbs of Imbolc:
Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather,
Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.

Foods of Imbolc:
Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and
breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines
and Herbal Teas.

Incense of Imbolc:
Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.

Colors of Imbolc:
White, Pink, Red, Yellow, lt. Green, Brown.

Stones of Imbolc:
Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.

Activities of Imbolc:
Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of
Spring, Making of Brideo'gas and Bride's Beds, Making Priapic Wands,
Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit.

Altar Decorations: A crown of 13 red candles, sprig of evergreen, witch's broom, a small statue or figurine of the Goddess in Her Maiden aspect

Incense: Basil, myrrh, wisteria

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Gems of Imbolc

JANUARY - Garnet

According to traditional beliefs, it protects the wearer against lightening. It is considered a truth stone; one which allows for consistency and faith. If your convictions are on tumulous ground, try visualizing yourself surrounded by the garnet. Allow light to pour through it into your being to give strength to your foundations and illuminate the shadows. Carry this stone in a medicine pouch to encourage honesty with self, or make it the center of a wreath to help protect your home against storm.

FEBRUARY - Amethyst

A good dreaming stone, it was also thought to bring peace of mind and aid a sense of humor. Place it under your pillow to bring a pleasant night's sleep, or give it to a loved one as a symbol of keeping your union alive. If you happen to enjoy drinking now and again, you may wish to have an amethyst mounted on your cup, as wive's tales claim it keeps you from drunkenness

MARCH - Aquamarine, Bloodstone

Stones of protection, cleansing, and motivation, use any time you seem to need incentive. Place one under your pillow to bring visionary dreams, or give it as a gift, signifying long life and health.Alternatively, leave it on top of any project that yOu have been putting off as a gentle reminder to keep you going.

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Sun Signs for Imbolc

 

Capricorn

Flower: Tulip

December 22 - January 19

PERSONAL QUALITIES:   practical, industrious, cautious, dependable

                                                      Loyal, staunch, ambitious, determined, honest

                                                      Self-controlled, image conscious, loner.

NEGATIVE TRAITS:               Pessimistic, Fatalistic, Miserly, Grudging,

                                                     Over – conventional.

CHINESE ANIMAL SIGN: ox, dragon, sheep, dog

ELEMENT: earth

DUALITY: Feminine

TRIPLICITY: Earth

QUALITY: Cardinal

RULING PLANET: Saturn

SYMBOL: The Goat, Cornocopia ( horn of plenty)

TAROT CARD: The devil.

Lucky day: Saturday

DEITY: Oannes. ( Babylonian god of wisdom, art and science), Pan.

DOMINANT KEYWORD: I Use

LUCKY NUMBERS: 7

LUCKY DAY: Saturday

BIRTHSTONE: Garnet, Onyx  Hematite.

SPECIAL COLOR: Dark Green & Brown

CITIES: Oxford, Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Montreal

COUNTRIES: Mexico, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, India

TREES: Pine, Elm, Poplar Yew, Aspen, Evergreens.

FLOWERS: Carnation Ivy Comfrey, Hemlock, Henbane, Belladonna, Camellia, Gardenia, Pansy.

Capricorns should: Learn to let their hair down, make a point of telling those they love how                      much they are loved.

Capricorns shouldn’t: put work before emotion needs or be as insensitive to others faults.

 METAL: Lead

Ailments

Arthritis, rheumatism, skin complaints, knee injuries, bone diseases, depression, eczema

ANIMALS YOU RULE: Goats, animals with cloven hooves, Serpent, Toad, Vole.

 

Aquarius

Flower: Carnation

January 20 - February 18

PERSONAL QUALITIES: democratic, humanitarian, eccentric, independent, 

                                              Rebellious, inventive, intelligent, lively, witty.

  NEGATIVE TRAITS:      Emotionally detached, erratic, scheming, Selfish, Highly strung.

CHINESE ANIMAL SIGN: Snake, horse.

DUALITY: Masculine

TRIPLICITY: Air

QUALITY: Fixed

RULING PLANET: Uranus

SYMBOL: The Water bearer

TAROT CRAD:The sword.

LUCKY DAY  Saturday

DEITY: Horus.

DOMINANT KEYWORD: I Know

LUCKY NUMBERS: 6

LUCKY DAY: Wednesday

BIRTHSTONE: Amethyst, aqua-marine.

SPECIAL COLOR: Electric Blue

CITIES: Stockholm, Moscow, Buenos Aires, Salzburg

COUNTRIES: Russia, Sweden, Ethiopia

TREES: Fruit trees

FLOWERS: Orchid, snow drop, sorrel, olive, ginger, mint, garlic, daffodil, foxglove.

METAL: Uranium, aluminium.

Ailments   Injuries to lower legs, ankle problems, poor circulation, varicose veins, blood disorders,     nervous disorders, sheer lack of sleep.

Aquarians should: apologize when in wrong, avoid coming across as too detached.

Aquarians shouldn’t: be afraid of their feelings, automatically assume partners will tolerate an open relationship.

ANIMALS YOU RULE: Large birds, owl, crow, eel, green dragon.

East West Astrology by Lori Reid, published by Element.1999

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Animals of Imbolc

Owl, snake, sheep, wolves, bears, stags, eagle, raven.

Owl

Owls symbolize wisdom, the ability to see things that are hidden, stealth, swiftness, darkness, freedom, dreams, shape-shifting, secrets, omens, clairvoyance, astral projection, magick, deception, observation, total truth, night, death and misfortune. They are connected to the Underworld and the Moon. They are connected to The Goddess in general, as well as Athena, Mari, Lilith, Anath, Gwynn ap Nudd, Blodeuwedd, Yama and Cailleach. Barn Owl: Barn owls are the ones who see without seeing and hear without hearing; the ones who can hear what is not spoken and ones that see things without physical sight

Stealth 

Secrecy 

Silent and swift movement 

Seeing behind masks 

Keen sight 

Messenger of secrets and omens 

Shape-shifting 

Link between the dark, unseen world and the world of light 

Comfort with shadow self 

Moon magick 

Freedom 

 

Snake

Snakes symbolize knowledge, change, creation, wisdom, secrets, mystery, reincarnation, immortality, sexuality, reproduction, the element of Fire, duality, solar/lunar, good/evil, healing/poison, life/death/rebirth. They are an early symbol of the Great Mother Goddesses. They are connected to Isis, Thoth, Apep, Hermes, Sabazius, Bel, Ra, Ahriamn, Mithras, Kadi, Kadru, Akkadian Ninhursag, Atargatis, Syria, Asclepias, Hygeia, Persephone, Apollo, Hera, Athene, Hecate, Gaea, Domovoj, Shakti, Ananta, Susanoo, Uga-Jin, Nu Kua, Fu Xi, Brigit, Quetzalcoatl, Kulkulcan, Coatlicue, Coyolxauhqui, Huitzilopochtli and Julungghul

Messanger of the Rainbow Serpent 

Elusiveness 

Manipulates lightning 

Transmutation 

Exploration of the mysteries of life 

Primitive or elemental energy 

Protection from religious persecution 

Goddess energy 

Psychic energy 

Creative power 

Immortality 

Connection to or forms the magic cord by which the shaman travels to the soul world 

Sheep/Ram/Ewe's Wisdom Includes: 

Maintaining balance in dangerous situations 

Confidence in ones abilities 

Fertility 

Courage needed to maintain balance 

New beginnings 

Abundance 

Wolf

Wolves symbolize family, teaching, co-operation, insight, stealth, strength, leadership, loyalty, freedom, individuality, psychic energy connected to the moon (hidden wisdom), sharing knowledge and wisdom, cunning, hunting, seeking, introspection, listening, magick, dreams, They are connection to the moon and to Wepwawet, Zeus Lycaeus, Apollo, Ares, Mars, Silvanus, Cernunnos and Odhinn.

Facing the end of one's cycle with dignity and courage 

Death and rebirth 

Spirit teaching 

Guidance in dreams and meditations 

Instinct linked with intelligence 

Social and familial values 

Outwitting enemies 

Ability to pass unseen 

Steadfastness 

Skill in protection of self and family 

Taking advantage of change

 

Bear

Bears symbolize healing, divinity, invulnerability, spirit helper, protection, introspection, truth, female receptive energy, prophesy, stamina, harmony, patience, defense, revenge, transformation, intuition, answers from the Dreamworld, benevolence, strength and bravery. They are connected to Artemis, Zeus, Callisto, Dea Artia, Thor, Odhinn, Freya, and Norse lunar water goddesses.

Introspection 

Healing 

Solitude 

Change 

Communication with Spirit 

Death and rebirth 

Transformation 

Astral travel 

Creature of dreams, shamans and mystics 

Visionaries 

Defense and revenge 

Wisdom 

Stag/deer

Deer symbolize gentleness, grace, swiftness, abundance, intuition, introspection, alternative paths to a goal, messages from guides, love, safety, serenity, sun, fertility and the warrior aspect (stag). They are connected to Artemis, Aphrodite, Athene, Diana, Elaphaia, Dionysus, Apollo, Vayu, Lu-Hsing, Cernunnos, Cocidius and Shou-Hsien.

 

Eagle

Eagles symbolize nobility, clarity of vision, balance between the spirit world and everyday life, the ability to soar above everyday life, lightning, rising above material in search of spiritual, connecting with the spirit world, helpful rain, the warrior spirit, fearlessness, keen vision, war, freedom, majesty, authority, strength, victory and courage. They have a connection to the divine and to the Sun, as well as to Air, Fire and Spirit. They are connected to Ninurta, Marduk, Asshur, Pan, Zeus, Indra, Vishnu, Mithras and Ohdinn

 

swiftness 

Strength 

Courage 

Wisdom 

Keen sight 

Illumination of Spirit 

Healing 

Creation 

Knowledge of magick 

Ability to see hidden spiritual truths 

Rising above the material to see the spiritual 

Ability to see the overall pattern 

Connection to spirit guides and teachers 

Great power and balance 

Dignity with grace 

Ability to see the "big picture" 

Connection with higher truths 

Intuitive and creative spirit 

Respect for the boundaries of the regions 

Grace achieved through knowledge and hard 

 

Raven

Ravens symbolize magick, inner fears, the spirit world, a change in consciousness, healing, dispelling "dis-ease," the unknown, mischieviousness, adabtability, intelligence, ingenuity, death, war, bloodshed, battle, divination and the destruction required for creation. They are the messengers of the spirit world. They are connected to the Crone, the Sun, and to Odin, Apollo, Athene, Cronus, Asclepias, Brahma, Morrigan, Babd, Nantosuelta and Lugh.

Rebirth without fear 

Ability to tear down what needs to be rebuilt 

Renewal 

Ability to find light in darkness 

Courage of self-reflection 

Introspection 

Comfort with self 

Honoring ancestors 

Connection to the Crone 

Divination 

Change in consciousness 

New occurrences 

Eloquence 

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Candlemas - The Light Returns

by Mike Nichols

It seems quite impossible that the holiday of Candlemas should be

considered the beginning of Spring. Here in the Heartland, February 2nd

may see a blanket of snow mantling the Mother. Or, if the snows have gone,

you may be sure the days are filled with drizzle, slush, and steel-grey

skies -- the dreariest weather of the year. In short, the perfect time for

a Pagan Festival of Lights. And as for Spring, although this may seem a

tenuous beginning, all the little buds, flowers and leaves will have

arrived on schedule before Spring runs its course to Beltane.

'Candlemas' is the Christianized name for the holiday, of course. The

older Pagan names were Imbolc and Oimelc. 'Imbolc' means, literally, 'in

the belly' (of the Mother). For in the womb of Mother Earth, hidden from

our mundane sight but sensed by a keener vision, there are stirrings. The

seed that was planted in her womb at the solstice is quickening and the

new year grows. 'Oimelc' means 'milk of ewes', for it is also lambing

season.

The holiday is also called 'Brigit's Day', in honor of the great Irish

Goddess Brigit. At her shrine, the ancient Irish capitol of Kildare, a

group of 19 priestesses (no men allowed) kept a perpetual flame burning in

her honor. She was considered a goddess of fire, patroness of smithcraft,

poetry and healing (especially the healing touch of midwifery). This

tripartite symbolism was occasionally expressed by saying that Brigit had

two sisters, also named Brigit. (Incidentally, another form of the name

Brigit is Bride, and it is thus She bestows her special patronage on any

woman about to be married or handfasted, the woman being called 'bride' in

her honor.)

The Roman Catholic Church could not very easily call the Great Goddess of

Ireland a demon, so they canonized her instead. Henceforth, she would be

'Saint' Brigit, patron saint of smithcraft, poetry, and healing. They

'explained' this by telling the Irish peasants that Brigit was 'really' an

early Christian missionary sent to the Emerald Isle, and that the miracles

she performed there 'misled' the common people into believing that she was

a goddess. For some reason, the Irish swallowed this. (There is no limit

to what the Irish imagination can convince itself of. For example, they

also came to believe that Brigit was the 'foster-mother' of Jesus, giving

no thought to the implausibility of Jesus having spent his boyhood in

Ireland!)

Brigit's holiday was chiefly marked by the kindling of sacred fires, since

she symbolized the fire of birth and healing, the fire of the forge, and

the fire of poetic inspiration. Bonfires were lighted on the beacon tors,

and chandlers celebrated their special holiday. The Roman Church was quick

to confiscate this symbolism as well, using 'Candlemas' as the day to

bless all the church candles that would be used for the coming liturgical

year. (Catholics will be reminded that the following day, St. Blaise's

Day, is remembered for using the newly-blessed candles to bless the

throats of parishioners, keeping them from colds, flu, sore throats, etc.)

The Catholic Church, never one to refrain from piling holiday upon

holiday, also called it the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed

Virgin Mary. (It is surprising how many of the old Pagan holidays were

converted to Maryan Feasts.) The symbol of the Purification may seem a

little obscure to modern readers, but it has to do with the old custom of

'churching women'. It was believed that women were impure for six weeks

after giving birth. And since Mary gave birth at the winter solstice, she

wouldn't be purified until February 2nd. In Pagan symbolism, this might be

re-translated as when the Great Mother once again becomes the Young Maiden

Goddess.

Today, this holiday is chiefly connected to weather lore. Even our

American folk-calendar keeps the tradition of 'Groundhog's Day', a day to

predict the coming weather, telling us that if the Groundhog sees his

shadow, there will be 'six more weeks' of bad weather (i.e., until the

next old holiday, Lady Day). This custom is ancient. An old British rhyme

tells us that 'If Candlemas Day be bright and clear, there'll be two

winters in the year.' Actually, all of the cross-quarter days can be used

as 'inverse' weather predictors, whereas the quarter-days are used as

'direct' weather predictors.

Like the other High Holidays or Great Sabbats of the Witches' year,

Candlemas is sometimes celebrated on it's alternate date, astrologically

determined by the sun's reaching 15-degrees Aquarius, or Candlemas Old

Style. Incidentally, some modern Pagan groups have recently begun calling

the holiday itself 'Brigit', presumably as a shorthand for 'Brigit's Day'.

This lexical laziness is lamentable since it confuses a deity-name for the

proper name of the holiday. The same disconcerting trend can be seen in

the recent practice of referring to the autumnal equinox as 'Mabon', which

is more properly the name of a Welsh god-form.

Another holiday that gets mixed up in this is Valentine's Day. Ozark

folklorist Vance Randolf makes this quite clear by noting that the

old-timers used to celebrate Groundhog's Day on February 14th. This same

displacement is evident in Eastern Orthodox Christianity as well. Their

habit of celebrating the birth of Jesus on January 6th, with a similar

post-dated shift in the six-week period that follows it, puts the Feast of

the Purification of Mary on February 14th. It is amazing to think that the

same confusion and lateral displacement of one of the old folk holidays

can be seen from the Russian steppes to the Ozark hills, but such seems to

be the case!

Incidentally, there is speculation among linguistic scholars that the vary

name of 'Valentine' has Pagan origins. It seems that it was customary for

French peasants of the Middle Ages to pronounce a 'g' as a 'v'.

Consequently, the original term may have been the French 'galantine',

which yields the English word 'gallant'. The word originally refers to a

dashing young man known for his 'affaires d'amour', a true galaunt. The

usual associations of V(G)alantine's Day make much more sense in this

light than their vague connection to a legendary 'St. Valentine' can

produce. Indeed, the Church has always found it rather difficult to

explain this nebulous saint's connection to the secular pleasures of

flirtation and courtly love.

For modern Witches, Candlemas O.S. may then be seen as the Pagan version

of Valentine's Day, with a de-emphasis of 'hearts and flowers' and an

appropriate re-emphasis of Pagan carnal frivolity. This also re-aligns the

holiday with the ancient Roman Lupercalia, a fertility festival held at

this time, in which the priests of Pan ran through the streets of Rome

whacking young women with goatskin thongs to make them fertile. The women

seemed to enjoy the attention and often stripped in order to afford better

targets.

One of the nicest folk-customs still practiced in many countries, and

especially by Witches in the British Isles and parts of the U.S., is to

place a lighted candle in each and every window of the house (or at least

the windows that faced the street), beginning at sundown on Candlemas Eve

(February 1st), allowing them to continue burning until sunrise. Make sure

that such candles are well seated against tipping and guarded from nearby

curtains, etc. What a cheery sight it is on this cold, bleak and dreary

night to see house after house with candle-lit windows! And, of course, if

you are your Coven's chandler, or if you just happen to like making

candles, Candlemas Day is the day for doing it. Some Covens hold

candle-making parties and try to make and bless all the candles they'll be

using for the whole year on this day.

Other customs of the holiday include weaving 'Brigit's crosses' from straw

or wheat to hang around the house for protection, performing rites of

spiritual cleansing and purification, making 'Brigit's beds' to ensure

fertility of mind and spirit (and body, if desired), and making Crowns of

Light (i.e. of candles) for the High Priestess to wear for the Candlemas

Circle, similar to those worn on St. Lucy's Day in Scandinavian countries.

All in all, this Pagan Festival of Lights, sacred to the young Maiden

Goddess, is one of the most beautiful and poetic of the year.

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