After thoughts on Imbolc 2022

This was the first year I did a rededication to my Craft on Imbolc. I'm so glad I did it. I think it will be a new tradition for my Imbolc rituals.

It was so strong, powerful and empowering!

A bit about the holiday

Brighidmas Feb 1st Also known as Candlemas and Imbolg/Imbolc. This day is when the God consummates his love for the Lady. A ritual for the blessing of candles, for writing poetry, or learning a new craft are all perfect here. A very good day to begin tantric practices; the sealing of a spell or ritual using sex as the power generator.

This is the cross point between Yule and the Spring Equinox. It is the Celebration of Lights. The spring lies within sight and the seed is prepared for sowing.

The name in Gaelic means, “in the belly” the first stirrings in the womb of Mother Nature. Imbolc is celebrated as the point in the year when the Goddess recovers from giving birth to the Sun. The young God grows from an infant to a child. It is a time when the growing light promises the return of springtime.

Imbolc is the time to burn the Corn Dollies that we made at Lammas for protection and good fortune through the darkness of winter. The seeds of life are starting to stir underground. We now release the energy we put into our Dollies.

Imbolc Correspondences

• Other Names: Imbolg, Oimelc, Candlemas, Feast of Brigid, Festival of Lights, Feast of Flames, Candlelaria, La Feill Bhride.

• Herbs: Acorns, Angelica, Basil, Bay leaves, Blackberry, Chamomile, Frankincense, Lavender, Rosemary,  heather, rowan, dill, myrrh, willow

• Spell work: Awakening, Blessings, Cleansing, Home Blessings, Fertility, Lighting- Candle Blessing for the year. Protection, Rededication, Truth, Wand Consecrating, Wishing

• Colors: White, Pink, Red, and Blue, Green, Yellow, Brown

• Flowers: Daffodils, Lavender, Chamomile, Carnations, Baby’s Breath

• Symbols: Candles, the Bride, Burrowing Animals, Grain Dolly, Sun Wheels

Awakenings, Brigid’s Cross, Corn Dollies, Epiphanies, Fresh Start, Hope, New Life, Out with the Old, In with the New, Rebirth, Reconnecting, Renewal, Reuniting, daffodils, lanterns, acorns, fire, Besom, sun wheels

• Ritual Meaning: Honor of the Virgin Goddess, First Signs of returning life, and the Festival of Light

• Key Action: Open and Begin, Birth

• Stones: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, and Turquoise.

• Plants: Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers

• Activities: Candle lighting, Searching for Signs of Spring, Gathering Stones

• Taboos: Cutting or Picking Plants

• Crystal: Amethyst, Garnet, Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise

• Animals: Wolf, Snake, Swan, Vulture, Robin, Groundhogs, and other Burrowing Animals, Bears, Sheep, Lamb, and Deer

• Mythical Creatures: Firebird, Dragon, Berometz, Phoenix

• Deities: Aradia, Arachne, Arianrhod, Athena, Brighid, Blaize, Branwen, Februa, Gaea, Inanna, Lucina, Vesta, Cupid/Eros, Diancecht, Dumuzi, and Februus

• Foods: Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, All dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, and Raisins,  Cheese, Honey Cakes, Lavender Cookies, White Meats, Yogurt, Fish

• Drinks: Milk, Spiced Wines, and Chamomile + other Herbal Teas.

Deities of Imbolc:
Goddess: Brighid/Bridget/Brigit,
Anu, Arianrhod, Aphrodite, Artemis, Aradia, Bast, Cerridwen, Ceres, Dana, Danu, Demeter, Epona, Gaia, Hestia, Hera, Modron,   Persephone,   Persephone, Proserpina, Venus, Vesta
to focus their rituals on the Maiden aspect of the goddess

Gods: Cernunnos, Cupid, Eros, Herne, Osiris, Pan