Harvest Home - Candlemas

Candlemas is also known as Imbolc which literally translated means �in milk�. This is the time when ewes and cattle would bear young and lactate. Sheep can only lactate after having given birth. It is customary for Witches to pour milk or cream upon the Earth for thanks for nurturing and returning fertility. Candlemas is also known as Brigid�s Day. Brigid is the patron of poetry, healing and metalsmithing. Brigid (a.k.a. � Brid (pronounced as �breed�), Brid, Brigit, and Bride) is the protector and preserver of all memory and knowledge that empowers us with the wisdom to nurture and grow upon the land. She is also the daughter of the Good God, Dagda. Candlemas is a fire festival and Brigid is usally seen with a crown of candles on her head. This Sabbat is in the month of February which comes from the Latin word �Februum� meaning purification or cleansening. Cleaning and purification of home, magickal tools and mind can be done during this Sabbat. This is a time to get a fresh start on all the dreams and goals from Yule. Get rid of any guilt or negative feelings from the year before and concentrate on what is in front of you. Candlemas is one of the most powerful Sabbats because of the deep inner workings going on.

The Festival of Lights is on 2 February and February comes from the Latin word �Februum� meaning purification or cleasening.

a.k.a. � Imbolc, Imbollgc, Brigantia (Caledonii), Lupercus (Strega), Imbolg, Oimelc, Brigid�s Day
Herbs � Snowdrop, Bay, Heather, First Flowers of the year, Basil, Angelica, Clover
Incense � Rosemary, Cinnamon, Westeria, Frankincense, Myrrh
Colours � White, Orange, Red
Decorations � Lamps, Besom, Yellow Flowers, Lavender and White Candles
Foods � All dairy products, Curries, Onions, Breads, Cakes, Seeded foods, Chives, Garlic, Spice Wines, Seeds, Herbal Tea
Gemstones � Garnet, Amythyst, Turquoise
Tools � Candles, Seeds, Brigid Wheel, Milk
Goddess � Brigid, Maiden
God � Groundhog, Other creatures emerging from hibernation; young sun

Goddess and God Aspect � The Goddess is gaining her strength from childbirth and is nursing the young God
Oak King vs Holly King � The Oak King is getting stronger
Celebrates � A time for introspection and personal growth.

Traditions
Lights � Candlemas is sometimes called the Festival of Lights because of the symbolism of candles and light in honour of the Sun�s rebirth. The light is gaining strength and a beautiful ritual circle can call for everyone to hold a lit candle. It is customary to make and store candles for the coming year. Sometimes the old wax is melted down to make new candles. A candle is the symbol of the small fire within ourselves and that gives us the strength to our hopes and wishes come true.
Seeds � Seeds, both personal and magickal, are blessed and tools are consecrated
Renew � Good time for initiations and renewals of self-dedications
Spring Cleaning � Time to prepare for Spring! Clean out those cobwebs both internal and external.
Bride�s Beds � On Candlemas Eve young girls make dollies out of corn or wheat and carried door to door. Older woman would gather cradles to lay the dollies in. These cradles were referred to Bride�s Beds and were made of small baskets adorned with flowers and symbols of the Goddess. After the dollie is tucked in, she is given a wand tipped with an acorn as a gift which is the symbol of masculinity and candles are lit on both sides of the bed. The dollies are kept all year as amulets of protection and if desired, fertility.
Divination � Divination is traditional on this day and since the tendency for personal and spiritual growth is stronger than usual divination is heightened.
Brighid Crosses � Woven and given to friends and family as protective charms for their homes
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Candlemas
Conception, Initiation, Inspiration
~2 February

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