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”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. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day) The first stirrings of the coming of spring can be seen. At Imbolc we celebrate the Waking Light of the soul. In Wicca it is the traditional time for initiation.
We welcome the Goddess who is renewed, reborn as the maiden flower. She has passed through her phase as the Crone or Wise one and is a maiden again. 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.
The principal theme of Imbolc is purification and cleansing, a time to clean our mental, spiritual and emotional cobwebs as we leave winter behind and get ready for summer.
Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Imbolc 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-Newel, The Re-Union of the Goddess and the God, Fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new.
Symbols of Imbolc: 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, dried sage, lemon and all white or yellow flowers.
Foods of Imbolc: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seed cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, peppers, onions, garlic, raisins, spiced Wines, rose hip and chamomile tea.
Seeds of Imbolc: Coriander seeds, sunflower seeds.
Incense of Imbolc: Basil, bay, wisteria, cinnamon, violet, vanilla, myrrh.
Colors of Imbolc: White, pink, red, yellow, lt. green, brown.
Stones of Imbolc: Clear quartz, citrine, yellow tourmaline, green tourmaline, rose quartz, hematite, ruby, garnet, and red zircon
Activities of Imbolc: Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of Spring, Making Priapic Wands, Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit.
