Imbolc (Candlemas is the christianized name of the festival) is celebrated February 1st thru February 2nd…also known as Bridget’s Day. It is the celebration of the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox (widely known as Ostara now). Some traditions use the astrological midpoint to date the actual occurrence of the holiday, which may be a bit different from year to year, when the Sun transits the 15th degree of Aquarius…this year, that occurs on Monday, February 4th. At this time of year, we celebrate the first stirrings of Spring in the Earth…even though in our location in the Northern Hemisphere we still have a way to go before Winter is over…the holiday provides a respite for those of us weary of the snow and cold. It is a Gaelic traditional festival in honor of the Goddess Bridget (christianized to Saint Bridget by Christians in Ireland). “Imbolc” literally means “in the belly” and refers to the pregnancy of ewes at this time of year.
In some Imbolc traditions it is customary to use a dolly created at the previous Lughnasadh (Lammas) in a ritual welcoming the Goddess Bridget and honoring Her at this time. The doll is dressed and ritually placed in a basket or “bed” along with a priapic wand symbolizing the fructifying forces of Nature (the God). The doll ideally is made from the last shafts of grain to be harvested in the previous year and the Spirit of the Harvest is thought to have retreated into these grains…which will become the seed of the coming planting in the fields. We can tap into these Earth cycles to connect with the forces of fertility and abundance and integrate these more fully into our personal lives…as blessings, both for ourselves and loved ones…and also for the greater world.
Some practitioners also take this time to make and bless candles for the coming year…which is an incredible practice, especially if you use candles in your practice magickally. It’s a way of untwining your own energies into the materials you will use in the future to tap into the hidden forces and blessings.
Sometimes, Crosses (known as Bridget’s cross…a form of Sun wheel) are made from the shafts of the last harvest…and these are blessed and hung above doorways as warding off bad things and attracting protection and blessings to the household. Brother Christopher made these for our home last year.
The Goddess Bridget is an ancient Deity, probably dating in one form or another back to Stone Age Ireland and Scotland. She is a Goddess of Fire, Healing, Crafting and Prophecy…and was later christianized as “Saint Bridget” with the coming of Christianity. Her worship and veneration in Stone Age Europe probably stemmed from the very early Earth Mother worship among the people living there.
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A suggested Ceremony for celebrating Imbolc
Items needed: a Sabbat Candle, Bridget Doll, Bridget’s bed (a ritual basket) and Priapic wand.
Altar is decorated in White and Red…and with extra candles.
Sacred Space is established according to your traditions.
The Sabbat candle is placed in the cauldron if you have one…and lit with the following or similar words:
”This is the festival of Imbolc, the time of the first stirrings of Spring hidden within the womb of Mother Earth. We honor this time of power and we link ourselves to the hidden forces of the Goddess and the God as we ask for blessings of abundance and joy in the coming times.”
-incense is lit or placed on charcoal-
“Great Goddess Bridget, we honor You…Please accept this offering and be present with us. Inspire our crafting, empower our magick and healing, grant us your warmth and inspiration.”
Bridget doll is passed thru the incense smoke and placed in the “bed”. Holding the Priapic wand aloft:
”Great God of the Sun we invite you to this place and time and we honor Your hidden union with the Great Mother.”
Wand is placed across the doll in the bed.
”We welcome you Great Goddess Bridget and Great God of the Sun. Blessed Be!”
Space is returned to ordinary time in the ways of your own traditions.
(After the ceremony…carry the bed thru the space declaring: “Bridget is welcome…we welcome Bridget!”)
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Thank you so much for all your support to us here at Witch Joseph…Me, Brother Christopher and Beautiful Angelique appreciate every one of you and all the love you show to us. We wish you all the blessings of the coming season. May Bridget and all the Mighty Ones, bless your crafts, grant you healing and light and fill your homes with love and joy. Blessed Imbolc xoxoxox