Imbolc Eve

Tis Imbolc Eve!!

There are eight main Sabbats : Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Lithia, Lammas and Mabon.  The Wheel of the Year.

 Imbolc represents the return of light into the world.  Usually celebrated starting at sundown on February 1st continuing through the day of February 2nd.
Imbolc means in the belly of the Mother as that is where seeds are beginning to stir in Spring. Imbolc is especially sacred to the Celtic Fire Goddess, Brigit, patron of smithcraft, healing, midwifery, and poetry.

Imbolc, also called Oimealg, (IM-mol'g), by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. 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 they're ready to give birth. 

 
The changes in the seasons reflect our lives - changing through birth, maturity, old age and death.

Imbolc is regarded as the first day of Spring. Life is beginning to stir again.  Bulbs are beginning to shoot and new lambs are born - the cycle of new life returns to the earth. Imbolc marks the rebirth of nature and fertility.  Nature is awakening from her winter rest - the long winter darkness begins to break as the daylight hours begin to get longer. Christians celebrate this festival as Candlemas.

Imbolc is a 'fire festival'.  Particular attention was paid to the hearth fire and keeping it alight, a lot of Wiccans/Pagans will light candles during this festival.

Spring cleaning comes from the habit at Imbolc of getting rid of unwanted clutter and preparing for the new season, physically and mentally.
Now is the time to finish old habits and make a fresh start, and realise the world is full of new opportunities. 

Happy Imbolc to All and Blessed Be.