Sabbat: Imbolc (Candlemas), February 1-2

Jan 18

Written By Lady Katie Bug, High Priestess

February 1 - 2

Imbolc (meaning “in the belly of the mother”) / Candlemas / Oimelc celebrates the triple Goddess in her Maiden aspect (often being honored as the Bride), seeds stirring in nature (her womb), the Celtic Goddess Brigid, and lambing season. Imbolc is the halfway point between Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara). It is the first hint at the warmth of longer days ahead. This is an excellent time to clear out the old (year) in preparation to welcome in the new (Ostara). You can do this by de-cluttering the home, journaling thoughts, clearing out unnecessary energy, and letting go of what no longer serves you. Some Witches hang besoms (small brooms) by their front door to symbolize the “clearing out” of the old.

A traditional way to celebrate the Maiden as the Bride is by making Brideo’gas (corn dollies), place them in a basket on a bed of white flowers, and incorporate into your altar, ritual or spellwork practices. To honor the Celtic Goddess Brigid (patron of smith-craft, healing, midwifery, and poetry), you can handcraft Brigid’s crosses and display in the home or give as gifts.

Oimelc (meaning “milk of ewes”) is considered the traditional lambing season. Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. Consider incorporating imagery of lambs or ewes into your practices.

(source: Wicca)

Traditions and Practices

Bless seeds that will be used in Spring/Summer
Consecrate yard/agricultural tools
Make Brideo’gas (corn dollies) and place in a basket of white flowers. Keep or gift to a friend.
Make acorn wands for the Brideo’gas
Make Brigid’s crosses. Keep or gift to a friend.
Hearth fire/outdoor bonfire (Safely!)
Place a besom by the front door, symbolizing sweeping out the old and welcoming the new
Light candles (or use electric) in each rom of the house to welcome the returning light
Make a crown of light
Visit or volunteer at a local farm or pet sanctuary. Spend time with the animals.
Donate to your local animal shelter(s)
Knit something cozy
Cook a meal centered around dairy
Make white spell candles
Declutter the home, cleanse the home
Centering and grounding exercises
Go on a nature walk — how many animals do you see? Collect crafting supplies (sticks, mushrooms, foliage, etc.)

Magickal Correspondences

Deities: Arianrhod, Artio, Athena, Bragi, Brigid, Cupid, Danu, Dian Cecht, Dumuzi, Eros, Gaia, Inanna, Juno, Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess, Selene, Vesta

Symbolism: purity, growth, renewal, the Bride, the Maiden, fertility, dispensing of the old and making way for the new, Brideo'gas, besoms, white flowers, candle wheels, Brigid's crosses, acorn wands, maidenhood, snow, lambs, ewes, herd animals, seeds

Animals: badger, deer, groundhog, robin, sheep (lamb, ewe), swan

Colors: white, pink, yellow

Plants, Flowers & Trees: angelica, basil, bay laurel, blackberry/bramble, blackthorn, cedar, coltsfoot, heather, iris, myrrh, rowan, sycamore, tansy, violets, and all white or yellow flowers

Traditional Foods: any type of seeds, muffins, scones, breads/grains, dairy products, peppers, onions, garlic, raisins, spiced wines and herbal teas

Incense: basil, bay, cinnamon, myrrh, violet, vanilla, wisteria

Stones: amethyst, bloodstone, garnet, onyx, ruby, turqouise

Spellwork: activation/awakening, animals, banishing, beginnings, divination, fertility, healing, hope, illumination, inspiration, light, pregnancy/childbirth, prosperity, purification, transformation, well-being

Tarot: Ace of Pentacles, Three of Wands, Three of Cups, the Star