Imbolc  (February 2)

 

The word Imbolc literally means ‘white milk�?or ‘in the belly�? and is known by the names Candlemas, Oimealg, Brigantia, Lupercus, Disting, Lupercalia, the Festival of Brighid, and the Feast of Lights. 

This is the Sabbat that marks Spring’s return and is a time of purification, cleansing, and leaving behind what is outworn both physically and spiritually.

It is during Imbolc that traditionally Rites of Initiation and Consecration take place with the custom ritual of ‘spring cleaning�?the house. 

And while we all groan when it comes to cleaning, I find this particular tradition as rejuvenating for me as it is for my house which becomes bright and light with positive energies that flow easily. 

Personally, I use an infusion of lavender and rosemary in a pot of boiling water to wash floors and walls with vinegar for my windows and mirrors. 

I’ll burn sage to cleanse the psychic energies while I focus on the more mundane tasks of house cleaning.  Everything gets shaken out, hung out, or washed (curtains, duvets, towels, sheets, bed skirts, etc.). Dust Bunnies beware! 

The cupboards get scrubbed and organized, the closets get straightened out and cleaned, and as I fall into my own cleansing bath by the end of my week long celebration I can feel the energies sparkling bright like my floors. 

This is a time of discarding the outworn so any old clothes, unused canned goods, etc. all get passed on to local charities to be put to good use.

A lovely tradition that I learned was to turn off all the lights just before sunset.  With a single white candle for Brighid, knock three times on the front door and invite the Goddess to come inside. 

Then, ask the Goddess to bless everyone in your home with health, success, love and abundance. 

Then slowly turn on all lights one by one until the house is ablaze in lights. 

Children love this celebration and will race to see who gets to turn on the lights first!