Imbolc, Oimelc or Candlemass is celebrated on 1/2 February. Imbolc means 'in the belly' and refers to the earth's quickening activity. The first spring flowers are beginning to appear and animals are giving birth to their young. Imbolc is a fire festival, but celebrates light rather than heat. In nature, fire destroys existing forms but leaves nutrients and minerals that nourish the earth. It is also the source of light and warmth necessary for growth. Thus, fire is the element of purification, the 'spark of life' that drives us forward and gives us the inspiration to create. Imbolc is the time of increasing activity, inspiration, purification and personal growth. The God is now the bright youth and The Goddess is transformed from the wise old crone of winter into the spring maiden. This is traditionally the festival of Brigid, or Brid (pronounced Breed).
Brigid was known throughout the Celtic lands as a Goddess of fire, Her name means 'fiery arrow'. The gifts of inspiration, healing, poetry, smithcraft and general creativity are Hers. She is also portrayed as a seer and a midwife and is associated with the virgin Goddesses Hestia and Vesta who were keepers of the sacred flame. Brigid is a triple Goddess as She has elements of maiden, mother and wise woman. As Goddess of healing, Brigid had wells dedicated to Her, of which many still survive throughout Britain and Ireland today. It is traditional to bathe in, or drink the waters and leave a piece of cloth on a nearby tree. As the cloth is destroyed by the elements, so the illness falls away. Her symbol is the fire wheel, usually made from the previous years crops. In Irish mythology She is the daughter of The Dagda, the good God. Brigid is the source of many place names such as the Hebrides and Brideswell and the ancient British tribe of the Brigantes were named after Her British equivalent, Brigantia. She was adopted by the Christian church and became Saint Brigit in Ireland and Saint Ffraid in Wales.
This ritual is in honour of Brigid. If you like drawing, playing music, singing or doing anything else creative, you may like to have the necessary equipment ready. Even if you don't think of yourself as being creative, having a pencil and paper nearby is a good idea, even if it's only to write about your thoughts and feelings. Decorate a surface with seasonal flowers such as snowdrops or daffodils (even better if they are growing in a pot) and at least one red and one white candle. Red is associated with fire and white is the traditional colour of purification. Light some incense, Frankincense, rosemary, bay, cedar or orange and put a little oil in a bowl. You can use essential oil of frankincense, rosemary etc. or some plain olive oil, all correspond to the element of fire. Have a glass of wine or juice and some cake or biscuits ready as an offering.
Sit quietly and imagine the place you are in as a place of protection and comfort. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply and relax. Clear your mind of all the events of the day. Think about the meaning of Imbolc, the rebirth of life around you and inside of you.
Call upon the elements.
Invoke The Goddess by saying : 'Brigid, Goddess of healing, poetry and inspiration, I ask for your presence and guidance, blessed be.' Take the bowl of oil, briefly put it through the flames of the candles saying: 'May this oil be imbued with your inspirational fire.'
Put the bowl down and dip your finger into the oil. Touch your forehead saying:
'Brigid, purify my mind, body and spirit.' Sit quietly for a few minutes, imagine Brigid's fire purifying and inspiring you. Draw, write, sing, play or simply write a few notes.
When you are ready, take the wine, holding it forth say: 'Brigid, I offer this wine in thanks. Blessed Be.' Take a sip of the wine then put it aside.
Repeat with the food, then say farewell to the elements and distribute the food and wine..