Imbolc
Imbolc, the second Sabbat of the Yearly Wheel, marks the middle of the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It celebrates the first thaw of winter following the coldest days of the season.
Dates
Most covens and practicioners of the Craft in the northern hemisphere honor Imbolc on the night of February 1st or the night after. On the other side of the globe, their counterparts commemorate this day on August 1st or 2nd.
I prefer to mark the eve of Imbolc based on the exact day in between the actual winter solstice and spring equinox. For example, this year’s winter solstice happened on December 21st, 2018 while the incoming spring equinox is expected to arrive on March 20th, 2019. Therefore, I celebrated this year’s Imbolc on the eve of February 5th. Coincidentally, February 5th also happened to be the Chinese New Year which meant the evening was blessed by the New Moon.
Traditionally, before we assigned numbers to days, our ancestors celebrated Imbolc as soon as the first snowdrop bulbs emerge through the snow. If you are more attuned to the earth and the plants rather than lunar energies, I recommend adding snowdrops to your garden and allow them to show you when to observe the said Sabbat.
Lore
It is said that Imbolc is when the Goddess begins to gain her energy back after having given birth to the God. Meanwhile, the youthful God would only grow taller, stronger, enlivening anything that stubbornly lies dormant with his boyish charms and games.
Similarly, the plants and animals start stirring from their hiding places after sleeping through the winter. The days begin to grow longer, warmer. Every living thing feeds off of the ever more present sun and, in exchange, presents it with a more colorful view of the earth.
Simple Rituals
As with all magickal rites, make sure to cleanse yourself and your tools before you begin and thank your God and Goddess when you finish. The rituals below are meant to symbolize and encourage the fast coming of spring. Still, your intentions are yours; harm none and do as you wilt. I do recommend, however, that you perform constructive magic with the Imbolc theme of beginnings such as self-dedication rituals and blessings for starting a new job.
Candle-Lighting and the Snow (Outdoors)
Carve a small hole through the snow until you reach the soil. Squeeze a candle through the soil with just enough of the candle showing above ground. Light it with your intentions. Leave the candle lit. When it dies, you may dig out bits of the soil from where the candle had melted the snow and use it for future magicks or offerings.
Candle-Lighting and the Snow (Indoors)
Gather a handful of snow into a bowl and place a candle in the middle. Light it with your intentions. Leave the candle lit until the snow melts. You may use the liquid snow for future magicks or offerings.
Salt & Bay Leaves
Pour some sea salt in a bowl. Place bay leaves in the bowl so that they are sticking out of the sea salt mound. Leave it outside or by the window so it can absorb the Imbolc energy. You may later use the salt and bay leaves for future magicks and offerings.
Did I miss something? Is there a ritual or a piece of lore you wish to add? Please drop a comment below.
