Candlemas - Oimelk (ewes milk) - Brigids day
The Festival of Renewal
Winter cross quarter fire festival
Beginning of February

Imbolc (pronouced Imolk), is an Irish word, which was originally thought to mean 'in the belly'.
While Imbolc is said to be on 1st/2nd February, some mark the time of Imbolc, by the birth of the first lambs, while some look for the first snowdrops. To some, it is the festival of the full moon of Aquarius.
This is a time of an abundance of animal foods & a surplus of milk.
This is the spring festival, celebrating the return of light, to the land and the return of Bride/Brigid.
Brigid is the goddess of fire and inspiration. In Ireland, she is the triple goddess of poetry, smithcraft and healing.
In Welsh, the festival is known as Gwyl Fair; 'the feast of Mary', or Gwyl Forwyn; 'the feast of the virgin'.

The Underlying Energy

The light is now beginning to grow. It's still cold, but the first buds are beginning to form on the bushes and trees and the first bulbs are pushing through the earth.
Our acceptance of winter, is giving way to an urge to move forwards into a springtime energy, but the winter is not yet over, so we have to wait, to prepare for the great change ahead.
Imbolc is a time for planting ideas and leaving them to germinate, as the seeds in the earth are germinating.

The days grow longer.. there is a longing to break out and do things by ourselves.  It's a time to gently cultivate light and energy.
It is a time of initiation and beginnings, when seeds stir from their dark sleep.. a transition towards becoming more independant again.
An innvocation of the life force and a renewal of its potency.

Imbolc Celebrations

Light a fire (or candle).. celebrate the re-emerging of Bride and the renewal of life force.
Clear away the dross and dormancy of winter. Cleanse and purify, by symbolically throwing into the fire, what you wish to leave behind about yourself.  Affirm what you wish to take forwards.

Spend some time meditating.. feel the stirrings of the earth.. feel your oneness with them.

Gather with friends.. share thoughts, ideas, accomplishments, aspirations and dreams. Open the windows of your house & your mind, to purify.