Magic Forums

Imbolc (Candlemas)
February 1 (beginning at sundown)
Theme: Quickening, Purification; Preparation; Initiation
Type: Seasonal Holiday ~ 1st Spring Festival
Imbolc is a time of quickening. The Earth begins to stir from her long winter slumber. We sense the rising of sap in the trees, the awakening of seeds deep in the soil and the promise of the coming Spring. The seeds of personal growth, which slept within us at Yule, begin to germinate.

Imbolc is a time of preparation and purification when we clear out old clutter and make way for new growth. This purification process is both external and internal ... spring cleaning time for our souls as well as our homes. Homes are cleaned both physically and energetically to create an environment for optimal creativity, balance and joy in the coming growing season. Fire ceremonies and other spiritual clearing rituals are performed for spiritual cleansing and blessing.

This holiday is a traditional time for initiations and dedicating oneself to new levels of spiritual exploration & commitment. Initiations and dedications are transformational ceremonies, which quicken new growth and invite our spirit allies to support us in in the next phase of our evolutionary journey.

Imbolc is a sacred feast of the great Celtic Goddess Brighid. In honor of the growing light (and of the Brighid?s perpetual flame) it is customary to burn candles to celebrate this feast. This is a traditional time for candlemaking; an ideal time to make &/or bless candles to be used for sacred work throughout the year. On Imbolc night, people divine for insight about the direction of spiritual exploration and work for the coming year.
http://www.healinghappens.com/wheel.htm