Merry Meet.
My name is Crow Moon and I'm a solitary Wiccan.
Today I would like to share some information about Imbolc,
Which is one of the eight Wiccan Sabbats.
Imbolc is typically celebrated on February 2nd in the Northern Hemisphere.
Also known as St.
Brigid's Day,
This Sabbath marks the beginning of spring.
Even if you live in a region that is still covered with snow at this time,
You will still be able to perceive subtle changes that point to spring's return.
At Yule,
The sun is born again.
At Imbolc,
We hear the first faint whispers of its return to fullness.
Imbolc is a cross-quarter Sabbat,
Meaning that it falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
In ancient times,
Our ancestors were quite concerned about how much longer their food supplies would last during this period before the planting season.
Invariably,
Their cows and lambs would begin to produce milk,
Which offered hope.
Accordingly,
Foods for the celebration of Imbolc are very dairy-oriented – milk,
Butter,
And cheese.
Imbolc means in the belly,
Signifying that nature is soon to give birth again.
For this reason,
Some Wiccans will choose to bless garden seeds they will soon plant.
Other common celebrations include cleaning the home,
A precursor to spring cleaning,
And burning lots of white candles while inviting blessings into the home.
Some people choose to have a candle in each room of their home to welcome back the sun.
This is also a great time to start planning a garden for spring.
One of my favorite activities for Imbolc is to leave extra food out for the birds,
Since their most active time of the year is right around the corner.
Winter is burning.
Seasons are turning.
New life is coming back to us.
Color correspondences for Imbolc include yellow,
White,
And red.
Incenses and oils for the season include rosemary,
Frankincense,
And chamomile.
Largely,
Imbolc is a celebration of the home and hearth.
So in my personal practice,
I will clean and smudge my home to cleanse it both physically and energetically.
Spend time at home with my family as we enjoy hearty seasonal foods together.
Just like our ancestors,
We're basically giving high fives for getting through another winter.
I bless the roof above my head for saving me from winter's dread.
I bless the bed in which I sleep as I dream of future bounties I will reap.
I light the candles on Imbolc night and see in them the sun so bright.
I bless my home from wall to wall so it may be a safe haven to us all.
I bless all wildlife,
Plants,
And seeds,
And pledge to honor nature with my thoughts and deeds.
So mote it be.
Thank you for joining me for this short Imbolc celebration.
Whatever your relationship with the divine or your path,
I wish you light,
Joy,
And hope during this time of year.
I will leave you with a song I wrote to celebrate the Sabbath of Imbolc.
Seasons are turning.
Mary did we meet?
Mary do we part?
And Mary will we meet again?
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
Blessed be.
