“Imbolc Imbolc, The Season of Rebirth. Feel the infant stirring in the waters of the Earth. Imbolc, Imbolc, The Light will soon return, Born to Earth this winter night, Let the candles burn”

The above words come from a song called “Imbolc” by Aeolian Songspell.

Those who follow the rhythym of nature known as “The Wheel Of The Year” are paying heed to the cycle of light and dark. It gradually begins to get darker earlier after the longest day at Midsummer and gradually the daylight is extended after the shortest day at Midwinter. Then we have two midpoints during the year when the daylight and nightly absence of light are balanced, just for a short time. These are the Spring and Autumn Equinox. Alongside being aware of the physical interplay between light and darkness, magickal practitioners. When the days are longer people tend to be more outgoing and focus on the outer world whereas when the days get shorter peoples’ thoughts are more focussed on getting home and snug, they spend more time alone, feel like sleeping more and focus more on their private inner world.

What does Imbolc, which arrives on approximately 1st February signify on the cycle? It is a fire festival. It marks St Brigid’s Day and the end of winter .Candles that are burned in processions represent the light from the Sun which is gradually becoming more present and increasing in power. Some areas put on parades and let characters enact roles in dramas to represent aspects of nature that we all know about and see around us. The suitable one at this time would be Jack Frost and the Green Man battling for supremacy in a mummers play. This would of course represent in dramatic form how Spring wins against Winter. Prts of your personality that became frozen during the winter months will start to defrost and come to consciousness again so your conscious mind will start to think about travelling, playing, having fun, new projects etc.

The word “Imbolc” or Ol-melc” means “ewe’s milk”. Around this time, around February 1st and 2nd, sheep would start to lactate as they were preparing for birthing the lovely lambs that we see in Springtime. The Imbolc rituals would be performed at least in part to ensure a new crop of healthy lambs.

Another name for Imbolc is Candlemas and the tradition is to light a procession of candles to welcome back the waxing/growing Sun. As Above So Below. As Within So Without. The Sun links to the heart and the heart waxes with love during this month too on St Valentine’s Day. The days spent indoors by the hearth are almost over and it is time to be more awake and go outside in the world and instead of focussing within yourself  (the unconscious/dark) you start to look outwards and think about being out and about again in the coming months (the Conscious/Light).

Farmers would start to prepare the soil too and gardeners begin to clear the top surface of the soil and plan what to plant. Start to clear your mind and house of clutter from the winter to make room for new projects. Draw up the blinds or open the curtains wider to welcome the light back into your life. Do some groundwork. What do you plan to plant and grow in your life during the coming Spring and Summer? Start being like the ewes. Prepare for the birth of your fresh new ideas and ventures. Start being like farmers and prepare your field so that new projects will have a space to grow. This is a good time to declutter and layer your life and to prepare the topsoil. Observe that the Sun is growing in strength and so is your inner fire, your heart too, and that your plans will receive all they need to grow and prosper from the passion and strength of the solar fire that is within, above and about you.

Wishing You A Blessed Imbolc Filled with Solar Light and Inspiration.