For over 15 years of my life I was a chandler, I produced my own line of candles, did private labeling and taught classes. I still teach although I no longer have a workshop and at this time of the year I miss being able to melt wax, wick molds and play with scent and colour just for me and this special day on the wheel of the year.
From my perspective, there is no need for anyone to be a practicing pagan to appreciate the sharing and stories of these festival days. It is about a relationship with our roots, an understanding that without the bounty the planet makes available to each and every one of us, we would not be here; an honouring of our physical source.
For those of you not familiar with this calendar. There are eight festivals days that relate to an agrarian relationship with the planet. Four are the solstices and equinoxes, times of balance and extremes that divide the year. There are also four days that fit in between, cross quarter days. Imbolc, celebrated also as Candlemas and by several other names is the festival day between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
I happen to live in a place with very similar weather patterns to Europe, the source of the Celtic Calendar. I get to watch the same things happening around me that would have happened on the British Isles 1000 years ago. Goats and cows are heavy with new life, early bushes and trees are budding, and land is being turned for fresh planting. We are moving out of the place of “hibernation” when the northern hemisphere rested and are getting ready to begin again.
Candles come into play from a variety of perspectives at Imbolc. Yes, the days are getting longer but the nights still take the majority of a 24 hour cycle. We may not live in a time where fire, lamps and candles are our only sources of light but it would be understandable that people, using the available resources would choose candles to represent the strengthening light both as the sun in the sky and the son born at Yule in the myths, legends and traditions of the Olde Country.
Brigid, the Goddess associated with Imbolc is a Fire Goddess so the element of fire is connected to her celebrations.There is a newly rekindled eternal flame in Kildare to replace the one extinguished by order of Queen Elizabeth I.
Brigid is also the Goddess of livestock, poetry and craftsmanship. All things hand made fall under her domain.
Brigid is a Triple Goddess, which means she can represent Maiden, Mother or Crone, at different times of the year. Spring time is for maidens and a white candle would be appropriate to honour Brigid now. Red is the colour of Mother and Black represents Crone.
One of the traditions of Imbolc is the gathering of all the candles in the house into one space, where they are all lit. Another option is to light a candle in each room. In some areas, candles are lit in circle or church and a flame is then taken home to relight the candles there. Seeds are also blessed before being sown, making grains, both seeds and flours another symbol of Imbolc
This festival has also been incorporated into the Christian calendar and Candlemas is celebrated as a time of purification.
So whether you are male or female, buy your candles or make them yourself; whether you are on your own or in a group, I would encourage you to make time to clean and clear your sacred space, both the temple you are graced to live in and the place you call home and to welcome back the light with candles.
Imbolc Blessings.
FAQs
Fire was perhaps more important for this festival than others as it was also the holy day of Brigid (also known as Bride, Brigit, Brid), the Goddess of fire, healing and fertility. The lighting of fires celebrated the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months.
What is the scent of Imbolc? ›
Scent Profile: Balsamy, balancing Himalayan Cedarwood provides a supportive foundation while tenderhearted Neroli illuminates and encourages.
What is the spiritual significance of Imbolc? ›
The celebration of Imbolc originates from the Celts. Imbolc symbolizes the halfway point between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara). The word "imbolc" means "in the belly of the Mother," because the seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of Mother Earth.
What is the ritual of Imbolc? ›
Ancient Imbolc
The effigy was placed in a dress and put in a basket overnight. The day of Imbolc was celebrated by rituals including burning lamps and lighting bonfires in tribute to Brigid.
What is the energy of the Imbolc? ›
Imbolc is associated with rebirth and initiation as we return from the darkness having reclaimed parts of ourselves and gained insight from the journey that might inspire a new beginning or change of direction.
Why is Brigid associated with fire? ›
In pre-Christian times a sacred fire was kept burning in Kildare, which according to several scholars, priestesses gathered around invoking the goddess Brigit to protect their herds and provide a bountifully harvest.
What colors are associated with Imbolc? ›
Imbolc Colours: White and silver for purity, green for the fresh burst of life. Blackberry: Sacred to Brigid, the leaves and berries are used to attract prosperity and healing. A Goddess plant, belonging to the planetary sphere of Venus. Coltsfoot: Coltsfoot or 'sponnc' (Gaelic) is a herb associated with Brigid.
What are the blessings of the Imbolc? ›
One common practice during Imbolc is the creation of Brigid's crosses. These crosses are woven from reeds or straw and are hung in homes to invoke the blessings of Brigid for protection, healing, and fertility. They serve as a physical representation of our intentions for the coming year.
Who is the goddess of Imbolc? ›
In Wicca, Imbolc is commonly associated with the goddess Brigid; as such, it is sometimes seen as a "women's holiday" with specific rites only for female members of a coven. Among Dianic Wiccans, Imbolc is the traditional time for initiations.
What is the meaning of the Imbolc candles? ›
Imbolc / Candlemas is well known as a Celtic tradition stemming from Neolithic Ireland and Scotland, celebrating the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Imbolc or Candlemas is a celebration of light and the first spark of spring.
The herbs of Imbolc are Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Colts-foot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers. Symbolic trees of the festival are rowan and willow.
What to do on Imbolc? ›
Imbolc pays homage to the returning light, and a quintessential tradition involves lighting candles to symbolise the growing sun. Create a sacred space within your home and adorn it with candles of varying sizes. As you light each one, reflect on the increasing daylight and the warmth it brings.
What does the fire ritual do? ›
The Ancient and Modern Ritual of Fire
Gathering in a circle around a fire promotes a spiritual healing when exploring intentions of release, curiosity of knowing, and authentically receiving energy.
What do people do to celebrate Imbolc? ›
They do this by setting up an altar with the symbols of Brigid, like a corn husk doll, white flowers, a bowl of milk, and candles. Other pagans aim their rituals toward the cycles of the season. For example, some people do house cleaning rituals as a part of getting ready for spring.
What is the tradition of the solstice fire? ›
As the longest day of the year draws to a close, bonfires are lit on mountaintops all over the region to celebrate the summer solstice. The tradition of lighting bonfires in the mountains around the 21 June dates all the way back to the Middle Ages.
What is the Beltane burning ritual? ›
Lighting the Beltane fires on the first of May was a symbolic move to recall the growing power of the sun and cleanse the community of the dark months spent indoors. In Scotland, cattle were traditionally driven around these fires and the community would dance and leap over the flames.
From my perspective, there is no need for anyone to be a practicing pagan to appreciate the sharing and stories of these festival days. It is about a relationship with our roots, an understanding that without the bounty the planet makes available to each and every one of us, we would not be here; an honouring of our physical source.
Candles come into play from a variety of perspectives at Imbolc. Yes, the days are getting longer but the nights still take the majority of a 24 hour cycle. We may not live in a time where fire, lamps and candles are our only sources of light but it would be understandable that people, using the available resources would choose candles to represent the strengthening light both as the sun in the sky and the son born at Yule in the myths, legends and traditions of the Olde Country.
Brigid is a Triple Goddess, which means she can represent Maiden, Mother or Crone, at different times of the year. Spring time is for maidens and a white candle would be appropriate to honour Brigid now. Red is the colour of Mother and Black represents Crone.
This festival has also been incorporated into the Christian calendar and Candlemas is celebrated as a time of purification.
