Imbolc and Candlemas: Flames of Fertility

January 29, 2019 0 Comments

Imbolc and Candlemas: Flames of Fertility

 

Officially celebrated on February 1 at sunset, Imbolc, or Imbolg, signals the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. Its name derives from Celtic meaning "in the belly,” as it refers to the “just-showing” pregnancy or a stirring of new life that has just begun.  At its core, this Pagan holiday is a clearing and cleansing preparing us for rebirth. Imbolc focuses on fertility and the promise of returning light in the spring season.

However, Imbolc’s claim to fame is the Irish Goddess Brigid, also spelled Brigit, Bride, or Brighid. She was considered a triple goddess or triune representing maiden, mother, and crone. In this way she had several facets to her symbolism of fire, hearth, poetry, and smithcraft. Brigit was believed to bring fertility to land and its people and therefore also has a close connection to midwives and other healing touch. With Imbolc, Brigit takes on her maiden aspect as being pregnant with possibility with sacred fires representing inspiration, creativity, and cleansing.

As with most Earth-based holidays, Christianity adopted its own versions and the well-loved Brigit was honored as Saint Brigid. With the Christianization of Ireland, Candlemas was celebrated on February 2 instead of Imbolc. It was instead renamed the “Feast of Purification” and paid homage to the fertility and purification of Virgin Mary and her guiding light instead of Brigit’s flame.

Fortunately in both the Pagan and Christian versions of Imbolc, the Brigit’s Cross remains sacred symbolism. Usually made of reeds, it is a solar cross or wheel—she was a Sun goddess of sorts--woven together and used for protection. According to some Neo-Pagan rituals, a new one was made every year and then the old one was burned.

brigits cross

Brigit's Cross

Other traditional celebrations of Imbolc included putting out the main home fire and doing a thorough cleaning of the hearth. In other cases, entire fields purified with fire rituals or bread offerings to the Grain Goddesses. The adapted holiday Candlemas was honored in the Roman Catholic Church as a day to cleanse and bless the church candles. Below are more modern ways to celebrate Imbolc, Candlemas, or Brigit and her fiery fertility:

 

  • Create an altar with candles (duh), poetry books, chalice representing healing waters, flowers, or other spring symbols.
  • If you are feeling ambitious you could make a traditional Brigit’s cross out of reeds, there are plenty of resources online with an easy Internet search. See our example above.
  • Start cleaning out closets and dusting corners (this can also be an honoring of Marie Kondo)
  • Candle ritual with prayers or simple gratitude for what’s to come, if you want more inspo, check out the Energy Cleaning Kit or Fertility Ritual Kit
  • Wear red or other bright colors or decorate the home with some added elements (I bought some bright red tulips for the occasion)

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Farrar of Wild Witch of the West has her M.A. in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness, and has worked with many renowned astrologists and cosmologists. Read her bio here, and catch more of her work on Witch of the West.

______________________________________

Read more on astrology, horoscopes, occultism, magick & ritual on our blog, Esoteric Insights!





Also in Esoteric Insights

Deities & Demons: Embracing the Enchanting Autumnal Energy of the Goddess Hecate
Deities & Demons: Embracing the Enchanting Autumnal Energy of the Goddess Hecate

October 27, 2023 0 Comments

As the leaves start to fall and the nights grow longer, autumn is a time of transition and transformation. Because of its transformative energy, October is the perfect month and Samhain the perfect holiday to connect with the enigmatic and powerful goddess Hecate, whose influence is particularly potent during this season. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of Hecate during this time of year and offer a casual approach to incorporating her energy into your life. 🍂✨

Continue Reading

Candle Magick 101: Light Up Your Rituals and Unleash the Magick of Candles
Candle Magick 101: Light Up Your Rituals and Unleash the Magick of Candles

September 08, 2023 0 Comments

Continue Reading

freyja goddess: the norse love goddess
Deities & Demons: Freyja - The Norse Goddess of Love

August 28, 2023 0 Comments

The fierce and powerful Freyja was the Norse goddess of many dueling aspects! While she was the goddess of love, sexuality, fertility and beauty, she was also a warrior goddess of death, strength, lust, and war itself. Freyja is also viewed as the Goddess of magick, because she was believed to be magick itself!! She was a force of untamed nature and desires. If there was something that Freya wanted, she was above no moral standard to obtain her desires. One of Freya’s most notable correspondences is a

Continue Reading