Imbolg or Candlemas August 2nd southern Hemisphere

This is a celebration of initiations and beginnings. Imbolg literally means “in the belly ". It is the “quickening “of the year, the stirrings of spring in the womb of our Mother Earth. As such it is very much a goddess celebration. The goddess’s 3 aspects of maid, mother, Crone, stand for enchantment, ripeness and wisdom. At Imbolg we dream, make plans and are inspired towards future achievements, through poetry and love. Lunar light, the light of the goddess, is that of inspiration. At Imbolg, when the first heralds of spring can be heard in bird song and seen in new growth, the spirit is inspired as well as the body and the earth. Traditionally this was the time when all the candles for the coming year were made - to symbolise the light coming out of the darkness. A new tide of life is recognised and we are called to get rid of the past and look to the future. The themes of cleansing and purification are carried out in the action of spring cleaning, where we prepare our minds and bodies for something new.

The young sun-god approaches the earth with desire and love. Through his union with the goddess, there is new-life. Like the young god, we are bringing the spark of energy to our plans, the determination and action which give life. We can consolidate the flame we kindled at Yule and begin to give it form in our lives. From now on we enter a time of growth and discovery!

Following are a few ideas for your own Imbolg celebrations:

1. Light 3 candles for 3 dreams or wishes and place these around your room. The first candle is a wish for the world, the second for a friend, and the third for you. This is a celebration of the 1st stirring of the light in the world, in your life, in your dreams.

2. Spring clean, and ritually sweep the floor with a brand new broom. Think about what you are magikally sweeping away from the world or your own life. What needs to go for new creative possibilities to be realized? Fear, guilt, despair, prejudice, deprivation, anger. When you have swept the dirt and debris into one pile, place it in a box and later burn it. Now put down your broom and dance sunwise in a fresh circle of life. Dance to welcome the inspiration and beauty of spring.

3. Plant new seedlings, fertilise older plants, bring flowers into the house, above all nurture a positive attitude.