Imbolc

I came out of the "broom closet" last night and realized that I had not made that formal announcment on this blog.  The announcment that I have chosen a spiritual path a little unconventional and a little out of the norm for the area in which I live and the people that I most surround myself with.  Most of my closest friends know that I am a pagan...and most of these friends are Christian, catholic, and jewish...and we all have a peaceful and respectful relationships.  And we all consider ourselves blessed to have each other.  We all live each day with at least one nod to the divine...in one shape, way, or form.  But, when my sabbat day/night comes around, I always feel like I'm in my own boat.  Most don't know today as a sabbat...folks see it as groundhog day.  My catholic friends may celebrate with St. Brigid's day or Candlemas, but it still leaves me aside of the mainstream...and that's fine with me.  My sabbat day started at sunrise (a beautiful on here in Memphis)...a beautiful sabbat named Imbolc.

Imbolc is one of the four principal festivals of the pre-Christian Celtic calendar, associated with fertility ritual, was subsequently adopted as St Brigid's Day in the Christian period, and in more recent times has been celebrated as a fire festival, one of eight holidays, festivals (4 Solar and 4 Fire/lunar) or sabbats of the Neopagan wheel of the year. Imbolc is arguably one of the predecessors of the Christian holiday of Candlemas.

Essentially, for modern neopagans, this day is about the promise of springtime.  We celebrate with lots of candles that represent the returning light (much like Yule).  I personally light large beeswax candles and create a small "alter" space including flowers and anything that might remind me of springtime.  It serves as a space to meditate for a few days to energize my mind and body to focus on possiblilities, much needed consistent warm weather (even though we're off to a great start)...and, basically granting myself a "do over" card for the new year.  There are no potions, no great ritual, none of that.  I'm more solitary in my practice, so no need for a lot of fanfare for this sabbat.  It's all about turning inward, working out the kinks, looking at possibilities, and rejuvination.  So, from this southern "witch"...Blessed Imbolc, ya'll!