Listen ...
		... She will teach you Her ways

Candlemas  or  Imbolc

Early February is the traditional time for the celebration of Imbolc, the festival of the washing of the Earth's face. In ancient Britain, it was known as Oimelc, and later Brigantia, the day of Brigit. She is the Celtic goddess of the maidens, and she rules over the movement outward from winter to springtime. On the eve of Imbolc, the Old Woman goddess of winter, the Cailleach, drinks from the sacred well and is transformed into the virgin Brigit.

This transformation is occurring in each of us, as we experience the shift from an inner contemplative focus toward an outer focus of conscious manifestation. The time is approaching when we will gather together all of the inner peace and love and wholeness that has quietly permeated our beings during the long regeneration of winter, and we will find that it becomes available for us to use in our daily lives. As we share this wholeness with others, it becomes even more available to us.

 

From The Essene Book of Days by Danaan Parry © Earthstewards Network Publications, Bainbridge Island WA

"listen ... She will teach you Her ways" acrylic on canvas, 22 x 28 in © 1995, Mara Friedman New Moon Visions

 

Candlemas or Imbolc is generally celebrated on February 2, falling midway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. This festival is astrologically determined by the Sun's reaching 15 degrees of Aquarius. Some celebrate lunar Imbolc, which occurs when the first new moon appears after the solar Imbolc and typically coincides with the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year is observed each year at the time of the (first) new moon in Aquarius,
in 2008 is observed on February 7, this begins the Year of the Rat.

To learn the history of this Celtic / Catholic celebration, click here.