Today is Imbolc, the first celebration of Spring in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. It is a day that belongs to Brigid, Celtic goddess of art, creativity and inspiration, and a day when we rejoice in nature's first signs that winter is waning and the warmth and abundance of Spring is on its way.

Lamb in a coat ©2005-2007 foolhound at deviantART

Historically, in agrarian cultures, Imbolc - a word which refers to the lactation of ewes, the flow of milk that heralds the return of the life-giving forces of spring - is the time when lambs were born and soft rain brought new grass. Ravens began to build their nests and larks were said to sing with a clearer voice. In Ireland, the land was prepared to receive the new seed with spade and plough; calves were born, and fishermen looked eagerly for the end of winter storms and rough seas to launch their boats again. In Scotland, the Old Woman of winter, the Cailleach, is reborn as Bride, Young Maiden of Spring, fragile yet growing stronger each day as the sun rekindles its fire, turning scarcity into abundance.

Brigid is among the oldest and most worshipped of the Celtic goddesses, whose cult may have extended over the entire empire of Brigantia, including parts of the British Isles, Spain and France. She is also known as Brigid, Bridget, Brighid, Brighde, Brig or Bride and some scholars consider her name originated with the Vedic Sanskrit word brihati, an epithet of the divine. She is patroness of poetry, arts, crafts, weaving and inspiration. She is usually depicted as a triple goddess, with her two sisters, who also govern smithcraft and medicine. Collectively they are known as the "three mothers" or the "three blessed ladies of Britain," and carvings of the three goddesses are common throughout the Celtic lands.

Candle ©2005-2007 chaosdesignz at deviantART

The Romans later identified Brigid with Minerva, also a goddess of wisdom and handicrafts. Both also possess a warlike aspect, for Brigit's more active followers became known as brigands, from the old Irish briga or "warfare." The name Brigid appears to mean "bright one" or "bright arrow." At her temple in Kildare in Ireland, an eternal flame was guarded by a group of nineteen priestesses. This place later became a convent famous for learning.

Christians were not fully able to eradicate her worship and were forced to canonize her as the famous Saint Bridget or Bride. Brigid's ancient festival on February 2, Imbolc, became known as Candlemas in the calendar of the Christian church. Worship of the great goddess Brigid still survives in folk magick and popular belief, and she holds a revered place for most Wiccans.

For a wonderful overview of the Celtic history of Imbolc and the role of the goddess Brigid, read The Wheel of the Celtic Year: Imbolc

Not only is today Imbolc, but it also happens to be a Full Moon in Leo. What lovely synchronicity to have our first Spring festival fall on an Esbat whose astrological sign is ruled by the Sun and whose energy brings enjoyment, warmth, kindness and generosity of spirit!

The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time—a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships. Particularly under the influence of Leo, it is a time when people crave affection and recognition. The energy of the Leo Moon is creative self-expression and the boost to the individual ego that we receive through pleasure and romance.

For more information about the Full Moon in Leo, and the other astrological influences that are affecting us today, see Cafe Astrology's This Week in Astrology.

Imbolc is traditionally a time of purification - clean your house! If you have any Christmas greenery lingering, burn it now. Make your own Brighid’s crosses and hang them up, especially in the kitchen where her influence can bless your food. Put out food - cake, buttered bread and milk will do - outside your door: Brigid and her cow walk through the neighborhood tonight, and will appreciate your offering. Leave a silk ribbon on your doorstep for Brigid to bless; it can then be used for healing purposes. Meditate upon what you would like to see grow in health and strength this year, for yourself, your family, your community, the Earth, and ask for Brigid's blessing upon your prayers.

With Brigid's creative inspiration and Leo's energy for self-expression, this should be an extremely fertile time for the imagination, resulting in wonderful poetry and works of art. And under the influence of this romantic Full Moon in Leo, it is the perfect time to be with someone you love and let Brigid stoke the fires of passion.

Wishing you a blessed Imbolc!

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 8:58 AM