Imbolc is one of four major pagan
sabbats or holidays, along with Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain. In
between these sabbats, many pagans celebrate the seasonal solstices
and equinoxes. Imbolc falls on the midway point between the winter
solstice and the spring equinox.
Also called Brigid's Day, Imbolc honors
the Celtic goddess of fire, fertility, midwifery and the young. Many
Pagans will pay tribute to Brigid by arranging an altar and
'invoking' the goddess through prayer.
Imbolc observes the waning of winter
and approach of spring. Many Pagans often use fire and other forms of
light to encourage the lengthening of day. Seed and bud imagery may
be used, as well, to promote the growth of new life ensured by
springtime.
Imbolc is a time for Spring cleaning
some of us clean our homes, take ritual baths and de-clutter our
lives in other ways. This is believed to create space for the goddess
to come into people's live and for new seeds to take root in the
coming spring.
