Imbolc - Feb. 1st

New Beginnings

Otherwise known as Candlemas or the Feast of St. Brigid, Imbolc marks the first stirrings of Spring after the long winter and marks the mid-point between the Winter and Spring Equinoxes.

The energy of Imbolc is that of Awakening, of stirring that which sleeps within the earth and within yourself.

Now is the time to begin Spring Cleaning - to ready your house and yourself for the work and growth of the year to come.

Now is the time to do divination and blessings for the year ahead.

THEMES: Rebirth of vegetation, preparation for the new life cycle, planting seeds - literally & figuratively, innocence

COLOUR: White, ice blue, red, yellow, pastels

TIME of DAY: Just before Sunrise

TIME of LIFE: Early childhood

HERBS & FLOWERS: Basil, Cinnamon, Heather, Crocus, Daffodil, Snowdrop

CRYSTALS: Moonstone, Clear Quartz

SYMBOLS: Brigid’s Cross, acorn tipped wand, white candles, cauldron, broom, crown of candles

INCENSE & OIL

The scents of Imbolc are the same as Yule - cinnamon, frankincense, orange, clove. Imbolic is a Fire festival and so anything that is warm in scent is appropriate. It is also a time for planning and cleansing - so herbs associated with those activities are very good to use.

Incense

3 parts Frankincense

2 parts Dragon's Blood

1/2 part Red Sandalwood

1 part Cinnamon

a few drops Red Wine

To this mixture add a pinch of the first flower that is available in your area at the time of Imbolc (dry the flower first). Burn during ceremonies on Imbolc, or simply to attune with the symbolic rebirth of the Sun, the fading of Winter and the promise of Spring.

Oil

5 drops Sandalwood

5 drops Vanilla extract

6 drops Jasmine

2 drops Balsam

Mix with 2 tablespoons Grape Seed Oil

(The above recipe is directly quoted from Scott Cunningham's book: The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews, page 72, Llewellyn Publications, 1992.)