Imbolc

The holiday traditionally celebrated around February 2 has several names: Imbolc (im-bolk), Oimelc (ee-melk), Candlemas, Brigid's Day, Bride's (breed's) Day, Saint Bridget's Day, or Groundhog's Day. This is the Celtic festival of waxing light. It was dedicated to the Irish Goddess Brigid, whose symbol was fire. Brigid is a Goddess of healing. As such, this is a major open healing circle for CPC.

Brigid is also associated with inspiration, poetry, and smith craft. Old customs of the festival in Scotland involve making a Bride's bed with a Bride doll to sleep in it. Her festival marks the beginning of the lambing season, as well as the first stirrings of spring in the roots and belly of the earth. Indeed, the name Imbolc means "in the belly" and Oimelk means "Ewe's milk."

As this is a time of inspiration and storytelling and poetry, CPC usually plans a theme around which participants make offerings with song, poetry and stories. One year, we focused on all the different manifestations of Brigid herself, which include the Faery Queen Brigid, Saint Bridgid, Bride, Brigantia, and Mamon Bridgette. Another year we focused on Spirit Bear as the healer. That year we invited everyone to bring in teddybears and bear images for a special altar to Bear.

Below are links to some of the stories I have told in past years. This can, by no means, cover the depth and wealth and diversity of information connected with this holiday celebrated by CPC.

Snowdrop
Ashes
Diana and Her Children
Black Bears

Last updated: 3/7/07

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