What does Imbolc mean to you?

Silver Snow Drops

Hi Celtic Yearites

Only 2 (or is it 6???) days 'til Imbolc, a Fire Festival when we banish winter and welcome spring - the old ones were wise - giving us reasons to celebrate at the dreek time of year! Today it is alternatively snowing, hailing and sleeting all washed down with lashings of freezing rain. Just the weather for curling up with a hot computer and thinking about Imbolc and I can see the first shoots in the garden - broad beans, onions and my favourite first flower - the snowdrop.

Imbolc is Brigid's day, the light bringer, the young maiden of spring, the exalted one, a woman of wisdom. She is the goddess of protection, healing, poetry and divination.Brigid is the maiden goddess of the hearth, marriage, healing, poetry, smithcraft and plenty. She is also reknown for weaving, dying and brewing. There have been many manifestations or assimilations of Brigid in different cultures through the years and there are so many legends about her. Lots of information on line, try http://www.chalicecentre.net/imbolc.htm - plenty of other sites as well of course!

According to this (delightful I thought) Home Educators' site:-
Imbolc translates as "in the belly" and talks about the seeds stirring in the soil and the lactation of ewes (love it- great title for a movie). There are recipes full of green shoots, honey, milk and bread - traditional Imbolc foods, simple ways to mark the day and even weather predictions! http://www.muddlepuddle.co.uk/The%20World/Festivals/Imbolc.htm

Imbolc Colors: White, Silver, and Pale Yellow

Well I hope this has provided some inspiration for a piece from your differing disciplines for the Celtic Year blog -send them to celticyeartwo@btinternet.com

Lit a fire my friends and burn the Yule greens to send winter on its way.

Love and light

Lindsey