Rosewicket Wicca Coven

Imbolc (February 2nd - Northern Hemisphere)

Imbolc, one of the Greater Sabbats (Cross-Quarter), is a day to celebrate the first glimpses of Spring while Winter still retains its hold on the land. It is a time of cleansing and purification to rid ourselves of old habits and welcome into our lives and homes the promise of the new.

This day is sacred to the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who reigns over Fire (smith crafting), Art (poetry), and Healing (midwifery). Imbolc is regarded as a fire festival, celebrating the lengthening days and welcoming the returning Light, often expressed through the lighting of candles and/or bonfires.

Themes:

Growth and Renewal, Purification, Cleansing, The Reunion of the Goddess and the God, Initiation, Dedication, Reaffirmations, Fire, Fertility, purging the old to make way for the new.

Symbols/Decorations:

Besoms, Sun symbols, White Flowers, Yellow Flowers, snowflakes, bowl of snow, seeds, Candle Wheels, Brighid's Crosses, candles, lamps, bonfires, acorn-tipped wands.

Colors:

Most importantly is white for the melting snow and green for pale sprouting plants.

Brown, Lavender, Light Blue, Light Green,

Orange, Yellow, Pink, Red, Silver, White

Incense:

Basil, Bay, Camphor, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lotus, Myrrh, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Violet, Vanilla, Wisteria

Flowers/Herbs:

Angelica, Basil, Bay (Laurel), Benzoin, Blackberry, Celandine, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clover, Coltsfoot, Crocus, Dill, Evergreens, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Primrose, Rosemary, Rowan, Saffron, Sage, Snowdrop, Tansy, Violets, Willows, any and all white or yellow flowers.

Stones:

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.

Spell/Ritual Themes:

Purification, Cleansing, Initiation, Dedication, Banishing Bad Habits, New

Beginnings, Luck

Festive Foods and Beverages:

Poppyseed Cakes, Breads, Dairy, Onions, Chives, Garlic, Raisins, Honey, Pork, Spiced wines, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Herbal Teas, Apple Cider, spicy dishes to honor the Sun.

Animals:

bear, groundhog, stag, eagle, wolf, sheep, ewe, lamb, robin, raven, snake, owl; any animal that awaken or becomes more active in spring.

Deities:

Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, Februa, all Virgin/Maiden Goddesses.

Aengus Og, Eros, Februus. Gods of Love and Fertility, all Fire Gods, connected with the newborn Sun.

Found Here