Imbolc and Candlemas

Candlemas, like most Pagan holy days, is honored on its eve, February 1st, and celebrated on its day, February 2nd. Unlike most Pagan holy days, it was not co-opted by the Catholic Church although they did try. The original title of Candlemas was Inbolc meaning "in the belly" or "the surrounding belly", a reference to the fertile Mother Earth.

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.


The ancients believed if Imbolc day was cloudy and bitter cold, then winter had spent itself and spring could commence. However, if the day was fair and balmy then winter had not yet peaked and the people would have to endure another six weeks of snow and cold. This ritual can be observed today in the tradition of "Groundhog Day".

Winter was a harsh and difficult time for our ancestors so it is understandable they would ritually encourage an early spring. They did this by appealing to the Gods, most especially to the Goddess Brigit, and by lighting candles to symbolize the return of the Sun and thus of Spring. Candle burning has long been a way of attracting spiritual blessings to a household and at Candlemas it was considered a spiritual "life-line" between the people and the Goddess.

The return of the maiden aspect of the Goddess survived into Christian times as the Feast of Brigit. The saint was a Christianized version of the pagan goddess who was the daughter of The Dagda, the Irish-Celtic god of the earth and treaties and ruler over life and death. Dagda, or The Dagda, ("the good god") is one of the most prominent gods and the leader of the Tuatha De Danann.

The place within the home that is most holy to Brigit is the hearth, customarily the source of light and heat for the household. The hearth was also the area where our ancestors cooked and prepared food. This area was considered to be the "heart" of the house and the center of life within the home. This sacred place is the centerpiece of Imbolc observance. Because Imbolc is a celebration of new beginnings and breathing new life into old ventures, it is a good time to start new projects and re-evaluate old ones. It is the best time to do "Spring Cleaning" and an excellent opportunity for ritual dedication and empowerment. So take time out and clear away what is spent to make space for the blessings to come.

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