Imbolc, Candlemas & Winter's End

Imbolc, also known as Bride's Day, or La Fheile Bride (law ayl-uh breej-uh) in Modern Irish, is the celebration of the end of winter. While it was celebrated at the beginning of this month, the focus of this Moon continues. Soon the herd animals so vital to the survival of the Celtic tribes will be born; animals we still depend upon today. This is the time of year for setting protection wards over hearth and home to protect the new borns from disease and welcoming blessings for the new year. During this Moon bring light into your home with candles and celebrate the turning of the Wheel with poetry. Bridgett, the Celtic Goddess celebrated during this time, is the Maiden Goddess of poetry, divination and metal work. Seek inspiration from the changes in nature for your poetry, look ahead with divination to the blessings and challenges of this year, and work to strengthen yourself physically and spiritually as you move forward in life with purpose. A little Greek mythology for this time of year:

Why winter comes and how spring is brought forth

- a story of Demeter, Persephone and Hades

Demeter is the Goddess of the Earth and Persephone her young daughter. Persephone was a maiden with golden hair and supple body, whom Hades fell in love with when he spied her bathing. He lured her into the Underworld with him and took her as his bride. As Demeter searched the world for her daughter the land became cold and the crops withered. This is how winter begins, but a nymph tells Demeter that Hades has Persephone in hopes that Demeter will return the land to spring. Persephone had eaten 6 pomegranate seeds in the Underworld and was so bound to remain with Hades (much like the warnings that to eat in Faeryland will trap you there). As Demeter wept the Earth became cold and lifeless, falling into a deep winter. Seeing that the Earth was becoming bleak like the Underworld, Hades returned Persephone to Demeter, with the promise that 6 months out of the year Persephone would return to the Underworld with him. To celebrate, an altar adorned with six white candles is decorated with fresh spring flowers and a feast of the last ale and wheat of the winter stores is shared.