Ritual Theme: Awakening the Goddess through a festival of lights; home and child blessing

 

Astrology: Sun in Aquarius

 

Lunar Correspondances: waxing crescent

 

Deities: Fire/Solar Goddess, Brid/Bridget, Hestia/Vesta, Freya, Sekhemet

 

Altar: Ring of candles, grain dolly and bed, grain cross, purification tools

 

Colours: orange, white, aqua, lavender, magenta

 

Herbs: herbs of Aquarius and Uranus. Traditional herbs include heather, holly, pine, ivy, willow, sage, clove, nutmeg, almond, angelica, bay, basil, benzoin, grains, nuts, rowan, snowdrop

 

Symbolism: Festival of lights

It is traditional upon Imbolc, at sunset or just after ritual, to light every lamp in the house - if only for a few moments. Or, light candles in each room in honour of the Sun's rebirth.

Alternately, light a kerosene lamp with a red chimney and place itin a prominent part of the home or in a window.

If snow lies on the ground outside, walk in it for a few moments, recalling the warmth of Summer. With your projective hand trace an image of the Sun on the snow.

Foods appropriate to eat on this day include those from the dairy, since Imbolc marks the festival of calfing. Sour cream dished are fine. Spicy and full-bodies foods in honour of the Sun are equally attuned. Curries and all dishes made with peppers, onions, leeks, shallots, garlic or chives are appropriate. Spiced wines and dishes containing raisins - all fodds symbolic of the Sun - are also traditional.

Imbolc is a time of cleansing and newborn lambs. The name Imbolc comes from the word 'oimlc', or sheep's milk. It is a festival of the Maiden in preparation for growth and renewal.