Anyone here of the 'pagan persuasion'?
A beautiful day and a full moon as well. PERFECT!
For people who don't know what Imbolc is ....
IMBOLC: FEBRUARY 2nd
The name Imbolc probably means "in the belly" in Gaelic. This sabbat celebrates the first evidence of the return of life. The Sun is slowly starting to make its return and the very hardiest of plants will begin to grow again from this day forth.
Imbolg is also the holy day of Brigid, who is the Goddess of fire, healing, fertility and is the muse of the poets. It is a fire celebration, but the emphasis is mainly on the light aspect of the fire and not so much the warmth. It is seen as light piercing the dark (the slow return of the sun).
Celebrations during this sabbat are some of the most beautiful. They tend to include a large amount of candles in addition to the bonfire. There is typically many poems and stories told, in addition to music and art. Many tend to make St. Brigid crosses at this holiday. The crosses tend to be made from straw and usually are of the Celtic variety with 4 equal-length arms.
In the Christian Calendar, this holiday is called Candlemas and all church candles are blessed for the year.
Bright blessings to everyone on A4A! Pagan or not! XXXXXXXX
Can I celebrate this pagan day with a glass of wine? or cider? Ok, I will try both just to be sure :)
Don't forget, it is also Groundhog Day ...
Derek :)
Fascinating Trixie, thank you. It really was a lovely moon last night :D
Now I know what I should have been doing with that spare straw ::)
Just saw a seasonal weather motto on the local TV news (like red sky at night) - can't remember the rhyme but it means if Candlemas Day is warm and fair, another winter is on its way. Brrr!
CURRY! Mix them up and add a dash of brandy ;D
Sprouty: Bright Blessings to you :)
If Candlmas day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas brings cloud and rain
Winter won't come again.
If Candlemas Day be dry and fair,
The half o winter's to come and mair
If Candlemas Day be wet and foul,
The half o winter's gane at Yule.
(currently on white ... )
Oh bugger!
Candlemas was fair and bright!
What does that mean? "Winter will have another fight"
Maybe it's to do with next year's Winter?
Thanks Curry X
This is a nice site!
http://www.thegardeningwebsite.co.uk/item.do?item=4061
I've just helped to construct a 'living willow den' for the kids @ my son's infant school.
Bright Blessings XXXXX
Ah - but that was all before climate change. Now it's all topsy turvy ::). So we can still hope that winter has already done its worst and we can get an early start - at least here in the south-west :P ;D. Well, my camellias are all blooming weeks earlier than usual and there are daffodils in the park :).
Tricia
i am pagan but terrible at remembering any dates so a belated happy imbolg to you too.
as for winter, i dont think it has finished yet and we will have it come howling down at the end of march. just in time for lambing :(
though having said that, i dont have sheep this year so no lambing. it'll probably be blissfully warm and sunny just cos i dont have to be out all hours ;D
gah, i miss my sheepies. gonna have to get some more :P
In my planting by the moon diary, today (4th) is Imbolc...
Still, if the weather lore is right, I'm not fussed, as both days were lovely!
;D
I want some sheepies ;D Or a couple of goats!
AMAZIN: All days from Friday - Saturday have been lovely in Nottingham :)
Bunjies: I'm the same ref: dates! I'm a hedgewitch by nature and I don't 'do' numbers!