Imbolc

Imbolc is the sabbat marking the first signs of spring, on 1 or 2 February in the northern hemisphere and around 1 August in the southern. It is one of the Gaelic fire festivals and was dedicated to Brigid, goddess of fire, poetry, healing and the forge, who later became Saint Brigid. It was associated with ewes coming into milk and with purifying the home after winter. In Wicca it is celebrated with candles, the cleansing of spaces, the blessing of seeds and new intentions. It has a serene, hopeful tone, the tone of a promise that is still fragile.