Imbolc in Australia – Honor Brigid And Celebrate The Return Of The Light

Imbolc (or Oimelc) heralds the end of winter and the seasonal shift towards spring.  It is sacred to the Goddess Brigid and is sometimes confused with Candlemas, the Christian festival celebrated on February 2nd.  In the north it is traditionally celebrated on February 1, while here in the southern hemisphere, Imbolc traditionally falls on August 1.  This is the Feast of Torches as the light lengthens and the cold and dark gloom of winter lifts.  The Goddess recovers from Her labour. She has attained the knowledge of the Mother and the Crone and will soon begin her rejuvenation as Maiden in the coming spring.  The power of the Sun King grows with the lengthening days.  His warmth energizes the Goddess.  Nature is waking from Her slumber and seeds start to germinate and sprout.  The warmth grows, and so does the love between the Goddess and the Sun King. 

It is late winter and soon it will be spring time. Oimelc literally means “ewes milk” and this is the time ewes start to produce milk as they come into the lambing season.  Dingo pups are being birthed and turtles and snakes lay their eggs.  Eucalypts and tree ferns start to bring forth new shoots.  In the north, the earth begins to dry out as swamps, creeks and billabongs evaporate with the increasing warmth.  Crocodiles start nesting and the wattle is in full bloom.  The first of the butterflies begin to emerge, the perfect representation of a cold world wakening and stretching in the growing warmth.  There is still a chance of frosts and late snowfalls and we wait for the last of the winter winds to blow the cold away.   The echidna breeding season is starting and the majestic King Orchid blooms.  These gorgeous orchids have special meaning to me as they always bloom around the time of my father’s birthday.  They remind me of where I’ve come from and where I’m going. 

This is a season to embrace the new.  What intentions do you wish to put out to the universe?  As the fluttering wings of the butterfly emerge, we are reminded of the Butterfly Effect.  This theory suggests that small things can have significant non-linear impacts, for example, the beating wings of a butterfly could be a catalyst for a cyclone.  While this may seem far-fetched, we are reminded of the need to be aware of our actions.  Our very existence impacts others, not just other humans, but plants, animals and the earth itself.  What energies are you putting out?  Where do you want to be in 6 months’ time or a year or even 6 years’ from now?  This is the time to lay the groundwork for the summer harvest.  Be clear about where you want to be heading and take action to nurture this new growth now. 

When we tune into what is happening around us, ritual and intent go hand in hand.  Fire is a perfect representation of the Sun King and at Imbolc we can light candles in every room in the house to welcome Him; recognising not only His light and warmth, but also His illumination and inspiration.  Gaze into the flames and use this energy to visualize your life and how it will blossom in the coming months along with the blossoming season.  If you are able to, make candles with intent specifically for this time of year.  Attune to the lambing and calving  season by eating dairy or making your own cheese, kefir or yoghurt.  Sun dried fruits are also a great food for honouring the Sun King as they have been dried by His warmth.  Winter vegetables and fruit are still in abundance and the cool weather is perfect to enjoy hearty stews and soups.  This is a perfect time to plan your garden for the coming spring and tend to any jobs that need doing to reap a good summer harvest. 

A beautiful tradition to honour the Sun King and Goddess at this time of year is to make a straw figure to represent Brigid.  This is known as a ‘brideog’ or biddy and is placed in a basket on the hearth.  Next to the biddy is placed a wand as the phallic representation of the Sun King.  Light candles and welcome Brigid into your home to bless your hearth.  If you have been visited by the God and Goddess, you may see foot prints or marks in the ash the following morning.  This is a positive omen for a bountiful and prosperous year ahead.  If you don’t have a fireplace, you could do a similar ritual with soil from your garden to set the basket on which could be returned to the earth the following day.  Bless this ritual by leaving an offering of food and wine on the ground as a thank you for the coming year’s harvest. You could also make a Brigid’s Cross from grass or straw you have found locally and place it on your altar to celebrate this turn of the wheel.

The darkness of winter is passing and as we move into the light, now is your time to plan, prepare and prosper. 

Dear heart, you have so much to offer up to the universe. 

Ignite your flame and let it burn bright. 

The world needs your unique light.