Imbolc

The second of the great Celtic lunar festivals was called Imbolc, sometimes called Oimelc, which took place around 1^st February. Its name means ‘around the belly’ and the festival was a celebration of the great Goddess and of new birth. At this time, the Cailleach, or old crone, was renewing and transforming herself into the spring maiden.

Invocation to Brigid

Bride

crowned with candles

cleanser and healer

pure as snow

milk- white

golden- haired

guardian of the sacred well

mystically kindling fire in the belly

gentle inspirer of poets

 

Image:  The Shortening Winter's Day is Near a Close (1903) Joseph Farquharson (1846-1935)

Text: Adapted from The Celtic Book of Seasonal Meditations

By South Utsire