There are four fire festivals In the Celtic tradition. They celebrate distinct phases in the annual cycle. Awakening, Growth, Harvest, and Rest. In particular, they honor the relationship between nature and angelic cooperation.
The first fire festival, Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, marks the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Calendars assign February 1 (and February 2) annually, but if you calculate the date -- astronomically it's technically shifted slightly to February 4, 2024 (i.e. 15° Aquarius). Imbolc dates may vary according to locale and ecologic conditions.
Groundhog Day on February 2 is adapted from Imbolc as it warns us of six more weeks of winter, if…
Traditionally celebrated 40 days after Christmas, people were encouraged by the pope in the 6th Century to “offer up a candle to worship the Light Bearer.” At one time, the holiday lasted from Yule until Imbolc, but later it was shortened to end on the twelfth day — January 6th (Epiphany).
Other traditions include for the Priestess to wear a wreath of burning candles. Scandinavians shifted this practice to Yule, but in Latin countries they still honor the wearer, Lucia, as their “Light Bearer.” In the Scottish Highlands, a corn effigy, made during the summer fire festival of Lammas, was carried around town collecting contributions for the matriarchal St. Brigit festival. Men had to plead to honor the maiden “bride...”
In times past, great fires were built on hilltops across Great Britain and Europe. The light created during Imbolc was symbolic to acknowledge and encourage the Sun's return and to rejoice as the days grew longer once again. Yule decorations and boughs were burned to clear the way for spring. The ashes were saved to scatter over the fields later.
We can feel the stirrings of renewal as the day grows just a little longer. Winter is not fully past, but spring approaches. This is a time to prepare space for possibilities. Ponder plans, refine choices, feel the earth. The great rhythm of cooperation between Earth, Sun, weather, angelic beings, human labor, and plants is about to begin. Tidying up and letting go in this cycle, will give us a clean slate before moving on to Ostara. Meditate — as you, like Mother Earth, slowly awaken.
Enter any sacred space in history around the globe and you will find sacred fire.
To honor Imbolc, “offer up a flame” — be it a solitary candle or a hilltop bonfire. Rejoice as we awaken to renewal!
Suggested Modern Ritual: We can use Imbolc/Candlemas to make and bless candles. Cleanse, dress, and anoint them with essential oil(s) and lay them on the altar as an offering. Call in the Deity Brigit, a totem animal — perhaps Whale (creativity) — and place your altar in or face the direction you feel is ruled by fire. (I was taught to use South when dealing with the fire festivals.)
Patroness Brighid
Beloved Brighid, of the triple flame,
Daughter of Dagda
Guardian of the sacred springs
Whose voice is the soul of the harp
We call on thee
Teach our hands to heal, and our hearts to sing
Teach us to change like the revolving seasons
Teach us to grow like the green corn that feeds the people
Teach us to fashion beauty like the stillness of the forest pool and roar of the ocean waves
Help us to see your Mystery in all creation
That we may know gratitude and reverence
We thank you for your gifts and the healing balm of your wisdom
With humility and bright expectations, we invoke thee this hour!
Aquarian New Moon affirmations:
I treasure what’s unique about me
I appreciate my wide community of friends
I nourish myself with new and unusual ideas
I look forward to opportunities that come in unexpected ways
I have the courage to face change
I delight in the whole human race
Contributed by Wendolyn Sky Otter.
Images from Wix and Unsplash.