ALSO  KNOWN  AS:  Candlemas, Imbolg, Feast of Lights, Feast of Torches, Oimelc,
Brigid’s Day, Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Snowdrop Festival, Feast of Waxing Light.

DATE:  Traditionally, February 2nd.  Astrologically, 15 degrees into aquarius, near February 4th.

A  fire festival.  Dedicated to Brigid or Bride (pronounced Breed), Goddess of fire and inspiration.
This marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God.  We sing to awaken the Earth
Mother and warm the earth.  It is a signal that the days are getting longer and spring will soon be
here.  Sort of an initial wake-up call to the Goddess that she must soon waken from her slumber and
begin to warm the earth back up.  We are at the harshest part of winter.  Winter's midpoint.  At this
point, the tides turn and move us toward spring, when we look forward to ushering in spring.

A sabbat of purification after the shut-in life of winter.  We renew the power of the sun.
The fire represents light, warmth, our own inspiration and our own internal illumination.

This is a traditional time for initiations and dedications.  It is traditional to light every light in the house,
have lit candles in every room, or place a kerosene lamp with a red chimney in the window.  The
Scandinavian custom of the crown of candles comes from this sabbat.

TRADITIONAL FOODS: dairy, spicy and full bodied foods, curries, peppers, onions, leeks,
shallots, garlic, chives, spiced wines, and dishes with raisins

HERBS:  snowdrop, rowan, the first flowers of the year