Can you believe it? Imbolc is just around the corner! (February 2nd this year)

Imbolc is the first of three Awakenings. In the waxing year, there is a festival of Awakening for each of the three aspects of the Lady. Imbolc is the Awakening of the light, when the first signs of new growth begin to appear, and the plans for the new year are laid.

Seed catalogs are purchased, and farmers ready to sow their crops when the time comes. Animals prepare to bring forth life in their turn.

Even in the Catholic holiday of Candlemas, the blessing of the candles is a preparation for the coming of light. The first Awakening is the awakening to the possibilities of the new year.

More Witchy Magick...

What I find really interesting is that, the traditional date for the holiday is also Groundhog Day. In American and European folklore, the groundhog emerges from his hole on this day, and if he sees his shadow, we are in for six more weeks of winter. Six weeks is a curious interval.

Six weeks is roughly the amount of time between Festivals - between spokes of the Wheel of the Year. If the groundhog sees his shadow on Imbolc, the return of the Light is delayed until the next Festival, Spring Equinox.



I'll be setting up my Altar for Imbolc soon, what about you?

P.S. Blessed New Moon everyone!