Imbolic- February 2

Imbolic- February 2

Imbolic is a Sabbat celebrated by most Wiccans. It takes place every February 2^nd. Most of us relate this day to the Ground Hog and we can do both, as we understand what both of these traditions can mean to us.

Ground Hog Day typically means that some of us get up before sunrise dress warmly and go to the local town square where a sleeping Ground Hog will be roused from it’s slumber and checked for a shadow. If the drowsy creature sees its shadow it will be six more long weeks of winter and our Ground Hog friend will go back to sleep. If there is no shadow the Ground Hog will remain awake and spring is just around the corner. This tradition has become a small ritual in North America and we now have three competing Ground Hogs that say they can predict our weather.

Imbolic is the mid point between fall and spring. On our calendar it is half way through the winter season. The days are getting longer and we begin to sense that spring is on its way. This is a good time of year to start that spring cleaning. A freshen of the tablecloths or maybe a change of the drapery and by all means it is time to start planning your garden.

As an alter suggestion burn lavender and white candles and decorate with white flowers. Burn lavender incense or use lavender oil in a diffuser or burner. Remember to have a light meal of cakes and wine before your ritual and to bring an offering to the alter to welcome in the final days of winter. As the earth begins the final days of the winter sleep honour the Crone and her wisdom.

Celebrate fertility as the earth moves towards the awakening and celebrate the things that are unborn as they will soon be here. Have a look in you magickal cabinet and see what you maybe needing to stock up on for the following months. It is not required that you perform magick on any given Sabbat but it is nice to honour and give thanks.

So in the end, both these rituals or celebrations are about the final days of winter. No matter how you look at it spring will always come and it is so nice to believe it will come just a little earlier because of a rite and or a small and simple Ground Hog.

Enjoy!!!