The Wheel
Imbolc
February 2: creative inspiration, purification, initiation, candle work, and blessing.
Date: February 2
Colors: Red and White
Customs: Lighting candles, seeking signs of spring, cleaning and welcoming
Ritual Focus: Creative inspiration, purification, initiation, candle work, house and temple blessings
Imbolc began as a holy day for honoring the Goddess as she turned the Wheel of the Year toward spring. The word Imbolc means “ewe’s milk” and comes from European tradition, where lactating ewes signaled winter’s ending.
This is a time for lighting candles and fires in celebration of the returning sun and the growing God. It honors and lends strength to the young God as the courting dance begins between the Maiden Goddess and the Young God. The source also names Imbolc as a time for collecting stones to border ritual circles and support magical workings.