Imbolc for the domestic witch, part 1: history of Imbolc

[icymist]

Imbolc is just around the corner, starting on the night of February first and running through the next day. (Pagans who live below the equator celebrate on August 1). This first part of a three part series on Imbolc will discuss the history of Imbolc and similar celebrations around the world. Part two will share the very basic correspondences of the sabbat.; part three will discuss various ways to celebrate Imbolc as a domestic witch.

One of the four major sabbats of Celtic-based Paganism, Imbolc (pronounced "IM bulk" or "EM bowlk") is a fire festival talking place on the Cross Quarter Day, between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara). The world Imbolc is derived from the Gaelic word "oimele", meaning "ewes milk"* and in Celtic Ireland was associated with the onset of lactation of ewes preparing to birth the spring lambs.

The Celts took this time to celebrate the lengthening of the daylight and the knowledge that spring was on it's way. The celebrations included fires of all kinds (in the hearth, outside bonfires and candles), weather predictions, feasts and divination work.
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