Color
of the day: Lavender
Incense of the day: Chrysanthemum
Imbolc is the Celtic holiday that marks the beginning of spring.
It is ruled by the goddess of spring, known as Brigit or Brigantia in
Ireland, and Bride in Scotland. In Irish myth, the god of the earth
Dagda, also known as the “good god,” had three daughters, who were
all named Brigit. The first Brigit was the goddess of poetry, the second
was the goddess of smithcraft, and the third was the goddess of fire and
healing. All three are really aspects of one triple goddess who was
associated with the Sun and with fire. On this day Brigit used her flame
to rekindle the fire in the earth and assure that plants would have the
heat that they need to break through the earth and begin to grow. In
ancient times, a woman dressed as Brigit would bless the fires in the
households and forges across Ireland. On this day, Brigit’s snake
would come out of its mound, and the snake’s behavior would determine
how long the remaining frost will last. This is the most likely origin
of Groundhog Day. In Christian times, Brigit became a saint associated
with the Virgin Mary. Imbolc became the Christian Candlemas, the Feast
of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated by
lighting candles. A Brigit’s cross is a talisman made of woven reeds
that form a cross with a woven square in the center and four equal arms
extending out from the center. This design gives the cross a sense of
rotation that evokes the wheel of the year. Brigit’s cross should be
made or bought on this day and used to protect the home throughout the
year. Also on this night one can leave a silk ribbon on the doorstep for
Brigit to bless. Later it can be used for healing.
By: Robert Place
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