Imbolc Blessings

Though spring weather and new growth is still some time away, Imbolc is a welcomed sabbat that helps us remember that winter does not last forever, and this side of the planet will once again be filled with days of long light, birdsong and green-leafed trees. (now that was a long sentence!).

These days, instead of observing the birth of lambs and calves, most urban Wiccans are using symbols of new life and the return of light on their altars. Beautiful candles, cauldrons filled with herbs, fresh flowers and incense, paintings or figures of those things that represent the return of Spring. For those of us who live in northern climes, we are not likely to see crocuses popping up or the groundhogs scurrying around. But truly we know it is coming soon, with Ostara, the Spring Equinox sabbat occurring in March.

So far, for most of us all over the US, this winter has not been very harsh (as of yet). Still it gets dark early, and there is frost in the mornings, and frankly I am so tired of the heavy coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and waiting for the car to warm up. It is encouraging to take a moment at the beginning of February to think ahead to the warmer days.

In the meantime, there is lots going on to fill the days between now and Ostara. I try not to wish the time away, as each and every day is just as important as a day sometime in the future. Live in the "now", I like to say.

Blessed Imbolc to everyone.

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