Imbolc

Candlemas is the Christianized name for the Pagan celebration of the transformation of the Goddess from Crone to the Maiden of Spring, celebrated in old Ireland by the kindling of hillside bonfires and the lighting of candles. Also known as Brigit’s Day, it is a Fire festival to honor the great Irish Goddess Brigit, the goddess of fire and the patroness of smith craft, poetry, and healing.

When Catholic missionaries arrived in Ireland they wisely felt they shouldn’t demonize the great Goddess of this ancient land, and so they made her a Catholic saint. "Saint" Brigit then became the patron saint of smith craft, poetry, and healing in the Church’s eyes. They explained their reasoning by convincing the Irish people that Brigit was actually an early Catholic missionary, and that they’d misunderstood that the miracles she’d performed were not of her power, but rather by the power of God working through her. The Church then proclaimed this day "Candlemas," keeping the symbolism of the Fire Festival, but devoting the day towards blessing the candles that were to be used in the coming liturgical year. However, the service of Candlemas only addressed the lighting of "pagan" fires by the populace, and not the symbolism behind these festivities. Thus, the Church also marked the day as the "Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary." This holy day marked the end of the six weeks of Mary’s impurity after giving birth to Christ at the Solstice, and allowed the Church to co-opt the deeper meaning of this Sabbat, as well as the celebratory activities.

We still see this theme of cleansing and purification carried into our rites, as well as our seasonal activities today. While the house gets a thorough spring cleaning, it’s symbolism prepares our minds and bodies for the resurgence of the coming season of warmth. The Maiden sweeps away the debris of the old, dead season with her new broom; thus, we sweep away the outdated and useless from our lives, and fill our minds instead with new ideas, plans, and goals.

This Rite of Candlemas marks the first stirrings of the new Spring. And, while it may seem strange to be celebrating Spring while snow still covers the ground and the bitter winds of winter still whip around your shoulders, the old name of this Sabbat actually explains the reasoning. Imbolc (or Imbolg) literally means "in the belly;" thus, though the land is still covered with snow and frost, within the belly of the Mother (earth), the first faint stirrings of the seeds of the new season are beginning. A festival celebrating light in the darkness, the Rite of Candlemas is the celebration of the rekindled fire both within ourselves and within the world, as personified by the growing strength of the new Sun God

Copied from Mark Sumpter