Imbolc: First Light

Yay! Winter is half-over for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Imbolc is a festival in honor of the pagan goddess Brighid and marks the halfway point between Yule (winter solstice) and Ostara (spring equinox).

Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, which comes from the practice of lighting bonfires to celebrate the sun and the coming Spring. A Celtic tradition involves a wreath to represent the Wheel of the Year, with five candles in it to symbolize earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. In Sweden, the candle wheel used to be worn upon a young maiden's head, but the custom has migrated to St. Lucia's Day which is celebrated in December. 

It's a lovely day to start seeds indoors, burn calming white candles, and clear a bit of clutter.