Candlemas (Imbolc, Imbolg and Oimelc) is a Major Sabbat that is a celebration to mark the return of the sun and the end of winter. At Yule the Goddess gave birth to the promised "Child of Light" the tiny God of the Sun. At Candlemas the Goddess nurses her Son who is growing in power and strength. We celebrate the waxing sun and the beginning of Spring. Soon the Goddess will return from the Underworld and the Earth will be reborn. Candlemas is a celebration of hope, the light returns and Spring is just around the corner.
The Celts called this holiday Brigit’s Day or Brid’s Day (pronounced Breed’s). The Imbolg was the ancient Celtic festival celebration the birth and freshening of sheep and goats and was also called Oimelc meaning ewe's milk. This is a time of great anticipation and the celebration of possibilities. New life is about to awaken in the earth; the earth is becoming ready to receive the seeds.
