Good Wiccan Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigid, St. Bridget’s Day – February 2
Wiccan Holy Days and Sabbaths to Observe –
Opening and Closing Remarks
History of Candlemas
Leader (or someone) tells the story…
“Candlemas is known as the festival of lights. It celebrates the waxing year and the promise of spring to come. What began at Winter Solstice – the return of the sun – is well on its way. Fires and candles have always been lit on Candlemas as we will do tonight. A cup of newly melted snow often figures prominently on the Candlemas altar to symbolize the passing of winter.
“It was a popular festival in Ireland, and St. Bridget’s Day was named on the same date. Brigid was actually an earlier name for the goddess of fire and inspiration. Hearing a Lark singing on Candlemas was considered to be especially fortuitous as it symbolized that early approach of springtime. Groundhog Day in America, also on February 2, is a weather divination ritual determining whether Spring will be early or late.
“Colors associated with this holy day are white and green to symbolize the passing of winter into spring. And seeds are often blessed and planted at this time. The God and Goddess are pictured as new born babies at the beginning of the wheel of life.
“If you have made New Year’s Resolutions – you may wish to renew them at this time.
“This is a time of true beginnings…
“Of initiation… “
Candlemas Ritual Concluding Remarks
During the section of nourishment – consider reading the parable of the Mustard seed from the Bible.
Leader thanks all for attending and concludes:
“Take a candle home with you tonight and light it when you get home. Consider buying a religious candle and setting it up permanently in a safe place on an altar in your home – keeping the fires of Candlemas alive throughout the year.
“Reach out far and wide to expand and reinvent yourself, knowing the circle of life the wheel of the year wills this as a natural part of life. “Remember to be a willow rooted in wisdom, yet willing to bend with the winds of the world.
“Blessed Be.”
