Imbolc - Candlemas

Imbolic (Celtic): Oimelc, Festival of Bride (pronounced 'Breed'), Festival of Bridgit, Candlemas, Imbollgc Brigantia (Caledonii), Lupercus (Strega)

February 2 Northern Hemisphere / August 1 Southern Hemisphere

Candlemas is the Christianized name for the holiday, of course. The older Pagan names were Imbolc and Oimelc. 'Imbolc' means, literally, 'in the belly' (of the Mother). For in the womb of Mother Earth, hidden from our mundane sight but sensed by a keener vision, there are stirrings. The seed that was planted in her womb at the solstice is quickening and the new year grows.

At the time of Candlemas, the newborn Sun God is seen as a small child nursing from his Mother.

The fall or autumnal equinox marks equal hours of light and darkness, but particularly it is a time for appreciating and giving thanks for the fruits of our gardens and labors in life - at home, school or work.

Here is a plan for an equinox celebration for a group of people to hold outdoors - at the beach, park, in the mountains, or another space big enough wherever you live.

Although in the heat of a Mid-western summer it might be difficult to discern, the festival of Lammas (August 1st) marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. The days now grow visibly shorter and by the time we've reached autumns end (October 31st), we will have run the gamut of temperature from the heat of August to the cold of October.

"Lammas" was the medieval Christian name for the holiday and it means "loaf-mass", for this was the day on which the loaves of bread were baked from the first grain harvest and laid on the church altars as offerings. It was a day representative of 'first fruits' and early harvest.

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• beltane