Imbolc is traditionally regarded as the first day of Spring.
Life is beginning to stir again. The Celtic festival of Imbolc
or Imbolg - pronounced without the ‘b’ sound – is sometimes
known as Oimelc, means ‘ewe’s milk’ – named due to the birth of
the first lambs at this time, and celebrates the return of fresh
milk. Sheep are earlier with their offspring than cattle,
because they could crop lower for grass and so thrive on the
sparse vegetation in late winter. Cattle would calf around
March. Bulbs are beginning to shoot and new lambs are born – the
cycle of new life returns to the earth. Imbolc marks the rebirth
of nature and fertility. It is the celebration of the gradual
dawning of increasing light, bringing nature to life again.
Nature is awakening from her winter rest – the long winter
darkness begins to break as the daylight hours begin to get
longer. Christians celebrate this festival as Candlemas. “As the
light lengthens, so the cold strengthens” Imbolc focuses on the
Goddess, both as Mother – as she