In case you've forgotten about the holiday, the Hudson Valley Geologist is here to remind you.
Imbolc -- traditionally celebrated on the halfway point between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox, which this year falls on February 3 -- is an important holiday in the Celtic Pagan calendar, traditionally devoted to the goddess Brigid, fire, and pregnant sheep. Steve writes:
One traditional Irish legend regarding Imbolc is about the Cailleach, the old hag. If the Cailleach knows winter will last for a while yet, she will make sure the weather on Imbolc is bright and sunny so she can gather plenty of firewood. If Imbolc is a day of foul weather it means the Cailleach is asleep and winter is almost over. Very similar to the groundhog and his shadow! The weather was pretty nasty so I guess spring will arrive soon!
Imbolc is sacred to Brigid (also with many alternate spellings), a Celtic goddess. She's associated with fire, fertility, poetry, healing, and smithcraft. She's typically honored on Imbolc with offerings, requests for blessings, and the lighting of sacred fires. Imbolc is traditionally a time to reflect on where your life is going as we move into the next part of the year.
Photo of pregnant sheep by Flickr user rubyblossom, published under Creative Commons license.
