Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

Book III: W heel of the Year 259
8. Oimelc (Brigantia, Candlemas)
Introduction: Oimelc
By Oberon Zell-Ravenheart & She’ D’Montford
Oimelc, Imbolc, and Imbolg are variants of the name for the cross- Quarter
Sabbat that is traditionally celebrated on February 2, but falls several days later astrologically,
at 15° Aquarius. Oimelc (EE-melk) means “ewe’s milk,” and Imbolc or Imbolg means “in
the belly,” referring to this as a festival of pregnancy, birth, and lactation (“got milk?”). It is the
celebration of the bursting of the locks of frost, and the breaking of waters as the sacred sets of
twins lower in the womb of the Earth Mother. This is a festival of waxing light and fertility, once
marked with huge blazes, torches, candles, and fire in every form.
The Romans called this Irish holy day Brigantia, as it was dedicated to Brigit (also called
Brigid or Bride), goddess of fire, the forge, inspiration, creativity, poetry, herbal healing, and
especially midwifery. At her shrine in the ancient Irish capitol of Kildare, a group of 19 priestesses
(no men allowed) kept a perpetual flame burning in her honor. The Roman Church could
not very easily call the great goddess of Ireland a demon, so they canonized her instead.
Henceforth, she would be “Saint” Brigit, patron saint of smithcraft, poetry, and healing.
Since she symbolized the fire of birth, the glow of good health, the fire of the forge, and
burning poetic inspiration, Brigit came to personify the new warmth and life of spring. The
Roman Church adopted this symbolism as Candlemas or Candelaria, the day to bless all the
church candles, which are then used to bless the throats of parishioners, keeping them from
colds and sore throats. Maidens dressed in white were adorned with crowns of the blessed
candles. Bonfires were lit on the beacon tors, and chandlers celebrated their special holiday.
Other customs of Brigantia include making a little Brigit’s bed and a Brigit doll to sleep in it.
This festival marks the beginning of both the lambing and plowing season. Opposite the
men’s festival of Lughnasadh, Oimelc is celebrated with Women’s Mysteries of birth and
menstruation, and rites of passage into womanhood. It is a time of Dianic and Wiccan initiation,
celebration of sisterhood, and woman-to-woman loving. Called Lady Day in some
Craft traditions, Oimelc has been popularized in America as Groundhog Day.
At Annwfn & Raven Haven
Brigit fires up the forge and leads us to each forge talismans in token of our pledges to
complete some creative project during the year. The goddesses reign, and two priestesses
may take the parts of the Red and Green Maids. At the Brigit bardic in front of our cozy
hearth fire, we share poetry, songs, and stories attributed to her inspiration. In honor of
Brigit’s healing arts, we give each other massages and foot rubs.
At Your House
The fires of Brigit represent our own illumination and inspiration as much as light and
warmth. The primary magickal tool of this Sabbat is the candle. Invite your friends and family to
a bardic Circle in honor of Brigit. Ask them each to bring poetry, songs, short stories, and even
jokes to tell—best, of course, if they have written these themselves! If you have a fireplace in
your house, you should light the fire and some red candles, and turn out all other lights. Fill a
drinking horn or chalice with apple juice, and pass it around the Circle deosil. As each person
drinks in turn, they must share something they’ve written, or at least tell a joke.
With the promise of spring and rebirth in the air, fix up your altar to Brigit. Include a statue
of the Goddess, with a red and white altar cloth and candles. Red, pink, white, and gold candles
are also appropriate. Use a small set of lights to brighten your altar and acknowledge the fire