Imbolc:

The festival of lights, a hint of spring is in the air....

I had a very special Imbolc in 2000. This was the first Imbolc I had ever celebrated. I was pregnant with my son, and the day and eve was gorgeous and clear. This was unusual for the area I was in. Usually the days were cloudy and the nights were foggy. Not this time.

It was very cold and there was snow on the ground. The stars were as bright as I've ever seen them and their shine was majestic. I went for a short walk. I didn't want to be out long, in my condition, so just a brief walk up and back a trail nearby my home. I centered myself and just enjoyed the beauty around me. The snow, the stars, both seemed to twinkle with the night. Even with the snow and cold, there seemed to be life everywhere, the wind gently moved the trees and a light scent of pine wafted around my nose. I felt a small chill, but it was not from the cold. I knew I was not alone. I was never alone, but it took moments like these for me to truly realize it.

I headed back home, where I had warm mulled wine waiting for me. It tasted of cinnamon and cloves. Perfect. After I warmed up, I called the corners to begin my Imbolc ritual. I had about a half dozen white candles and a special floating candle that I had found, alone and broken on sale. It was in the shape of a white snowflake. I laid it gently in my cauldron full of water and lit the tiny wick. I had also picked up some beautiful, yet simple white flowers to add a special something and to make it seem more like spring.

I took three of the other candles and carved my hopes into them. One for my unborn child, one for my husband in Kosovo, and on for a happy and healthy future. As I carved each candle, I dwelled upon each hope and explained it to the Goddess and meditated upon each one. Then, I lit each candle, meditating a bit more, thanking the Goddess for what I had already, yet explaining my hopes for the future. Finally, I lit the other three candles simply in honor of the Goddess. I lay back and just felt the love in the room and watched the candles slowly burn.

I closed the circle, thanking all that attended my rite. Then I went through my home and lit every candle that I owned. I let them burn for about a half an hour, then I whispered the flames away, keeping only the original half dozen candles and my floating snowflake burning. I then relaxed on the floor next to the candles, where I dozed off until morning.

When I awoke, the candles with my hopes carved upon them had burnt out, but my floating candle still held a flame, albeit a tiny one. I whispered it to sleep with much gratitude. It had watched over me during the night and watched over my candles of hope and my candles honoring the Goddess. It had earned its rest.

I was so refreshed and calm that morning, I had the knowledge of a beautiful night prior and knew that the Goddess had been with me.