Hi all,

Firstly I'm a bit of a newbie to pagan festivals.

Obviously it is the festival of Imbolc. Just wondering what this means to people and what sort of things you do??

Not really into dogmatic ritual and like to find my own way. Strangly have done some things without realising that were rather 'imbolc'. i.e. started getting ideas for the garden and choosing what things to grow and involving my two little girlies in helping to decide and planting.

Just interested really.

Cheers,

Neal.

Not all pagans celebrate the same festivals. I suppose most generic pagans will follow the Wiccan festivals, though don't hold me to that!

Those from recon religions have our own. As Imbolc isn't one, I don't celebrate it. In fact, I didn't notice it had just occurred, TBH. So my answer would be: I don't do anything.

Will give a nod to those who must be obeyed and share a glass of wine or four with my housemates but nothing major really, though it does turn my mind to planning for the future. I hope those that celebrate it have/had a good one

I seem to have drifted into the role of organiser for our Moot. I decide where and when we go, and try to come up with some idea of what we do. I send out invitation letters and chivvy people with phone calls to see who is coming.

I do my best to get a gathering for each of the four solar festivals and each of the four fire festivals. You'll see references to them in various places, in threads here, for instance.

Imbolc is the second of February - or some people have the first. It's the first signs of spring, as the earth quickens. Despite it being the coldest time of year, there are indications that spring is on its way. You can see buds on the bare branches of trees. Sometimes cherry trees are in blossom already. Snowdrops appear, although they are not native to Europe.

I'd like to have ritual, but we don't always manage it. We tend to have a sort of off the cuff nod. Not a proper casting of a circle, but just a few words.

Imbolc means "Ewe Milk" as it is the lambing season - another sign of regeneration in the depths of winter. It's sacred to Brigid, and she is the Goddess we honour in what we do at this time. This year we just had a snowdrop hunt. Then we had a confab and catch-up in the pub. That would be our "Cakes and Ale".

If you want some guidance on the different festivals, and the things you might do, "Seasonal Magic" by Paddy Slade (Capall Bann) is a good and entertaining book to give some indication. Really it's a case of do what you think is appropriate.
Paddy Slade has some good ideas.

I celebrate Imbolc on the 1st as thats when it feels right for me, but sometimes it can be a day either side to suit the practical side of things.

This year we made snowflakes and planted seeds with our son, i cooked a nice meal and we lit candles and read a poem for Brighid.

I have done a few little rituals during the past couple of days without even realising it untill afterwards.

I am also celebrating with my friend but due to work commitments we cant do this till next weekend!! But to be honest i think we just like a good excuse to get together and give thanks, to the Gods, Goddess' and the Mead!!

To everyone who celebrates hope you have a blessed Imbolc/Imbolg/Candelmass

Thanks for the book recommendations Fred and I agree with the what you think is appropriate comment as that is how I feel

SMF, I,ve been doing a fair few things too lately without realising

And Neal, I think you have made a good start with what you have done already.

i got to celebrate with my daughter this year,we planted seeds that will later be going into the garden ( herbs and flowers) they have sprouted already we also made a small offering to mother nature in our garden and gave thanks for the things we enjoy every day,we made food and had a meal,i also made plans for myself for the next few months,just things i want to get started and finished and that was about it really,we kept it simple as we are new to this but we really enjoyed ourselves and made a whole day of it,it was special too as it gave me a chance to spend the whole day with my daughter doing things together that we enjoy