Imbolc (also sometimes spelled Imbolg) is the first day of Spring on the Wiccan Calendar, therefore it is the first day of the Season of Air.  Although here in Michigan it doesn't feel like Spring, if you've been paying attention, you will have noticed the days getting appreciably longer by the beginning of Februrary.  

At Imbolc we honor the Goddess Brede (also known as Brigit) and the God Belenus.  We ask Them to bless our covenstead and our homes.  (We've also been known to startle the neighbors when we take part of our ritual outdoors.  We leave a plate with buttered bread and honey and a glass of milk outside the front door, along with candles to guide the Goddess to our home.  We also lay out a bowl of oats for her cow.  This is an old Irish custom that was performed on the eve of St. Brigit's day, when it was said that Brigit and her white, red-eared cow, would bless the homes of anyone who left Her an offering such as the one described above.)

We give thanks to the Cailleach, the Blue Hag of Winter's darkest months, the time of the "Little Sun" (the months between Samhain and Yule), for in this time of darkness She has watched over us and kept us safe from harm.

Because Imbolc is a closed Sabbat, we will not be posting any ritual pictures.