Halfway between the midwinter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara) is Imbolc. This is a pagan festival that has been celebrated since Neolithic times in Ireland and Scotland.
Ancient Imbolc was a Celtic celebration of rebirth and spring returning to the world. Similar to Yule, and the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which celebrate the sun returning to the world as the days grow longer, Imbolc has traditionally been celebrated since prehistoric times by lighting bonfires. Today, modern pagans light candles as a representation of light coming back to the northern hemisphere.
Snowdrops are a flower traditionally associated with Imbolc. Even though it’s still quite chilly here in Belfast, Northern Ireland, there were some lovely snowdrops braving the elements today, so I took a few photos without treading on any. Like my celestial leggings? I’m going to my yoga class later, so I’m dressed for the occasion.
Do I have any books suitable for Imbolc? None that are set on February 1st, though I’ll have to rectify that at some point. From L to R, here are the pagan influences in my books, for those readers who may be interested:
Gods of Avalon Road, my occult fiction, urban fantasy novel set in London takes place on Beltaine (May 1st).
The Buddha’s Bone goes through all seasons in Japan. Although Shinto, not pagan, it refers to the Spring Winds from China.
Some chapters in Matthew’s Twin take place on Samhain and Yule.
The Fairy Lights is set on Yule (21 December) and Beltaine (1 May)
One of the babies in The Blue Man (spoiler alert!) is born on Samhain (31 December)
Anyway, Imbolc blessings to you, whether you celebrate or not. The days are definitely getting longer here in the northern hemisphere, and spring is just around the corner.
Leilanie Stewart 