Candlemas
Amazon

Candlemas:
Feast of Flames

Okay, it’s really about the Celtic Pagan festival Imbolg (or Oimelc), but who would read a book called “Oimelc” if they weren’t already Pagan? So we “borrowed” back the Christian name, Candlemas, because at least most people could pronounce it. (Christianity has borrowed a thing or six from Pagan cultures.) Anyway, there’s a lot of lore and stories about the Celtic Goddess Brigit as well as Her alter ego, Saint Brigid. By either name, She is a really great lady to work with. If you’re not Irish, you can be an honorary Celt, so read about your heritage now.

Beyond the darkness of winter, there is an oasis of light and warmth on the journey from solstice to spring. Known as Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigantia, or Lupercus, it is a hope-filled celebration held in early February to welcome the returning light and the promise of spring. Candlemas sheds light on the origins, lore, and customs of this ancient holy day with:

  • Myths and stories: Brigit the Goddess, Brigid the Saint, and her meaning today
  • Candlemas magick and divination: flame scrying, hearthside divination, candle magick, and protection magick
  • Late winter goodies and feasts: Brede’s Braid Bread, Guinness Stew, Bubble and Squeak, Mulled Cider or Wine
  • February festivals and traditions: rituals for purification, blessings, and renewal, from the Irish, British, Scots, Welsh, Norwegian, Greek, Roman, and Chinese cultures
  • Seasonal crafts and games: Brigid’s crosses or sun wheels, “Begging for Biddy,” and a Brigit corn dolly

Begin planning your next Imbolg ritual here and learn something new about Brigit/Brigid!

It is out of print, but copies can still be found. It will be back!

A Few Reviews

Light your candles

Of all the titles in this series, this one was my favorite by far. These authors included a wide variety of fun and creative activities for Imbolc. They included several rituals, for single, small groups, and large groups. I wish they would write a book for each of the sabbats since their ideas and insights really brought this celebration to life for us. If you have read any of the other series titles and were disapointed by the weak content, give this one a try. I think it was really good.
–MC

Helpful and inspiring

If you want to study the feast of Imbolc/Candlemas from the pagan perspective, this is a wonderful book.
–RBR