WITCH IN THE CITY

IMBOLG - CANDLEMAS - FEBRUARY 1-2 On Imbolg (February 1st or 2nd) we become aware that the Sun's energy is slowly growing stronger. The Earth Mother is slowly awakening under the Sun's revitalizing energy. At this time, we call to the Mother to accept this energy and use it to bless us and renew the Earth. We call to the young Sun God to empower him and draw his fertilizing energy back into the Mother. Imbolg marks the welcoming of spring and the festival of the beginning of the end of winter. It is a festival of light and of fertility. Imbolg is the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God.  The lengthening periods of light awaken Her. The God is a young, lusty boy, but His power is felt in the longer days. The Earth begins to feel this warmth, marking a return to the months of spring. It originated in Ireland as a holy day for Brigit (pronounced "breed"), the Great Mother Goddess, who was in the form of a bride for the returned Sun God. The word...

Ostara, also called the Spring Equinox or Vernal Equinox, is a time when we, as Witches, celebrate the arrival of Spring. Ostara marks the day when night and day are equal or in balance. The sacred and magickal images of Ostara are the egg and the rabbit. In ancient times, Eostre was the Norse Goddess of Fertility, and it is she that is honored on this Sabbat day. During this time, the chill of Winter begins to wane away, leaving the days to become warmer and longer. Looking around, we see new birth everywhere, from homes on the hillside to animals in the fields. Life has begun again. This is the time to plant the seeds of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, or to plant the seeds of your own spiritual garden. As the light takes over the dark, Witches celebrate the fertility of the Earth and the growing of the young Sun God's energy. In symbolic ritual, the young God is armed with the tools necessary to conquer the darkness as he rides out across the sky. We give thanks for the upcomin...