Imbolc is a (northern hemisphere) Celtic festival of renewal, fire, and fertility. Imbolc heralds the waning of winter and the impending arrival of spring (it is the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox). Imbolc is celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, and is connected to the Celtic goddess Brigid, who is the goddess of inspiration and creativity, healing, smith craft and poetry. (As Christianity spread from Rome to northern Europe and the British Isles Imbolc was adopted as Candlemass).

In Celtic lore, the Goddess Brigid embodies the maiden aspect of the triple goddess—a symbol of youthful potential, inspiration, and fertility. Her name means the high or exalted one, and she is the goddess of healing, fire, creativity, and illumination. She is associated with the emergence of spring, and the return of the sun. Fire played a ...