As with so much in our lives, Imbolc is a time of promise and expectation. And waiting. The Goddess is still embracing the aspect of Mother, pregnant with the God of the waning year (the Holly King) who will be born at Ostara.
But the unborn god-child in the Goddess's womb isn't the only life beginning to stir. At Imbolc we honor the lengthening of days and, with the increasing sunlight, we honor the stirring of vegetative life in the world. Though it is only February 2nd, spring is just around the corner. And all though the promise and potential are there, we still have a bit of winter's darkness to make it through.
Imbolc teaches us of hope and promises fulfilled. Warm weather will be on us again and life will return to the natural world. Not only does this physically manifest around us, but it is a promise in our own lives as well.
How many times have we wanted something so badly, yet were forced to wait endlessly until it came? It seemed like no amount of effort on our part could possibly speed the process along. Yet, when the time was right, what we needed was there. This is reflected in the natural world at Imbolc; this promise and the waiting. A reminder that we simply need to be patient and continue working toward our goals. In the proper time, we will reach them.
Imbolc
Approximately February 2nd
Pronounced "em-bolg"
Divine Myth: The Goddess is in the Mother aspect, pregnant with the Holly King (the God of the waning year) who will be born at Ostara.
Keywords: Awakening, Promise, Expectation