A Celtic Winter Holy Day

The public is invited to a celebration of Imbolg on Friday, January 31, at the Ardantane campus. We will gather at the Dome about 6:30 pm, and the ceremony begins at 7:00.

Imbolg is an ancient Celtic holy day sacred to the goddess Brigit; it is a good time for consecrating yourself and your tools to the work ahead in the new year.

Participants are invited to bring any favorite tools to consecrate for your projects. This could include garden tools, pens, a laptop, knitting needles, or other tools you will use in your work or hobbies. If your tools are bulky or numerous, you can bring a photo (instead of, say, rakes and composters), or consecrate them in absentia, with a “virtual” consecration. If you use candles, bring those to be blessed and consecrated as well.

Imbolg means “in the belly,” referring to the season when sheep are about to give birth. It is also called Oimelc, or “ewe’s milk,” and was later adopted by Gaelic Christians as Candlemas, a blessing of the candles used in local churches.

It is also the commemoration of Brigit, a Celtic goddess of inspiration, healing, and smithcraft, and later St. Brigid, honored as a Catholic saint who helped St. Patrick bring Christianity to Ireland. Themes such as purification, spiritual initiation, and healing are important to the event.

The ritual will be followed by a potluck dinner, and participants are invited to bring a dish or beverage to share. Anyone who would like to dress in red and white, the colors of the sabbat, is encouraged to do so. There is no charge for the events, although contributions are always welcome. Call Amber at 505-469-7777 for directions or more information.

Participants are asked to arrive at 6:30pm and to bring a dish to share after the ritual if they are able.

And if you would like to receive notice of future events, you can sign up for our electronic newsletter, the Ardantane Herald, at the bottom of our website’s home page: www.ardantane.org. There is no charge and your e-mail address will not be shared.