Blessed Imbolc

[Nathair/|\]

Yeah, I know I'm a bit late, but this is when I could do it. Imbolc is the first festival of oncoming spring, usually celebrated February 1 or 2. In many places, including Ëire where the festival is from, the first flowers (snowdrops, violets, crocuses, etc.) are starting to bloom. The name comes from the Gaeilge for "in the belly" referencing the pregnant Ewes that are starting to give birth at this time. It's also called Oimelc (ewe's milk) for what those ewes will be feeding their lambs.

It's also a day for weather divination. In Scottish lore, the Cailleach, the crone goddess of winter collects her firewood for the rest of the year. If she wants to have a long winter, she makes it clear today so she can have lots of wood to last her for the winter. If you want spring to come soon, hope for it to be blustery on Imbolc.

It's also an important day for me personally as in Scottish lore:

Thig an nathair as an toll

Là donn Brìde,

Ged robh trì troighean dhen t-sneachd

Air leac an làir.

Here in Missoula, we don't have any flowers starting yet, so I planted some mint, sage, and apple seeds in a starting tray instead.

Yours under the seasonal oaks,

Nathair /|\

Edited February 4, 2013 by Nathair

[Calm]

Not late around here and if I try a starting tray, the dog will be the one that enjoys it the most...sigh.

[DH]

Happy Imbolc to you, too. I saw blooming snowdrops a few weeks ago, but then the weather took a couple of turns for the worse, and everything is covered with snow again.