Imbolc
1 August
Imbolc celebrates the awakening and renewal of nature in early spring. It marks the beginning of the end of winter and the emergence of new life. At Imbolc, the Goddess has recovered from giving birth to the new-born God, depicted as a nursing infant. The God is growing stronger each day, spreading warmth and light that causes plants to grow again.
Imbolc is a time to honour the feminine and prepare for the coming of spring. It is the moment of first beginnings and new hopes. It is an opportunity to reflect on the year ahead and how you will make the most of it.
As the land comes alive again, the Australian forests are filled with the bright yellow of Acacia trees in bloom. Though "Wattle Day" is now celebrated on September 1, it was originally held on August 1 to correspond with the vibrant yellow blooms of Imbolc.
The stirrings of life at Imbolc symbolise the renewal of the life force, just as the first green shoots emerge from bulbs. The Goddess's health and vitality return as the God's light and warmth grow, nourishing the earth back to fruition. Imbolc celebrates the cyclical rebirth of nature and the divine.