Imbolc or Candlemas is a Sabbat that celebrates the midwinter and the return of the sun. As the days begin to get longer, it is tradition for every candle or lamp in the house to be lit for a little while welcoming the return of the Sun. Reverence of the snow is also a part of this celebration. Some symbols or tools to have for present for ritual include a representation of a white flower, snowflake, or snow in a crystal container if available. An orange candle annointed in musk ,cinnamon, frankincense or rosemary oil can be used to sybolize the renewing energy of the Suns rebirth. For a festive meal for the Sabbat dairy foods are good since Imbolc marks the festival of calving. My suggestion would be a mexican meal, since spicey and full bodied foods in honor of the Sun's rebirth. Candlemas is also a time of light, creativity and dedication. A Candlemas PoemNight of lit white candles darkness turned into light "everything she touches changes" feast of waxing flame fire of heart and hearth fire on the mind flickering of spark quickening of air warming into inspiration thawing in her innocence snow into desire "she shines for all of us she burns within us all" sipral heat of life "she shines for all of us within us all she burns" the fires to create "she shines in all of us she burns us all within" awakening arising is her need "she shines for all of us she burns within us all" Her candle is our only source -From Diane Stein's book "Casting the Circle"
