Imbolc

I am familiar with the eight sabbats commonly celebrated by wiccans and some pagans and I personally do not celebrate the major sabbats. I focus on the solstices and equinoxes which are referred to as the minor sabbats. I never understood why the sabbats marked by the changing of the seasons would be labeled lesser, but I’ve gone past that with a big shoulder shrug and a “whatever” (sighed).

For me the changing of the seasons, especially the summer and Winter solstice are the sabbats I focus on. It’s not that I was taught by a particular person or tradition that had less focus on the major sabbats, it is just what feels right to me… I did learn while doing some research on the Pagan practices of my Polish ancestors, that the early Poles and other Slavic people often held a primary focus on Summer and Winter solstices. It made me wonder if on some deeper level I was drawn to the seasonal celebrations of my ancestors. It’s a thought that might support the idea that learned behaviors can be passed down through the generations without there ever being an emphasis placed on these behaviors or beliefs.  

I just can’t get into the whole… Imbolc and ewe’s first milk thing… I grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and we raised sheep, cattle, horses, goats, fowl, and various other typical farm animals…  I don’t remember noticing the ewes bagging up at the first part of February… it was still usually cold and snowy, and we didn’t see any “sign” until the first part of March and then lambs started coming right around Spring Equinox. Anyway.. that's what I remember... I was a kid and that was a while ago.

The major sabbats are thought to be more important by some than the minors or the seasonal changes. I have never felt that is true. I will admit the veil or energy barrier between this world and the other world is thinner both Samhain and Beltane, and I do utilize this time of the year to focus on divination and communication with those who reside in the other worlds. 

Because I am participating in the Pagan Blog Project, I have found myself thinking about Imbolc and what it means to me today. In many of these instances, I wondered if I “should” do something for this sabbat, and then decided that the contemplation of the day was all I was going to participate in today.
I normally don’t even go that far for Imbolc. 

My contemplation today has brought me to a place of decision; I am going to let the energy of the day, Spirit, God/dess, direct me in regard to celebrating the major sabbats. I have a feeling I’m going to be surprised as the year unfolds. I am looking forward to hearing and heading the call of the sabbats this year. It's sounding decidedly Slavic..

Have a Wicked Good Day!

Molly