Happy Winter Thermstice, or Imbolc!  Amid the dark and cold, the warmth and light begin to return.  The days are noticeably longer now that it’s been over a month since the Winter Solstice, and now we begin warming as well.  It’s the middle of Winter, but warmer days lie ahead!

Celebrations

The Winter Thermstice is the time of the deepest cold (on average).  Despite the cold, life exists, hidden beneath the snow.   Gathering strength, yet hidden in many ways.  How long and harsh will this winter be?  Can traditions of groundhogs or candles tell us?  I recently saw a Pagans personalized Wheel of the Year, and they had Imbolc labelled as “Brightening“, opposite the sacred holiday of “Dimming”.  I think these are great names – though the change does start at the Solstices, it’s later that the change begins to be noticeable.  These and many other themes join with the making of candles and wintertime celebrations.

Some of the ways many of us celebrate have been published a couple weeks ago. However you are celebrating (including Summmer Thermstice/Lammas celebrations in the Southern Hemisphere), may your be celebration be blessed.