Imbolc, Imbolg, or Brigid is the pagan Sabbat on or about February 2nd. Use this oil for ritual anointing to accentuate any ceremony or candle observance to honor this day, and to celebrate the growing light. My Imbolc oil smells bright and fresh for the newness of the Sun and the growing light.

I also wanted it to have just a touch of the smell of burning candles, since this is a Candle holiday. This holiday is also known as Brigid, dedicated to the Goddess Brigid, and in other places, we call this holiday Candelaria or Candlemas, or Ground Hog's Day. This holiday is often observed with blessings, consecrations and initiations, so Imbolc oil could be used for any of these purposes no matter what time of year.

At this time of year, the rate of change of daylight is at a peak…you will be noticing it! Imbolc means “in the belly” and refers to the sheep who begin to give birth to lambs at this time of year. So the colors of the holiday are whites for the wool and the milk, and the snow.

In Celtic lands, this holiday is associated with the goddess Brigid, and observances include the procession of little corn dollies in miniature beds by young women and girls. Married women and heads of households received these representatives of the Goddess with great respect, and often treats.

A relative of mine from Puerto Rico told me they celebrate the holiday as Candelaria, and the custom is to burn your Christmas tree and light candles on this night. Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is an avatar of the Virgin Mary who came to south and central America from the Canary Islands, and one of her feast days is February 2nd.

A great way to celebrate this Sabbat might be to make your ritual candles for the rest of the Wheel of the Year. Since Brigid also keeps a Sacred Well, blessing of holy water, or other water healing and cleansing rituals would be appropriate.