The wheel of the year slowly turns and now we celebrate the time of Imbolc or Brigit. This beloved goddess represents prose, fertility and fire. One can feel the days growing longer and winter losing it's hold on the earth. Imbolc is a time to bring out our ritual candles and indulge in milk and honey to feel the bounty and success of the season.

The altar for Imbolc could include the traditional colors representing this time: white for milk, purity and the maiden form of the goddess. Gold for the wheat, which was so important in past times that it was used as money and brown to represent the earth. As a greenwitch, I also include a small bunch of spring grass that has been tied with any of these colors in thread. I find them in patches of earth that the snow has managed to melt just enough for a few hopeful plants to peek their stems out. A symbolic bit of bread dipped in honey and a small glass of milk make this a wonderful altar to remind us of what the day represents.

The children make candle holders for the many candles that we manage to burn throughout this special day. Since it is important to keep such a close eye on the candles, in our home we traditionally have our Imbolc family altar on the kitchen table, where we spend most of our time together and the candles under my watchful eye.

Other items for the altar would be anything representing Brigit herself.Brigit dolls are made from a sheaf of last harvest's wheat and often dressed in white to become a doll in her wedding dress. This carries the symbolism of the marriage of the god and goddess at this time.

Poetry is especially welcome and it is a great time to write something beautiful for your ritual. From the innocent yet complex minds of our children come some of the truest words. You could talk about the significance of this holiday and then give your children time to write a poem for Brigit.

Imbolc is the perfect time for the candles that will be used all year in ritual to be blessed. Special candle holders can complete your design. Look for ideas to create your own candle holders and you will have an easy decoration to bring out every year at this time.

Start a family tradition of celebrating the sabaat, Imbolc.