Imbolc Goddess 2007

Imbolc Greetings to All! Imbolc is one of the four principal festivals of the Celtic calendar, celebrated either at the beginning of February or at the first local signs of Spring. It is dedicated to the goddess Brigid, and celebrated most widely by modern-day Pagans (like myself). It was later adopted as St Brigid's Day by the Catholics and they turned the Pagan goddess into a saint.

Fire and purification is considered by many to be an important aspect of this festival. Brigid (also known as Brighid, Bríde, Brigit, Brìd) is the Goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft. As both goddess and saint she is also associated with holy wells, sacred flames, and healing. To some, the lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months.

(courtesy of [link])

This drawing is going to be used to create a series of greeting cards that will be sold at my mother-in-law's store ([link]). There will be a card for each of the 8 solar holidays celebrated in the wheel of the year, which is the cycle of holidays celebrated by most modern Pagans.

This is only the first, and I am already working on one for Ostara. I know that the fire could be more realistic, but fire is tough to draw and I did my best (puts on her best Dane Cook voice, " I *DID* my BEST....!!!!"). Anyway, I really hope you like it and look forward to hearing your comments!

Blessings and Light!

~RW