Imbolc

Imbolc (pronounced "im-molc") is the cross-quarter festival that heralds the start of the spring quarter of the year and the end of the winter quarter.

Imbolc, Imbolg, Oimelc
Candlemas is the Christianized name for the Pagan celebration of the transformation of the Goddess from Crone to the Maiden of Spring, celebrated in old Ireland by the kindling of hillside bonfires and the lighting of candles.

At Imbolc the sun god reaches maturity and is purified as he prepares to encounter the Goddess. The Spring Equinox marks the return of the Goddess from the Underworld. At Beltane the God and Goddess meet to begin their courtship.

See also: Symbol, Goddess, Light, Sun, World