Darkness wanes; slowly, imperceptibly, the days get longer and the cold, pink sunsets come later. But now, after the winter holidays, is often the darkest time of year for people emotionally, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where winter nights are prolonged and the rain inexorable. Now is the time to light a candle against the darkness, literally or figuratively.
Quite literally lighting candles, and cooking by their light, is the subject of Catherine's article this issue -- a way to connect with our ancestors that a fallen power line often chooses for us. (At Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, Northern Europeans traditionally made candles from the fat saved from animals consumed earlier in the winter.) Making real spell candles and imbuing them with your purpose is Sylvana's topic. Freya in contrast talks about a figurative way to light a candle against the night, by shining your personal light to help others see their way forward and thereby cheering yourself up. Janice focuses on how our light continues from life to life -- or not -- as she considers reincarnation.
Also in this issue, Maren continues her study of epiphany and renewal in Minoan art, concentrating on the iconography of birds and their relationship with the Cretan Great Goddess or goddesses. In Minoan material, birds often feature as part of a complex of symbols indicating the return of fertility and life. So too is Imbolc a herald of the return of fertile life, the earliest beginning of spring. Elsewhere, Genevieve rounds up Imbolc music, and Thea looks at the Imbolc stars. The heavens seem to be playing rough these next few weeks; let's hope the world can take it in stride. May the stars herald peace and plenty for you and yours this Imbolc.