Imbolc in New Orleans

In New Orleans, Imbolc tends to get under-appreciated.. There are two reasons for this. First, Imbolc is considered to be a mid-winter Sabbat, where we recognize that there's light at the end of the tunnel. We don't really have winter in New Orleans, so it's hard to mark the sun's rebirth like it is in more-northern latitudes.

The second thing is that Imbolc always falls in Carnival time. 2-February is too early to be Mardi Gras, but it's close enough to be in the thick of the celebration. That's one heck of a distraction for anyone, heathen or no.

Still, New Orleans is a very Catholic city. Read that, a very pagan city. Candlemas (and the Feast of St. Blaise) is still a big deal, and that's the Christian-izing of Imbolc.

The big observance (as well as a Sabbat circle) I like to do for Imbolc is to light a bunch of candles around the house at what would usually be sunset in the Summer. Then reflect on what that light offers. This year, I'll be in Denmark for Imbolc, so I'll light one or two candles, within reason, since I don't want to set off the hotel room smoke detector. :-)