Candlemas: Feast of Flames

Holiday Series

by Amber K., Azrael Arynn K

A High Priestess of Wicca and a third-degree Wiccan devote this custom-filled book to Brigid's Festival of Returning Light, an ancient holiday filled with hope.

Genres: Paganism, Wicca, Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Holiday, Spirituality, Religion

264 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2001

About the author

Amber K is an author of books about magick, Wicca and Neopaganism, and a third degree priestess of the Wiccan faith. She was initiated at the Temple of the Pagan Way in Chicago, Illinois and served on the Council of Elders there, and has taught the Craft throughout the United States and Europe for over 24 years. She has served as National First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess for three terms, and is a founder of Our Lady of the Woods and the Ladywood Tradition of Wicca. She has worked with various Neopagan organizations such as Circle Sanctuary and the Re-Formed Congregation of the Goddess. She is currently is the Executive Director of Ardantane, a Wiccan/Pagan seminary is northern New Mexico.

She is handfasted to Azrael Arynn K, and has a son, Starfire, who is a Wiccan security officer. Amber’s interests include mountains and forests, dolphins, travel, science fiction, collecting large antique keys, art, reading, and all things magickal. Her role models include Doreen Valiente, Lao Tse, Xena the Warrior Princess, and Snoopy.

Reviews

[Swankivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was VERY well-written, my favorite individual book about a Pagan holiday. Lots of great lore and emphasis on the Brigit myth.

[GoldenjoyBazyll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think back to prehistoric times.... the winters- not unlike ours- are cold and unforgiving (theirs were worse of course)... people had spend the entire spring/ summer and fall hunting/ gathering and storing food. The days around February are starting to get a little longer and people are getting tired of the food stuffs (which are now getting stale/ spoiled).... being stuck inside and yet.... these people found something to be grateful for- something to celebrate.... the coming of spring and the rebirth of the earth. "Beyond the darkness of winter, there is an oasis of light and warmth on the journey from the solstice to spring. Known as Candlemas- Imbolg-Brigantia or Lupercalia it is a hope filled celebration held in early February."

This book is a historical account of how this celebration was and is today celebrated around the world. Myths/ stories about Bridgit (the saint and the meaning of her today. There are receipes for foods to eat for the celebrtation.... crafts to make and suggestions for how to celebrate the holiday.

[Starrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really thorough look at the holidays surrounding Imbolc. Perfect for beginners or people wanting additional depth into the holiday. Provides a lot of great ideas for celebrating the season, including activities and recipes!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good, one of the better ones in the series. It contains a wealth of information. My only problem is that it assumes I have access to supplies I don't and a place to practice the Craft outside. Otherwise it's a great book!

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightfully dated in only the way that pagan Wheel of the Year books can be.

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and helpful information! Well written.

[Mindie Burgoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for those who are just beginning to understand pagan feasts.

[Awallens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early February is time to welcome the returning light and promise of Spring--Candlemas This book sheds light on the origins, lore, and customs of this ancient
holy day. Keep those post-holiday blues at bay with tales from medieval Ireland, delicious recipes, crafts, decorations, detailed rituals, and even magickal
spells with candles you make yourself.
This book was a good beginning text on the origins of Candlemas. I should have written this review a few days earlier but hey you can still celebrate Candlemas or Imbolc if you wish!

[Jewels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great volume that gives an in depth overview of the holiday of Imbolc. There are sections on history, ritual, cleaning (house & self), and recipes at the end. The main focus of the book is the goddess Brigid, but they leave ample room for other deities and other religious persuasions as well. This would be an ideal book for someone who is new to the craft and is interested in learning about this particular holy day.

[Julie Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the late winter holiday Imbolc. (Some call it Candlemas--the name given to it by later religions.) Much of this holiday centers around Brigid/Brigit, a goddess in some traditions (and a saint in some religions), so there are rituals to honor her, along with some history, some crafts, some rituals, and some food ideas. I thought the writing style was accessible and flowed well--it had a friendlier tone than some of the other books in this series.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber K. Writes a heartfelt instructional book concerning the rites of Brigid's holiday, a.k.a. Imbolc. The book is heartwarming and detailed, offering holiday rituals, lore, history, recipes, decorating tips, and more.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about my favorite sabbat. I highly recommend this series to anyone, even the "Halloween" book.

[Tif · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more information than I wanted at the moment but a quick easy read. Good reference.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book full of information. Well researched and documented as usual. One of the best in the series I've read!

[Lilly Rosemeade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great information on the Goddess and Imbolc ideas.