Instead of seeing today as midwinter, let’s see Imbolc as the first day of spring. No matter where you live, look out the window. If it’s snowing, look under the snow and see the sprouting green leaves. Imagine your yard in its springtime splendor. Gather your coven (or work alone) to invoke springtime. Place two candles on your altar, one dark and one light (white or yellow). Light the dark candle and go around the circle, giving thanks for winter’s rest. Use the dark candle to ignite the light candle, then safely extinguish the dark candle and remove it from the altar. As the light candle burns, read this excerpt from John Keats:

Open afresh your round of starry folds,
Ye ardent marigolds!
Dry up the moisture from
your golden lids,
For great Apollo bids

That in these days your
praises should be sung
On many harps, which
he has lately strung.

Talk about the signs of spring and the music of Apollo’s harps. Let the candle burn safely down, then open the circle.