Well February is coming and that means it’s time for Imbolc!
A time to celebrate the midpoint of the Winter season and the imminent arrival of Spring! Ah long awaited Spring!
Even though it feels like the dead of winter out still it is indeed around the corner and nature is preparing for her arrival!
Imbolc signals a renewal of life, cleansing, and an invigorating feeling of hope as we look forward to the lighter days ahead.
What is Imbolc?
Imbolc, also known as Imbolg, Candlemas or Brigids Day, falls on February 1st to 2nd. With celebrations beginning on the eve of February 1st.
Imbolc, is the midway point between Winter and Spring. A sure sign that brighter, warmer days are on the horizon.
This Sabbat honours the Triple Goddess and her very important transition from Crone to Maiden.
Even though the air is cold and days are still short, the light is returning. Nature is beginning to awaken from her slumber.
Imbolc: A Little History
The word, Imbolc, derived from old Irish, means ‘in the belly’. Originally it referred to the pregnant ewes who were about to birth their lambs at this time.
Imbolc, is one of the four Celtic Fire Festivals (Beltane, Lughnasadh & Samhain being the other three). It is an important turning point in the Wheel of the Year. The point where we celebrate the passing of winter and the return of Spring.
In addition, this is also a time to honour Brigid, the much beloved Pagan Goddess. She is the goddess of fire, the sun, the hearth, smithcraft, healing, poetry and fertility among others.
Nature is fertile and ready. The first seeds of Spring time are planted.
And with this comes all of the new-ness; new intentions, new life, new hope. Take advantage of this energy and re-new your own goals, dreams, and personal strength.
Symbols of Imbolc
As with all Sabbats there are certain celebratory items attached to them. These symbols enable your Imbolc magick to be more in tune with the season and therefore more powerful.
Here are some items and ideas to help you make the most of your Imbolc festivities!
Gods/Godesses Celebrated:
Goddesses – Brigid, Triple Goddess, Athena, Aradia
Gods – Osiris, Pan, Eros, Herne
Herbs:
- Basil – love, wealth, protection, success
- Heather – peace, luck, protection, encourages rain, immortality
- Myrrh – meditation, healing, enhance spiritualty
- Angelica – protection, attracts positivity, promotes healing, purification
- Blackberry – healing, protection, money, sacred to Brigid
Incense:
- Frankincense – dispel negative energy, protection, luck
- Cinnamon – prosperity, success, protection, luck, healing
- Rosemary – purification, youthfulness, optimism, attraction
- Vanilla – energy restoration, love, passion
- Benzoin – relieves stress, prosperity, purification, concentration
Colours:
- Pink
- Yellow/Gold
- White
- Light Green & Blue
- Red
Crystals:
- Onyx – balance, protection, relaxation, stability
- Garnet – strength, protection, health, happiness, wisdom
- Amethyst – calming, spiritual awareness, intuition, healing
- Turquoise – emotional balance, courage, wisdom, joy, psychic ability
- Bloodstone – wealth, healing, courage, strength, business matters
Creatures Honoured:
- Wolves
- Owls
- Bears
- Snakes
- Phoenix
- Dragon
Foods to Eat:
- Bread & Cakes
- Seeds
- Potatoes
- Onions & Leeks
- Milk
- Spiced Wine & Apple Cider
Ways to Honour Imbolc
There are many ways to honour and ring in the day. In your own special way of course. Here are a few ideas you may like to try. 🙂
Cleanse Your Space
A perfect time for cleansing and preparing your home for the long awaited warmer months.
Take this opportunity to clear out unwanted and unneeded items (Do they spark joy?). I joke, but seriously we all feel better and lighter after a good purge and there is no time like the present.
After that you may also want to cleanse away any negative energies. Guaranteed you will feel more than ready to let go of any negative jujus and eager to usher in all of the positivity and happiness you most definitely deserve.
Craft a St. Brigid’s Cross
A long time tradition, these crosses were made and hung above entranceways to protect the home against, fire, harm, evil energies, and hunger.
Pinterest has great tutorials on how to make these, like this one HERE. Similarly, you could also craft a Brigid Doll like this one HERE. 😀
Build your Imbolc Altar
As always you can transform your altar or set up a dedicated one to this day.
Fill it with some of those symbols I mentioned above, your Brigid’s Cross or Doll, white or green candles, a green wreath, be creative.
What matters the most is that is speaks to you and your energies on this day.
Perform an Imbolc Ritual Bath
A relaxing cleansing bath is a perfect Imbolc activity to indulge in.
Grab your bath salts, crystals, and candles, take a soak and focus on releasing any old, negative vibrations you have lingering. In turn opening yourself up for the re-newed energies, light, and life of the season.
Set new intentions for yourself and be present.
Plan your Spring Garden
Green thumb witches rejoice, your time is near. Make a tea and take a quiet moment to reflect and plan which flowers, plants, and herbs will grace your garden this coming season.
Make Room for New Beginnings & Intentions
This day is all about new-ness and refreshed energies. Do a meditation or ritual focusing on the things you want to let go of and the new things you would like to see manifest in your life.
Manifestation is incredibly powerful and should not be forgotten. Let go of the old and prepare your mind to welcome the new with arms wide open.
Light Candles to Welcome Back the Sun
With Imbolc being one of the four fire festivals it’s only appropriate that you light a little fire of your own to honour the day (safely and responsibly of course 😉
Light a candle to honour the Sun and welcome her light and warmth back into the world, and your home.
Final Thoughts.
Above all, whether you go big or minimal in your Imbolc activities keep these key points in mind: let go, be open to the refreshing and invigorating energies filling the air, show yourself some love, allow yourself the time to lift those spirits, and set new intentions to manifest your best life.
Lastly, let yourself be filled with joy and happiness! The warmth and light are just around the bend. <3
Your turn!
What does Imbolc mean to you? Do you have any favourite traditions or will this be your first time celebrating?
I always love to know your thoughts, so please leave a comment or drop me a line. There are lots of ways for us to connect 🙂
For more inspiration check out my shop page! There you will find beautiful user friendly printable grimoire pages on all of the Sabbats, herbs, oils, kitchen witchery, crystals, and much more. Or have a look at my new book, The Witch’s Guide to Wellness, available now for pre-order!
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Blessed be pixie dolls.
Yours in health and magick,
Krystle xo
