SIMPLE WAYS TO CELEBRATE IMBOLC
A little backstory, what is Imbolc?
Imbolc is a sabbat on the sacred Wheel of the Year that marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice & the Spring Equinox. Traditionally celebrated on the night of January 31st and into February 1st & 2nd, it’s a time for celebrating the lengthening of days and sunshine, and the return of the light both outside our bodies and within ourselves! This auspicious day is also referred to as Candlemas, The Festival of Lights, & Brigid’s Day.
With it’s roots in Ancient Ireland and Scotland, many Celtic & Pagan traditions would honor this time with ritual.
On this day in history, weather divination was performed to see if winter would end early, or hold tight until late spring. If the weather was clear & bright, we would have a long winter ahead of us. If the weather was blustery and gloomy, the winter would be shorter. Sound familiar? We celebrate this today with Groundhog’s Day. (Magic & Ritual are everywhere!)
The name Imbolc derives from “In the belly”, think of this time during the wheel of the year as when there are many energies and creatures stirring underneath the earth’s surface. As if Mother Earth has quite a few things growing and expanding inside her, because she does!
Although in many places (especially up here in the Colorado Rockies!) snow abounds. It may be hard to grasp the idea that Spring is just around the corner. This is a time to plant seeds, both literally and metaphorically. What do you want to nuture within your hearth, home, and self through these next few weeks of winter. Rather than thinking of these next weeks as dreary and heavy, can you tranform that into using this time for introspection and the planting of new ideas and routines?
How can you honor the darkness so you can celebrate the light?
Imbolc is governed by the Celtic deity of fire, healing, and fertility, the goddess Brigid. Brigid is described as a maiden wreathed in flames and surrounded by a bright light. She was born at dawn and represents illumination and inspiration. Over centuries across many cultures, beliefs and religions, she was a symbol of hope for renewal & rebirth.
It’s no wonder on this day the goddess Brigid is so honored and welcomed!
Here are a few simple ways to honor the goddess Brigid and celebrate the sabbat of Imbolc
One of my favorite ways to celebrate each sabbat from The Wheel if the Year is to refresh my altar space.
Altar items associated with Imbolc:
Corn husk dolls or Brigid’s Cross
Blue, Green, Yellow, & White candles
Seeds
Amethyst, Selenite, Quartz, Citrine
Really, trust your intuition! All of these items are suggestions, and you can use ANYTHING that is special to you or has meaning. Anything that you associate with rebirth and renewal. You’re more powerful than you think, trust that!
Light a candle, or multiple candles, with the intention of welcoming in the goddess of Brigid into the home. Helping to bring in inspiration, healing, and rebirth.
Another ritual I love to do on Imbolc is plan my garden or flower pots for the upcoming Spring. Draw out a map, use colored pencils for extra flair! I like to pull out my seeds from years past and let them sit on a sunny windowsill to cleanse their energy with the sun. Up here in the rockies, planting seeds now usually is a bit too early, but getting their energy woken up is a great place to start and honor the sabbath!
Don’t have a garden? Purchase a new houseplant to welcome in Imbolc energy into the home! Okay, okay, do this whether you have a garden or not :) Because, who doesn’t love a new houseplant!
And lastly, bake! Anything that feels springy! Think lavender shortbread cookies, lemon scones, your favorite dessert or sweets. Sugar & milk are also associated with Imbolc, so even put a bit of sugar on your altar if baking isn’t your thing!
I have a yummy warm ceremonial cacao recipe with rose, cardamom, honey & coconut milk that I’ve been loving these days. It’s super simple and has “warmer days ahead” written all over it.
Blessed Imbolc friends!
With gratitude, magic & well wishes of renewal,
Jocelyn