If you sensed a shift in the air today, that could be because Imbolc has arrived!
The very first hints of spring are already happening, even if you don’t see them yet. Deep underground, shoots are stirring. Plants and trees are starting to wake from their winter slumber. This is the perfect time to shake off the cold months and prepare for the season of awakening.
About Imbolc
Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. In the Pagan calendar, Imbolc is a cross-quarter festival. It’s name means “lamb’s milk”, as this is when lambs are typically born. It’s also known as Brigantia for the Celtic deity of light, and is associated with Ireland’s Brigid, the goddess of spring, fertility, and life.
Imbolc Superstitions
There are a few notable superstitions related to Imbolc. It might surprise you to know that some considered a bright & sunny day to be a bad omen, and that snow and cold would linger longer. Cloudy, dark days weer actually preferred, as some believed the rain would thaw the fields in anticipation of an early planting season.
Celebrating Imbolc
Here are some ways you can celebrate Imbolc!
CANDLE MAGIC
Gather 4 tea candles and recite the following while lighting each in turn:
- Candle 1: Even though winter lingers, new life stirs in the darkness
- Candle 2: I call to the sun and absorb its growing light
- Candle 3: Like the first flowers that stir in the ebbing winter, I welcome the wisdom and inspiration of the season
- Candle 4: May the light and heat of these flames cleanse and purify me and allow me to manifest new energy
While meditating on the words you’ve spoken, reflect upon your thoughts and feelings and how the energy of this ritual can help you to move into this next phase of the year.
Plant Seeds
Planting your first seeds, whether inside or outdoors, is a great way to celebrate the promise of the coming spring season. New beginnings and awakenings in your metaphorical intention-setting practices can also help usher in a new season of growth in your personal life.
Brigid’s Cross
Take inspiration from the ancient celebration of Brigid by creating your own Brigid’s Cross.
In pre-Christian times, effigies of the goddess were created using bundles of oats tied with rushes. The cross was also created with rushes, with a diamond shape in the center. The blessing and protection of the goddess was said to protect those that hung one of these crosses from the rafters of their house.
How Do You Celebrate Imbolc?
I hope these ideas inspire you to honor this time of cultivating a new beginning for all that you desire, and that they bring you a new season of creativity and healing!
Sources:
- https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/imbolc
- https://www.almanac.com/quarter-days-and-cross-quarter-days
- https://theseasonalsoul.com/imbolc-rituals/
- https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-imbolc
