After the holidays, there’s a sense of relief but also of emptiness in the fact that spring is still very far and there’s nothing to do look forward to in the near future. Days slowly starts to elongate, yet the weather is very much winter like. For those who aren’t fanatic about winter sports and being cold ( like I am ), staying in and getting cozy is the way to go.
Imbolc happens on February first, the Sun slowly coming is celebrated with fires, usually we burn the Yule greeneries sending Winter on its way. It’s my favourite time of the year to tidy the house, clean thoroughly and cozy up in a fresh and clean environment. Imbolc translate to “ in the belly”, suggesting that Mother Nature is pregnant and ready to bloom. It’s a time a beginnings, planting ideas and goals for the year. Set intentions, make plans and write down your goals.
How to celebrate:
On Imbolc Eve, leave buttered bread in a bowl for the fairies who travel with the Lady of Greenwood. Dispose of it the next day just like you usually do with your offerings as they emptied of their essence.
Cleanse your altar, the area you read tarot or practice other divination.
Do a self-purification rite, salt, incense, candle flame and water to represent each elements. You can also take a bath or a shower and asking for the water to cleanse you.
Spring clean your home, get rid of things that no longer works or serve you, donate what still is valuable.
Have a fire outside or in the fireplace and enjoy its warmth, the sun is coming back.
You can start to plan your garden for the summer, maybe even start some seedlings indoors if some of them require a long germination period.
Engrave a candle with a word that has a special meaning to you or something you want to manifest in your life, light that candle on January 31st or February 1sr to signify a new beginning in your life.
St-Brigids day;
Brigid is a Celtic goddess associated with poetry, learning, healing, fertility and the craftsmas. Imbolc, also known as St-Brigid’s Day is a festival of fertility and marks the “beginning” of spring. It is more of a sign that the darkest part of the year (winter) is coming to an end and that a new season of hope and growth is starting. It’s time to look forward to brighter days and seek protection and blessings for the family, home, crops and animals. The traditional meal would feature freshly churned butter and potatoes in some forms of consumption. Brigid’s cross are made and hung through the house to welcome her and assure protection for the year. The previous year was either stored in the attic or crushed and sprinkled on the land to protect it. Here’s a video on how to make yours
How to decorate your altar:
White candles and flowers are to be used on the altar. A corn husk doll that represents Brigid if you previously made one during Lughnasadh. Amethyst, turquoise, onyx and bloodstone can be left on the altar. Horseshoes can be added to your sacred space as well as sheep or lamb imagery. You can use snow and let it melt in a bowl/cup to use it as your water element. The herbs associated with the festivity are; cedar, basilic, rosemary, lavender and chamomile.
Bibliography;
Ann Mouriel, Green witchcraft, St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1996.
https://www.mabonhouse.co/ahistoryofimbolc
https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/News/St-Brigids-Day