Imbolc

Traditionally on February 2nd we celebrate Imbolc. Imbolc is a beautiful “fire festival” and sabbat that marks winter’s retreat and the coming of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Heralding the renewal of nature the rebirth of the Sun and the Triple Goddess, Imbolc is the time when the very earliest signs of spring begin to appear!

When I lived up in NY, I was always SOOOO over winter by February – can you relate?

If you take a look outside in nature, you’ll notice the buds on trees and shrubs beginning to swell, hardy bulbs like crocus and snowdrops shooting little leaves of green up and out of a thawing earth … and although it’s still cold in most parts … the days begin to lengthen in time (which is awesomesauce – time to begin emerging from winters hibernation magical one!).

Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, Imbolg or Brigid’s Day *pronounced Breed’s Day*,  falls on or about February 2nd, it’s exact point is when the sun is at 15 degrees in Aquarius, and is one of the Cross Quarter Sabbats that falls between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Vernal Equinox Ostara).

Celebrate the waning of winter and approach of spring by refreshing your home, altars and sacred space with seasonal items – it’s TIME MAMACITA!

Imbolc Correspondences And Seasonal Suggestions:

• Fill a vase full of pussy willow branches (they’re fuzzy), forsythia branches (bright yellow flowers), witch hazel branches
• Place potted bulbs (daffodil, tulips or hyacinth) around your home and/or on your altar
• Goddesses of Imbolc: Virgin or maiden goddesses, the Goddess as a child; Brigit, Aradia, Athena, Gaia, Ianna Februa, Hestia
• Gods of Imbolc: Gods of fire, the God as a young man or child, love or fertility gods, Pan, Aengus Og, Eros, Februus, Faunus,
• Gemstones: amethyst, bloodstone, garnet, onyx, ruby and turquoise
• Candles in white (to represent fresh fallen snow), dark green (to represent Brigit’s green cloak) or baby blue
• Make a Brigit’s Cross (sun cross) made from straw or reed
• Herbs (rosemary or bay leaves)
• Food offerings (onions, leeks, shallots, raisins)
• Anything else that feels intuitively right to you… magic is an art – create it from your vision!

Practical Magic Ideas:

• Eat whole foods that are in season such as Arugula, Asparagus, Beets, Bok choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrots, Celery, Cilantro, Clementines, Dill, Fennel, Grapefruit, Kale, Lemons, Lettuce, Leeks, Oranges, Onions, Parsnips, Pears, Shallots, Sweet Potatoes, Tangelos, Tangerines, Turnips and Rhubarb.
• Make self-care a priority; get massages, continue resting and getting your sleep (I recommend being in bed with lights out by 11pm – here’s an article I wrote on the topic).
• Enjoy the last few weeks of hibernation, you have a busy growing season ahead!
• Start investigating and join local groups like a community garden or crop share. You’ll gain access to local, organic foods which is the healthiest for you and the most responsible way to go for Gaia (caring for Mother Earth is totally GODDESS!).
• Light something up *responsibly* (a cauldron, fire pit, some candles, incense… or make a bonfire) – Imbolc is a fire festival!

Learn More About Imbolc:

Over the years I’ve written a few articles about Imbolc, my hope is that each of them will inspire you and give you tidbits of information that will help you create a beautiful and meaningful day.

How To Celebrate Imbolc Like A Goddess

Imbolc – Brighid’s Day Or Candlemas

With so much love,