Imbolc – Also Known As Brighid’s day or Candlemas

Imbolc traditionally celebrated on February 2 (Southern Hemisphere – Lughnasad)

In this blog post you will find helpful information on how to work with Imbolc from Lisa Michaels, founder of Natural Rhythms and author of the book, LunaSol. Click here to take a look at LunaSol.

“Imbolc traditionally celebrated on February 2nd is the cross-quarter Wheel of the Year point following Winter Solstice. Also known as Brighid’s day or Candlemas, it marks the starting point of spring. Here, you begin to subtly notice that the days are lengthening, and depending on the where you live, you may actually start to see signs of spring. In colder climates, Imbolc may simply bring the promise of spring as the light of the sun slowly begins to increase. Tune in this year to the subtle shifts you notice in the air and light around and after Imbolc. What does it signal internally for you? What things do you get a renewed urge to do?” ~ Lisa Michaels

Imbolc is the time to call forth the idea seeds that have been germinating in the inner realm and that are now stirring with life, ready to grow during the upcoming cycle. A great opportunity exists during Imbolc to ceremonially create a “treasure map” or a creation journal, a collage of pictures and ideas that represents what you want to manifest in your life this year, a visual reminder of the creations that are ready to sprout, grow, and bear fruit. Or you may want to engage in some other creative project to make use of Imbolc’s powerful creative urges.

Use Imbolc’s energy of renewal for spring-cleaning of both home and body, to purify the darker energy of winter. This point on the Wheel represents a potent time for creativity, for invoking a muse, or starting a new project or initiation cycle.

Imbolc means “in the belly” and is associated with ewe’s milk, the lactation that begins in order to nourish the baby lambs during this time of year. The Celtic Fire Goddess Brighid brings healing, purification, renewal, fertility, and creativity at Imbolc. If she interests you, take a few minutes and do a search online about her to find out more information. She is a wonderful Goddess to work with at this time of year, and she will bring you many gifts and blessings. Candlemas was the name given to Imbolc as the old ways gave way to the Christian tradition. The ceremonial candles for the year were customarily created at Imbolc.

Choose the one or two ideas you need most to work with, then focus on those. Intentions function best when there are only one or two to concentrate on in any cycle.