The Story of Imbolc
Imbolc arrives on the Wheel of the Year with the warmer days of spring on the horizon. Although the ground may still be cold, the plants still slumbering, and snow still falling, we know that the most difficult days are over. The ancients experienced a much different winter than we do in the modern world; however, our bodies still know the seasons and are connected to the earth. With Imbolc arrives transformation and hope. We may hear the first call of spring, or see signs everywhere we look that the Earth is reawakening and we are too.
Imbolc is celebrated halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox (usually February 1st or 2nd), making this Sabbat a crossroads between the seasons, much like the famous symbol of Brigid’s Cross itself.
Imbolc is also known as Brigid’s Day, Imbolg, Oimelc, or The Feast of Saint Brigid. And it’s nearly impossible to speak about this holy day without mentioning the Goddess herself.
The Goddess Brigid and Imbolc
Also known as Brighid, Brigit, Bride, and Brigantia, Brigid represents the three aspects of the Goddess, maiden, mother, and crone. She is a powerful shapeshifter and has appeared as all three of these aspects, a pillar of fire, or in some stories a snake.
She is a goddess of fertility, motherhood, and healing. She is often called upon during childbirth as a protective figure. She is also a goddess of fire, flame, and transformation.
In Brigid’s earliest incarnation she was called the Flame of Ireland or Fiery Arrow. Brigid is regarded as a Goddess of the forge and of metalworkers. Legend says that when Brigid was born at sunrise there was a tower of flame that reached her to the heavens.
Myth also credits Brigid with giving the written word to humans and therefore poets and writers honor her.
Imbolc Rituals and Gatherings
To celebrate Imbolc, pay attention to the ways in which you are reawakening, much like the Earth is.
Ask yourself questions like:
What needs to be cleared in my life to make space?
How am I transforming?
What seeds am I planting?
What exists on that horizon?
Imbolc is a good time to get a jump-start on spring cleaning. And not just in your home, but energetically. Work with a besom or broom and sweep out areas of your sacred space that may be filled with winter’s stagnant and sleepy energy. Bundle up unused items and donate them.
During Imbolc, offer coins or other gifts at sacred wells and waterways to honor Brigid. You can also keep a fire burning, light a candle in her honor, or write a poem dedicated to her.
Imbolc is a beautiful time to work with seed magick. Plant seeds inside with intentions, and care for the plants through Ostara, Beltane, and Litha. See how your intentions come to fruition with the growing cycles.
Another tradition of Imbolc is to make a Brigid Cross out of reeds as well as a Brigid corn doll or effigy.
It is tradition to ask the great goddess for healing, protection, and inspiration during this time. During the days of Imbolc we can expect transition and change. Our bodies are aligned with the seasons so it’s no surprise that with the seasons we begin to feel the transformation ourselves.
Imbolc blessings, magickal ones!
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In The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year, you’ll learn about the most celebrated days in the Wheel of the Year—Samhain, the end of the Tarot Deck harvest season; Yule, the celebration of the New Year; Imbolc,… read moreGuide to the Wheel of the year // Modern Witchcraft
