Imbolc is a special day for me. Back in 2000, in an effort to ward off the post-holiday depression that crippled me every year, I stumbled upon a Catholic Saint from Ireland, St. Brigid. The more research I collected, the more interesting she became.
It turns out that while St. Brigid was a beloved saint in Ireland, she was “disappeared” from the official Vatican List of saints in the 1969. They couldn’t prove that she actually existed, let alone performed miracles.
The truth was, Brigid was an ancient Celtic Goddess before she was a saint. I wasn’t practicing paganism at the time but I loved the mythology and roots to my ancestry. Before February 2 was St. Brigid’s Day, it was called Imbolc (or Oimelc)
Also know as Bride, Briganta, Brid, or Brigdu
It helped that Brigid called to me. The more I learned about her, the more I became enamored.
She was known as the Goddess of Hearth and Home and I was a homemaker; a stay at home mom struggling to manage my work load.
Brigid was also the Goddess of Poetry and Prose. I have always been a writer, finding comfort, solace and expression through words.
Finally she was the Goddess of Fire and Forge. I was and still am a artist/crafter, making things out of pieces. What I didn’t have at the time, what I was seriously seeking was inspiration. I needed that fire, passion, excitement.
Roughly a year after she introduced her self to me, on February 2, 2001. I dedicated my self into the study of magic and asked for her blessing and guidance.
Every year since then, I re-evaluate my dedication and so far, I have reaffirmed my path, given thanks and continued on.
Fun Facts
Other names: Candlemas, Oimelc, St. Brigid’s Day
Imbolc is Gaelic for “In the belly” or “well Waters”
Oimelc in Gaelic for “ Ewe’s Milk”
Significance of Imbolc
Imbolc represents the return of the sun and the beginning of the end of Winter. The earth begins to awaken, the animals begin birthing.
The whole earth begins to stir, shake off the sleep, and start changing. It is a timefor us to do the same. We can focus on healing, inspiration, fertility and purification. It’s a time for us to decide how we want to grow in the next year and how we’ll be stepping out of our comfort zone.
Time for change
Imbolc marks the half way point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
It is a time of great anticipation of spring and to celebrate of the possibilities that lay ahead. This is the time to begin planning for Spring Planting; both physically and magically.
Modern Practices
Our ancestors were beginning to get busy at this time of the year. The livestock were beginning to give birth. They were planning thier fields and preparing for spring activities and repairs.
For those of us in the 21rst century Its a time to let go of the past and begin looking forward. Typically, we begin our spring cleaning, set intentions for the upcoming season and perform dedication rituals, making a commitment to ourselves, our intentions and the Goddesses and Gods that support our efforts.
Activities to celebrate Imbolc
Imbolc is the time that I finally unplug the holiday lights that trim the roofline. The Renaissance Man thinks I’m crazy but I feel like we need the lights.
Across the world there are at least a dozen light festivals celebrated between October and March. Lights symbolize hope and in my pagan culture, the return of the sun. I like to keep the lights on during the darkest time of the year, not just for me but also my neighbors. People may not be aware, but I’m sure in some primal area of their brain they’re grateful for the extra light. Twinkle lights feel good.
This is also a good time to honor Brigid by making a Brigid’s cross. Decorating your Cornhusk dolls in red, white or gold. Making a new a besom or wand. Priapic wands or acorn wands are customary.
If the weather’s not too harsh, consider taking a winter hike through your local forest preserve. Look for signs of spring.
This is also a good time to write some poetry or prose. Brigid will help if you ask.
Altar decorations and offerings
Your seasonal altar can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. I keep mine fairly simple. White, red and gold are good colors for Imbolc.
White is for purity, innocence and hope. This is the time of beginnings and of the promise of new life.
Red refers to Brigid’s passion and inspiration, the fire and forge She over-sees. It also relates to the stirring of life, the womb where life begins and the energy that sparks life’s beginning.
Gold represents the sun, joy, and prosperity.
Add the colors via altar cloths, candles or candle holders, trinkets and decor.
In addition you can add your Imbolc crafts to your altar. If you made a corn dolly for Lammas, it can be dressed in white, gold and red.
Wool, dairy products, early spring greens, early spring flowers,
Blessing for Imbolc
The winter is coming to an end
The stores of food are dwindling,
And yet we eat, and stay warm
In the chilled winter months.
We are grateful for our good fortune,
And for the food before us
Journal prompts
What dreams do you nurture and tend to?
In what ways do you need to stretch out of your comfort zone?
What do you look forward to in the coming weeks?
What are your intentions for Spring?
