Overview
A Time of Renewal: Imbolc, celebrated in February, marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It signifies the start of the lambing season and the gradual return of longer days. The word “Imbolc” originates from the Old Irish “i mbolg,” meaning “in the belly,” a reference to the pregnant ewes that foreshadow the coming abundance of spring.
What is the Origin of Imbolc?
Imbolc, also known as Brigid’s Day, has roots reaching back to ancient Celtic traditions. The festival is named after the old Irish word ‘Imbolc,’ meaning ‘in the belly,’ referring to the pregnancy of ewes, a sure sign of impending spring. It’s like the earth itself is expectant, carrying the promise of new life under the veil of winter.
About Imbolc
The Imbolc Sabbat is the time we celebrate the passing of winter and the return of spring. The rebirth of the Sun is honoured on this day and the renewed fertility of the Earth. Imbolc means “in the belly of the Mother”.
Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, is a time for weather magic and divination, this is evident in the tradition of “Groundhog Day”.
It is a day of celebrating the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Brigid is the Goddess of Poetry, Healing, Smithcraft, and Midwifery. If you can make it with your hands, Brigid rules it. She is a triple Goddess, who is honoured in all her aspects. This is a time for communing with her, and tending the lighting of her sacred flame. At this time of year, Wiccans will light multiple candles, white for Brigid, and yellow for the god, this is to remind us of the passing of winter and the entrance into spring, the time of the Sun. This initiations are carried out during this time, be they in covens or self-initiations.
Imbolc is the time to sort out any pressing matters, such as making peace with those you’re in conflict with, returning borrowed items, and reconnecting with family and friends. Rituals include those for manifesting desires, casting away destructive or old patterns, opening yourself to positive enlightenment, consecrating tools and agricultural tools, and celebrating the strengthening and renewal of self. This is a potent and powerful time.
The Colors, Crystals, Scents, Herbs, Plants, Flowers, and Symbols of Imbolc
Each element of Imbolc reflects the gentle stirring of life beneath the frost, the slow but sure turning of the wheel of the year. Embrace this time with a blend of reverence and a light-hearted touch, just like spring tiptoeing after winter.
Colors
- White: Like the lingering snow, white represents purity and a fresh canvas for the year ahead.
- Silver: Echoes the shimmer of ice, symbolizing clarity and reflection during this introspective season.
- Sky Blue: Captures the hopeful essence of the early spring sky, hinting at brighter days.
Crystals
- Clear Quartz: A crystal-clear beacon for clarity and new beginnings, aligning perfectly with Imbolc’s spirit.
- Moonstone: Its connection to the moon and intuition makes it ideal for this introspective time.
- Bloodstone: A grounding stone that also resonates with life’s renewal, echoing Imbolc’s rejuvenating energy.
Scents
- Rosemary: Its fresh, clean scent is perfect for the purification aspects of Imbolc.
- Cedar: Grounding and refreshing, cedar embodies the strength and stability of the awakening earth.
- Lavender: Soothing and calming, it’s like a gentle nudge to relax amid the seasonal shift.
Imbolc Correspondences
Division: Major Sabbat
Other Names: Imbolq, Olmeic, Candlemas, Brigits Day, Bride Day, Disting-tid, Feast of Brigid, Festival of Light, Feast of the Virgin, Festival of Milk, Anagantios, Feast Day of St. Blaize.
Southern Hemisphere Date: July 31/August 1
Northern Hemisphere Date: February 2
Associated Holiday: Candlemass
Associated Deities: Bridgid, The Maiden, The Spring Goddess, The young Lord
Associated Herbs: Angelica, basil, bay leaves, myrrh
Associated stones: Amethyst, Quartz crystals, opal, moonstone, aventurine, sunstone, Onyx and Turquoise.
Symbols of Imbolc: Brideo’gas, Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid’s Crosses, Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs.
Foods of Imbolc: Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.
Drinks of Imbolc: Milk, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.
Incense of Imbolc: Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.
Ritual Oils: Jasmine, Apricot, Carnation, Sweet Pea, Neroli, Olive
Taboos: None
Plants: Willow, Rosemary, Clover, Dill, Evergreen.
Element: Earth
Activities: Candle lighting, Searching for Signs of Spring, Gathering Stones
Animals: Wolf, Snake, Swan, Vulture, Robin, Burrowing Animals, Sheep, Lamb, and Deer
Mythical Creatures: Firebird, Dragon, Berometz
Celebration of: The God is a young child growing in size and strength.
ACTIVITIES
* Hang a scarf outside on the eve of Imbolg and Brigid will bless it with healing powers.
* It is traditional upon Imbolc, at sunset or just after ritual, to light every lamp in the house – if only for a few moments. Or, light candles in each room in honour of the Sun’s rebirth.
• Burn the Yule greens to send winter on its way.
• Make the Bride’s Bed using the corn or wheat doll make the previous Lughnasadh.
• Make a Candle Wheel
• Create a sun wheel or Brigid’s Cross for each room in the house. Burn the old ones.
• Place three ears of corn on the door as symbol of the Triple Goddess and leave until Ostara.
• Imbolg is a traditional time for Witches’ dedications, rededications, and initiations.
• Cleanse your sacred space and altar tools with a simple Imbolg besom rite.
• For a simple Imbolg observance, light a white candle and burn sandalwood.
• Cleanse the area where you do card readings or scrying with a censer, burning rosemary or vervain, and say:
• By the power of this smoke, I wash away the negative influences that this place be cleansed for the Lady and her babe.
• Make dream pillows for everyone in the family.
• On Imbolg Eve, it is customary to leave food and drink out for Brigid — buttered bread, milk, grains, or seeds. Also leave buttered bread in a bowl indoors for the faeries who travel with the Lady of the Greenwood. Next day, dispose of it outside as the “essence” has been removed.
• Let this be the traditional time that you make candles for the coming year, infusing them with color, power, herbs, and scent depending on the magickal purpose. Bless candles that you will be using for rituals throughout the year.
• Imbolg is the traditional time to collect stones for new magick circles and general magickal use
HERBS
The herbs of Imbolg play both a practical and spiritual role, in some cases fortifying your strength and endurance, and in others making you feel good about yourself emotionally and spiritually.
Imbolg’s symbolic tree is the ash tree.
Herbs of the season are: Heather, dried sage, celandine, lemon, honey, dried chamomile, coriander seeds, garlic, rose hips, ash leaf or wood, witch hazel or hazel leaves, sunflower seeds, dried sunflower petals, vervain, violets, wheat, corn, grains, myrrh, storax, balsams, dragon’s blood, benzoin, mastic
OILS
Carnation, vanilla, vanilla musk
MAGICKAL STONES
Clear quartz, citrine, yellow tourmaline, green tourmaline, rose quartz, hematite, lodestone, ruby, garnet, red zircon, pearls
ALTAR
Candles: white, sometimes red
Incense: Chamomile, myrrh, heather. Also benzoin, vanilla, dragon’s blood, carnation
Decorate the altar with white flowers. Have a white votive candle within the cauldron. Lay your besom upon the altar.
DEITIES
Brigid in her maiden aspect.
The Three-Fold Fire of Brighid:
Fire in the forge that shapes and tempers
Fire in the cauldron that nourishes and heals
Fire in the head that incites and inspires
SPELLS
At Imbolg, witches cast for fertility and protection in their lives. Imbolg is a good time to get your life in order, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.