What is Imbolc?

Imbolc is a Pagan celebration that falls on 1st February and marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

What is Imbolc and how is it celebrated?

The original word Imbolg means ‘in the belly’. The World is pregnant and expectant, as in these early days we start to see the beginnings of new life return to Earth. It is a sign of hope, with the promise of renewal, hidden potential, of earth awakening and life-force stirring.

Traditionally, Imbolc is represented by Pagan Goddess, Brigid (Brighid, Bride, Brigit). She is a Goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft. She is a Goddess of Fire, of the Sun and of the Hearth. She brings fertility to the land and its people and is closely connected to midwives and new-born babies. She is the Triple Goddess, but at Imbolc she is in her Maiden aspect.

Goddess Brigid Imbolc

In pre-Christian times, Imbolc celebrations began the night before February 1. Celebrants prepared for a visit from Goddess Brigid into their homes by crafting an effigy of the goddess from bundles of oats and rushes. The effigy was placed in a dress and put in a basket overnight. It was celebrated by burning lamps and lighting bonfires in tribute to Brigid.

What should I do on Imbolc?

During this celebration, it is a time let go of the past and look towards the future months. Of course, we can’t welcome in the new without releasing the old. The most obvious way is to literally ‘Spring clean’. This can be done in many different ways, from having a good clear out of your home, create your own Imbolc altar & emotionally clearing out your mind. Remember the intentions for the new year you made? Now is the time to clear the way for them to grow, symbolically, and maybe literally!

Symbols of Imbolc:

  • Flame (candle) – a fire festival. Brigid is known as the ‘Sun Goddess’.
  • Snowdrops – symbol of new life in nature as the first flower to bloom during the bleak midwinter.
  • Something woollen or a sheep figure
  • Triple Goddess
  • Make a Brigid’s Cross
Brigid Cross

What is the meaning of the St Brigid cross?

Brigid’s crosses are traditionally made from rushes and reeds. The cross consists of 4 points and forms a square crisscross pattern in the centre. This is to represent her wheel of fire and to welcome the goddess, and springtime, into our home.

Where do you hang a Brigid cross?

Traditionally Brigid’s cross is hung above the door for protection for the rest of the year. It is believed that they are particularly said to guard against house fires and other disasters. At Imbolc, the Brigid’s Cross from the previous year should burnt (carefully and safely, of course), and the ashes offered to the Earth.

Youtube has lots of tutorials if you want to have a go at making one yourself!

Tarot Card Spread for Imbolc

If you like to connect with your Angels or Spirit Guides, why not use our example card spread to help channel any messages of guidance that you need to hear right now.

  1.  What seeds to I need to plant for Springtime?
  2.  What area of my life needs nurturing?
  3. What is being revealed as winter melts away?
  4. What aspect of my life will be rebirthed?
  5. How can I embody these changes into my life?

Crystals for Imbolc

Moonstone Smooth Necklace - Imbolc Crystals

Moonstone

the female’s stone of fertility and protection

Carnelian Smooth Necklace - crystals for Imbolc

Carnelian

for creativity & passion, reignite your fire!

Bloodstone Smooth Necklace - Imbolc Crystals

Bloodstone

for courage, self esteem & energy

Unakite Smooth Necklace - crystals for Imbolc.

Unakite

emotional healing making room for new love

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