Imbolc celebrates the start of Spring as the earth awakens and the light returns as the days get longer. Traditionally, it’s celebrated at the end of January or the beginning of February. Candles are lit at this time to represent the return of the light as the sun’s energy increases.
Already the days are beginning to lengthen. It’s still cold, but we have had some wonderful sunny days. Everywhere you look, the Earth is starting to stir. Buds are forming on the trees. The sap is beginning to rise and Spring bulbs are pushing through the Earth.
This is a time to accept that whilst we are still in Winter, Spring is coming. There is an urge to move forwards. Use this time to prepare inwardly for the changes which will come.
What do you want to achieve this year? Plant your ideas and leave them to germinate. This is a fertile time to plan, grow and manifest.
The arts are a great way to bring forth your visions and inner understanding for the year ahead. Weaving, needlework, poetry, song, and art. Divination and clairvoyance are also potent now as the link with the dark inner realm is strong.
The new moon enhances the energy of new beginnings. So ponder and dream, and plan for the year ahead. Any time up until and including the next new moon on 20th February is perfect to celebrate Imbolc.
How to Celebrate
Start with lighting plenty of candles. As you light your candles think about what you wish to manifest this year. Light a candle as you think about your positive qualities. Light another candle and reflect on those you love and their positive qualities. Light candles for the Earth. Candles for peace. You can light one candle or loads!
Create a shrine to Imbolc and decorate it with Spring flowers, twigs, and branches and a candle at the centre.
Meditate, draw, paint or write poetry. Reflect on what you want to release from the year before, on how your life is changing and transitioning now, and on what you wish to bring forth this year.
Write or chant a simple chant. Chanting enhances power, energises the body, and stills the mind. As you chant, you build energy and power that shift you to another consciousness. Remember to keep your chant short. The idea is for it to be simple to repeat so that as you repeat it over and over, your mind can then naturally move into a more meditative state.
Spend time outdoors, and look for signs of the energy of life emerging as nature begins to stir. Look for spring bulbs. Snowdrops and crocuses are often the first flowers to appear. What other signs of nature awakening can you see?
Old wells and sacred springs were honoured at this time. If you are lucky enough to have a well or natural spring near to you, look after it, honour the land, keep it neat and plant some Spring bulbs.
Clear out the old to make way for the new. This is a great time to declutter, clear and clean your space.
This is also the perfect time to begin working with the energies of the moon. The moon puts us in touch with our emotional receptivity and conscious selves.
Make a Brigid’s Cross
St Brigid’s Day (1st and 2nd February) is a Celtic festival of fertility and marks the beginning of spring. It signals an end to the darkness of winter and ushes in a new season of hope and growth.
Make a Brigid’s Cross to hang on doors and windows for protection and to watch over you over the coming year.
Tie two sticks or twigs together of equal length to make a cross. Then wrap wool or string around one twig once, then onto the next twig and wind the wool around once, and the next twig, wrap once and the last twig and wrap once. Moving in a clockwise direction, continue from centre outwards, going round in a circle, until you have filled each quarter with wool. You can add shells, beads, feathers or tassels. If you have an old cross from last year remember to burn it to release the old year and open the way to move forward this year.