Witches, we have survived a dark, bleak and challenging January. Even though the weather in the Northern Hemisphere remains cold and winter has not yet released us, we are now seeing the promise of Spring to lift our spirits and energy, starting with the holiday of Imbolc in early February.
Imbolc (pronounced IM-bolg or IM-bolk) is thought to be Old Irish for "in the belly". It is also known as Oimelc or Imbolg and is traditionally celebrated from sunset on the 1st to the 2nd February. Across different cultures, there are many mid-winter celebrations, such as Candlemas, St Brighid's Day, February Eve and Groundhog Day.
Imbolc is the mid-way point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox and the astrological date of the cross-quarter day occurs when the Sun is at 15 degrees of fixed, air sign Aquarius.
Imbolc has its roots as an ancient-Celtic festival, though very little is known about its historical celebrations. We believe it was associated with the agricultural season and animals giving birth and producing milk, providing us with the significant correspondences and offerings at Imbolc of milk and cream.
This festival indicates the start of early Spring. Here in the western hemisphere, we still feel the grip of winter, yet if we look closely, there are small flourishes of greenery and stirrings of new life and growth, indicating that Spring is indeed on its way. We can observe the days starting to get longer, the earth is getting a little warmer, and our animal companions in nature are more active.
As ever, the transitions in nature reflect our inner world. After the indoor hibernation of winter, many of us are now shaking off those energies and emerging from our cocoons. It is a potent time to consider our new year plans, receive inspiration, and anticipate the positive year ahead. Many witches see Imbolc as a time of new life and manifestation as we put down our roots and plant seeds in the darkness in preparation for the warmer days.
Imbolc was also a popular time for self-initiation or re-dedication to the path of witchcraft, so this may be a ritual you wish to honour at this time.
Historically, agricultural communities would have focussed on preparing the land for the year ahead. To work with this aspect of Imbolc energy, consider planning your magical garden for the year. Are there some botanicals you would like to grow to assist your magical work?
Spend some time researching and sketching out your garden plans. Or pre-germinate some seeds ready for planting when the weather is warmer. Alternatively, decorate your altar with early Spring flowers, such as snowdrops and crocuses.
One of the key themes we recognise at Imbolc is the return of the Sun, which has been slowly growing in strength since the Winter Solstice. Light, fire and the promise of better things to come are some contemplations for Imbolc.
Work with candles to call forward the power of heat, fire, Sun, and to cast candle magic to support your goals.
Alternatively, indulge in fire scrying or water scrying using your cauldron, a symbol often connected with Imbolc.
A strong association with Imbolc is that of the goddess Brighid, who was the triple Celtic goddess of healing, poetry, prophecy and inspiration and the hearth and blacksmiths. Brighid is closely related to the element of fire. Many modern witches venerate Brighid at Imbolc, either choosing a specific aspect to work with or celebrating Brighid in her entirety.
Imbolc is also a potent time for purification. In ancient Rome, February was dedicated to the god Februus, a god of purification and death. While we often think of purification as energetic cleansing, we can also consider the different elements we need to clear from our lives.
Cleansing can include giving your home a deep spring clean, clearing out unwanted items and donating them to charity.
Also, review your social circle and identify those who drain your energy or consistently bring your mood down. Don't forget your social media! Revise your contact list, block anyone who brings toxic energy and unsubscribe from newsletters you don't enjoy!
We hope this has given you an understanding of Imbolc and some inspiration for incorporating the Imbolc energy. However, it's always important to consider what each sabbat means to you, your lifestyle, and your biosphere. For example, if it's still the very depths of winter where you live, and there are no signs of Spring, you will want to adapt your celebrations accordingly.
Also, Imbolc energies are not just available to us on 1st February but flow across the season as we head towards the Spring Equinox.
So celebrate at a time that feels right to you. Equally, you may not be drawn to this (or any sabbat), and many witches do not celebrate all eight days on the modern wheel of the year.
Magical Imbolc Blessings.
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