Introduction to Imbolc
Imbolc, which is celebrated on February 1st in the Northern Hemisphere (and August 1st in the Southern Hemisphere), is the cross-quarter holiday at the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox in the Wheel of the Year. (More on the Wheel of the Year here.)
The Imbolc holiday celebrates the first indications that spring is coming—the quickening of the earth. Associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid and her traditions, it highlights spring’s renewal and purification after the long, dark winter. Imbolc is all about the rekindling of the light, both literally and metaphorically.
Imbolc celebrates the joy of renewal and new beginnings and the letting go of past pieces that no longer serve us. We clean and organize our spaces during this season by decluttering the things from the past year we no longer need to make room for new energies. We clean up our inner landscapes and let go of old grudges, questionable beliefs, and unnecessary doubts that get lower our spirits. Not only do we clean our homes, but we also clean our heads and hearts.
At Imbolc, we don't just start over; we also set our goals again so that they are clear and focused. After all, this is winter! Maybe you are spending time indoors to get away from the cold. It's the perfect time to reflect, journal, meditate, and plan. Plan what you will plant in the spring, tend in the summer, and harvest in the fall (literally or metaphorically). Journal about it and set your intentions.
Imbolc is a turning point, a reminder that we always have the chance for a restart and renewal. It's an opportunity to give our routines new life, to make new plans, and to find new inspiration. Let's light candles to celebrate the return of the light, celebrating the return of the sun and the spark of fire and creativity in our lives.
The Goddess Brigid
The goddess Brigid, "the Exalted One," is a central figure in the Tuatha Dé Danan, the pantheon of Irish deities in Celtic mythology. Brigid represents the spark that reignites the dormant life within the earth, heralding the return of spring. She is sometimes seen as a triple deity, either as maiden, mother, and crone, or as three sisters, with her and her two sisters representing a healer, a poet, and a smith.
On Imbolc, people make Brigid's crosses and effigies called Brídeógs, which are then paraded through towns to bring good luck to the area. A Brigid cross invokes the protection of the goddess Brigid. Fires and candles are lit to honor her as a goddess of fire and to send the dark winter away. People read poems and sing songs in honor of the goddess of poetry.
Brigid represents the renewal and rebirth of the Imbolc season. Her celebrations remind us that the light gets brighter every day, and life starts over under her watchful eye.
(The Celtic goddess Brigit is associated with Saint Brigid. Saint Brigid's Day, the Catholic church feast day, has given Brigid a chance to be celebrated during a Christian holiday too. Staying close to her Celtic culture, Saint Brigid is the patron saint of Ireland and Irish nuns.)
More on Brigid
Brigid and Imbolc: Here's more on the Goddess Brigid, goddess of healing, smiths, and poets—and Imbolc celebrations.
Imbolc Associations
This is the time of year when we are releasing what no longer serves us, cleaning and organizing, reflecting and meditating on the past, dreaming of the future, practicing divination, and setting intentions and goals.
Crystals associated with Imbolc include amethyst, garnet, peridot, onyx, moonstone, and sunstone. Imbolc herbs and plants include rosemary, bay laurel, citrus, early spring flowers, angelica, and basil. And the elements most associated with the pagan holiday are fire and water.
Additional symbols of Imbolc include the Brigid's cross, baked goods, sheep and wool, milk and dairy, and holy wells.
More on Imbolc Associations
Imbolc Associations: Here's more on the symbols that are traditionally aligned with this holy season and celebration.
How to Celebrate Imbolc
Imbolc is full of celebrations and practices that embody its core themes of light, purification, and spring renewal—and the pagan goddess Brigid.
Imbolc rituals and customs are rich and varied, involving several practices that aim to welcome back the life-affirming energy of the sun. Many come from Celtic tradition, but often modern day pagans focus on the spirit behind the tradition rather than necessarily copying the exact things that might have happened in ancient Ireland and Scotland.
Imbolc celebrations include feasting, spring cleaning and organizing your home, creating a Brigid's cross to invite protection from evil spirits and bad fortune, practicing divination, and spending time reflecting and goal-setting.
More on Imbolc Celebrations
How to Celebrate Imbolc: Here's more on looking to the future and into your own soul with Brigid during the depths of winter darkness.
Imbolc Journal Prompts and Meditation
Deep in the long winter, Imbolc offers plenty of contemplation time. Reflect on last year's harvest and the coming spring with journal prompts, meditation, and whatever other rituals of reflection suit you best.
Opportunities for Reflection
Imbolc Journal Prompts: Journal prompts relevant to Brigid, Imbolc, the magic of the dark winter season, and the blessings in your life
Imbolc Meditation: An Imbolc meditation to help you honor Brigid and your spring journey ahead
The Imbolc Companion: Imbolc spells, meditations, and reflection pages
Happy Imbolc!