Imbolc Wisdom

As the earth thaws, and the light of the day increases, the great wheel of the year begins to turn. This is a time of quickening, which is a term used to describe the movement of the fetus in the womb and means that new life is on its way. At this of year, the wishes, dreams and ‘seeds’ of desire that you planted/set into motion in January, now begin to grow roots, begin to stir, and start showing signs of life.

A Pagan lunar sabbat to celebrate the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, Imbolc is celebrated on the eve of February 1st, or in some traditions, on January 31st, until February 2nd. Pronounced, eemolc, it is a time of quickening, hastening and awakening, and is associated with fire, water and fertility.

There are also two other times that are set for this festival, and that is when either the second new moon (please note that this is not the dark moon, but rather it is when the first sliver of moonlight appears in the night sky), or when the second full moon occurs after the Winter Solstice, and so even if you have already celebrated on the more commonly observed dates of January 31st to February 2nd, you may also wish to take a moment and honor these more ancient times of the new and/or full moons as well, for these times are more deeply aligned with the moon rather than a set calendar date or Zodiacal occurrence.

The fires that are lit on Imbolc eve celebrate the increasing light of the spring season, when the days are becoming longer and the evenings shorter. Brigid, a beloved Imbolc goddess, hails from the Celtic traditions, and is revered during this time and candles are lit in her honor. Pronounced Breed, she is associated with the sacred fires, natural ponds, pools and wells, the quickening of livestock, and also with healing, as wells are associated with healing in the ancient traditions.

Imbolc is a very special time of year for those who are called to path of witchcraft, and it is during this time when many are initiated into their covens, or self-initiate as solitary practitioners. Now would be a lovely—and very potent time of the year for you to spend some time in sacred space, dedicating your life to something very important to you, such as your own magical path, your chosen spirituality, to the essence and spirit of nature, to The Goddess, to Spirit...to whatever is most dear to you.

Imbolc Rituals

Weather Divination

Look for twigs, such as those for kindling; if they are wet and not suitable for burning, spring is near. If they are dry, and burnable, winter is prolonged.

Candle Lighting

Light candles for prayer, celebration, ceremony and for honoring The Great Goddess, and Her personification Brigid; ask for blessings, give thanks, make offerings, go deep into prayer.

Scattering of Ashes

Scatter the ashes of wishes made on Imbolc eve, then burned in the fires of candles dedicated to Brigid. Scatter them across the threshold of your doorways or scatter them in the wind.

Healing with Brigid’s Cloak

Sometime before midnight, tie strips of beautiful cloth, ribbon or other material, made from natural fiber such as cotton, or silk from the branches of trees, leaving them until just after dawn to collect the morning dew, and be infused by the first rays of the morning light. Now infused with the healing energy and light of the sun’s fire, which is sacred to Brigid, the cloth is representative of her protective cloak, and can be used for healing, blessing and ritual.

Imbolc Magic 

On the eve of Imbolc, perform this dance and candle magic to welcome in the coming of light, and the journey of all living creatures, plants and stones as they make their way from Winter's stillness towards the awakening of Spring. You will need some private space, music, incense, essential oils and a dropper bottle, and a red, orange, yellow or white candle.

Candle Magic

The wax and wick of your candle are like a blank slate to be written upon. They have no intentions of their own and are waiting for yours to become imprinted upon them. Choose a magical intention for Imbolc, be clear and direct, but also leave room for the Universe to provide for you in ways you cannot imagine. You will infuse the candle with your intention while you anoint it with oil.

Create an anointing oil blend from the suggested essential oils below. 

• Agarwood

• Benzoin

• Cassia

• Cedarwood

• Cistus

• Clove

• Cypress

• Fir

• Frankincense

• Galbanum

• Jasmine

• Juniper

• Lavender

• Myrrh

• Palo Santo

• Pine

• Rose

• Saffron

• Sandalwood

• Spikenard

Once you have your intention, place one drop of anointing oil on your finger and rub the bottom of the candle counterclockwise asking to clear the candle of negative energies. Then rub clockwise along the top rim of the candle glass saying your intention for your ritual candle. Then rub the wick upwards saying; ‘and so it is’. Feel free to call in your favorite goddess, angel or spirit guide as you anoint your magical candle, and you may also wish to anoint yourself with the oil.

Fire Dance 

Turn on some music with earthy, rhythmic drumming. Move the furniture out of the way. Center yourself and then light your candle, and some aromatic incense. 

You may choose to perform your dance with or without clothing, and you may choose to wear long, sheer scarves, beads, rings or head wraps. It is up to you. You may wish to dedicate your dance and light your candle to honor a special goddess, such as Brigid, or to invoke The Goddess Herself. Dance to honor the sacredness of fire, and for the sheer joy of being a woman, filled with fiery power.

Watch the flame of the candle; noticing how it moves languidly to one side, then copy this movement with your body. Sway your hips as if you were the flame. Move fast, and then slow down. Move sensually, move with passion. Imagine that you are kindling a fire from deep within, near the place of your sacral chakra, which is below your belly button and above your pubis bone. Move from this place and let the fire smolder, burn and radiate from the place of your womb*, and throughout your entire body. This fire within heals you, activates you and strengthens you. Become the light of the flame, become the light of Springtime, awakening your senses, and bringing new energy into your body. Feel the warmth and heat of this light, dance to welcome in the blessings and power of Imbolc. 

You will know when you feel complete, and then you will slow yourself down as if the flame within was going out. Then come to a complete stopping of movement and breathe deeply, and slowly as you ground back to the earth, and settle your energies. Notice how you feel and notice any thoughts that you may have and journal them if you like.

*Many women have had their uterus removed, and may have lost connection with the place of their womb. I have always felt that the place within our body where the womb is, is a sacred bowl and altar, and the uterus sits within this bowl, and upon this altar. Even if it is removed from the bowl and altar, the space itself remains sacred. If you have had your uterus removed, make a new connection to the sacred altar of your womb as you dance, and allow yourself to flow with any emotions that may come up for you. Keep a journal nearby to record your experience. 

 © 2023 Renée Starr

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