Imbolc - Celtic Celebrations - 1/2 February

Imbolc - Celtic Celebrations

Imbolc is the old Celtic name for the celebration that’s also known as Brigid’s Day or in the Christian calendar as Candlemass. Imbolc was celebrated on the 1st/2nd February and is one of the four Celtic Fire Festivals. It Imbolc, the Celts would celebrate the first signs of Spring.

Imbolc falls in mid-winter when food stored for the winter was beginning to get low. It is half way between the shortest day and the spring equinox.

This is a time of the year when we are starting to see leaves sprouting. We have snowdrops in the garden and crocus flowers are beginning to sprout. This Pagan festival is all about celebrating the coming of a new season - the start of the lambing season and new life. The winter is passing now and we are starting to see the first signs of Spring. This Celtic celebration honoured the rebirth of the Sun and also honoured the Goddess Brigid, the Goddess of Healing, Midwifery, Poetry and Smithcraft. She is believed to bring fertility to the land.

This is a time of purification after the long Winter through drawing on the power of the Sun. Bonfires and torches were lit to illuminate and inspire and to represent the Sun gaining strength over the next few months in readiness for the Spring.

How might you celebrate Imbolc?

Imbolc is a time to start planning for the future and clearing away the old in readiness for new beginnings. The term ‘spring clean’ is linked with Imbolc and this isn’t just decluttering our homes and workplace but also clearing our minds and hearts and finding new sources of inspiration.

Light candles to honour the Sun’s rebirth. If there is snow on the ground, take a walk outside and trace an image of the Sun in the snow.

You might make a Brigid cross. This is an ancient symbol for Brigid and is also known as the Celtic Wheel. At Imbolc, Brigid walks upon the earth and with her Cross we invite and welcome the Goddess and Spring into our homes. - This can be made from reeds, grasses, willow or rushes. You can also make a cross out of pipe cleaners or drinking straws.

You could plant spring flowers, make candles or give (or receive) tarot, angel or oracle card readings.