Imbolc invites us to connect with the natural world as it stirs from its winter slumber. It is the midpoint between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox, a celebration of the eternal cycle of life.
Imbolc is celebrated on February 1st/2nd. It is also known as Saint Brigid's Day, having historical roots as a tribute to the Celtic goddess Brigid, associated with fertility, healing, and inspiration.
Fire and light take centre stage during Imbolc. Candles, representing the returning sun, are lit to dispel winter's darkness and usher in the warmth of spring. Altars are adorned with symbols of Brigid, such as her cross, candles, and representations of the hearth. Imbolc emphasises the importance of home and hearth. Traditional customs include cleaning and purifying one's living space, symbolising the clearing away of the old to make way for the new.
Planting seeds or bulbs, representing the potential for growth and abundance, can also be a potent Imbolc practice, aligning your energy with the Earth's cycle of growth.
As we stand at the threshold between winter's dormancy and the vibrant rebirth of spring, Imbolc beckons us to celebrate the eternal cycle of life. Imbolc serves as a poignant reminder that, like nature, our spirits too have the capacity for renewal and growth. It is a time to honour the sacred flame within, to ignite the fires of creativity and inspiration, and to welcome the promise of a blossoming year ahead.