Imbolc (February 1)

Imbolc is the Pagan celebration of the end of winter (hooray!) and when the land slowly starts to return to life. The Sun God’s power is beginning to grow as the days start lengthening. The Crone aspect of the Triple Goddess is shifting back to her Maiden form. Can you feel it in the air? The Earth is shifting and life is returning.

Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fire, healing and light, is honoured at Imbolc. Brigid was said to have been born at sunrise with a great flame bursting above her and linking her up to Source. This is why she is also known as the Keeper of the Sacred Flame.

Imbolc is a time of clearing stagnant energy from our homes and ourselves. This is a great opportunity to smoke cleanse (I use a bundle of rosemary and garden sage) and tidy the house, making room for the new energies of Spring and all the beautiful things that will come to us as the days warm up and life returns.

We can honour Brigid by lighting a candle to her. Orange, yellow or gold candles are best, but white is the trusty stand in if you have none to hand. The candle can be dressed with herbs and oils that are sacred to Brigid: Angelica, blackberry, basil, and coltsfoot, basil, cinnamon or violet oils. This is a short prayer that can be said over the candle:

I call on these flames to cleanse & purify me as I move into the time of new life coming manifest. Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun, fill me in your shining light.

Imbolc blessings to you