Imbolc or Imbolg is a holiday based on Celtic traditions. It marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is the stirring of life and awakening of ourselves and nature. It honors Brigid - the exalted one. From the sunset on February 1st to the sunset on February 2nd - we begin to breathe in the light.
It is believed that it is derived from the Irish "i mbolg" meaning "in the belly". Much like the birth of a lamb into the world, nature is wakening up to begin her rebirth. Our spirits are awakening to the coming spring and luring in the sun. We are stirring inside of ourselves for a return to the light. We begin cleaning, decluttering, and preparing for sowing new seeds. We have been through our hibernation, are at the halfway point, and see the light coming forward. We feel the calling of the summer seeds inside of the earth and ourselves.
We feel the luring of the sun and fire, and fertility of nature all around us. We begin to feel the shifts and can find ourselves removing the old parts that no longer benefit us. We are ready to begin the march forward into Spring.
Brigid
Brigid is the Goddess honored at Imbolc. She is also honored for St. Brigid's Day. She is the goddess of healing, inspiration, forges, poetry, and fertility. She is associated with the healing element of water and passionate forces of fire. Water heals the body and fire our vital life energy and passions. The combined energy reawakens our hearts and brings the sun into our lives. Her power in fire made her the Goddess of forges and blacksmithing. She is also known as the Goddess of The Well.
She is also connected to Saint Brigid of Kildare. The Catholic Saint who healed the sick, was a venerated midwife, and performed miracles. Imbolc is also known as St. Brigid's Feast Day. It is customary to make St. Brigid's crosses and reed rushes for home protection - while feasting in her honor as a symbol of life. She helps to bring new life into the world and heal the spirit. Offering gratitude of the heart and protection.
Ways to celebrate:
You can light a bonfire on the 1st in honor of this. You can also begin to declutter, clean, or decorate an alter to honor the season and progress you have made. Journaling about the past that you are moving away from and the future you hope to spring forth. You can honor yourself by meditating on the last parts of winter in your spirit. How do you want to remove them? What seeds are you planting inside yourself to prepare for spring?
You can also take cleansing bath, make a small feast, light a candle for prayer, or take a gentle stroll through nature and feel the loosening grip of winter.
Associations to Imbolc
Colors: Green, brown, red, white, pink, and yellow
Herbs: Lavendar, chamomile, angelica, rosemary, jasmine, basil, bay leaf, acorns
Animals: Lambs, ground hog, sheep, deer
Crystals: Amethyst, Garnet, Bloodstone, Ruby, Turquoise, Onyx
Whatever way you choose to honor yourself, and this time of year, will be the right way for you. - Many Blessings!
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