When the snow is deep and the air is icy, the celebration of Imbolc can be enriching and healing. Imbolc (or Imbolg) is a Celtic holy day named for the time when lambs were typically born. It was celebrated in honor of the goddess Brigid. This holiday was a reminder that the days of winter would transition to the warmer, brighter days of spring. Agricultural people would begin to look to the fields for those first signs of green, poking up through the snow. Imbolc was celebrated at the beginning of February. The actual date would differ according to tradition and location, from the eve of the month to the third of February. In North America it is most often celebrated on February 2nd.
The goddess Brigid
The goddess Brigid held a special place of honor on this holy day. It was believed that on the eve of Samhain, the winter goddess Cailleach struck the earth with her hammer, causing it to harden and freeze. On the eve of Imbolc, Brigid was supposed to have touched the earth with her white wand, bringing warmth back to the soil and encouraging it to awaken and soften, allowing for renewed growth.
Today, many people celebrate Imbolc. It is believed by many that the goddess Brigid was adopted by Christians and given the title of Saint. The holiday was later adopted by Christian monks in Ireland, who gave it a new name, Candlemas. On this day, whether celebrated as the pagan Imbolc or the more Christian Candlemas, it is common to light candles in honor of Brigid – goddess or saint!
An Imbolc ritual
An Imbolc ritual that can be conducted for the holiday helps us assess where we have been. It also helps us prepare for the time ahead. It can be performed in a spirit of reflection and contemplation, hope and anticipation. You might like to concentrate on healing, inspiration, and creativity. Or if you prefer, focus on more mundane issues in your life as you conduct this ritual.
A simple Imbolc altar
Decide on a place where you can create a private, personal altar. It can be as simple as an area on your dresser or desk, or as elaborate as a special table. It can go unadorned or be decorated with a beautiful cloth and small items that represent the holiday to you. Just be certain there are no fire hazards! Keep well away from curtains, as the next thing to do is set up seven white candles on this altar. Place your first candle in a position that is true East, and follow with the others creating a circle.
Reflect on your past year. On a small piece of paper, write down a summary or assessment of this past year. Place the paper by the first candle. It can be folded or rolled up and secured with a ribbon, like a scroll. On Imbolc eve, light the first candle at sundown, and at bedtime, safely burn the piece of paper. The next day write out six goals you have for the coming year, each on a separate piece of paper. Place each by a candle. For the following six days, light each remaining candle. Do this in a clockwise rotation, and each night before bed, burn the corresponding piece of paper. Important!: always ensure safety first, do not leave candles unattended – even for a short time, and extinguish any kind of flame completely.
Some recommended titles
If you’re unfamiliar with the Celtic holidays that many modern pagans celebrate, you might be interested in the following titles. They both do a great job introducing Celtic and Pagan pantheons and practices:
Winter wishes
I hope however you get through these colder months of winter, you find time to feel blessed and renewed. Stay warm!
~ Nellie
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