What is Imbolc?
Imbolc is the cross quarter day celebrating the mid point of winter. It is the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox (otherwise known as Ostara). Dependent on where you live, you might even start to see signs of spring's arrival in the coming weeks. It is a celebration of the return of the sun as it grows stronger each day, eventually reaching it's peak on the Summer solstice on June 22nd.
Imbolc is also known as the winter fire festival. It is usually celebrated from sundown on Feb 1st and continues into the next day/ the promise and reminder that spring is coming. It is an Irish festival associated with of goddess Brigid. This festival was co-opted by the Christian Church and Brigid was turned from a goddess into a saint. Therefore, there is a mix of pagan and Christian symbolism in these celebrations. In Christianity, it is known as Candlemas or St. Brigid's Day— the festival or feast day of St. Brigid. Overall, it is often seen as a festival of fertility and hope.
It is the most overlooked festival in the wheel of the year Imbolc is an opportunity and invitation to do the final work of winter. It is a time to anchor into the final rest and preparation for the upcoming spring season. From here, there are 6 weeks until Spring Equinox or Ostara.
Spiritually, Imbolc is a time of deep inner work. It is a time to focus on rest and self care. Truly, your number one tasks is to rest.
This is also a time where there might start to be some internal conflict— between wanting to rest and wanting to be productive. You can feel the internal pull of spring. You can see the later setting of the sun. and you might want to move forward, move ahead and grow. But truly, this is a time to stay slow and rest up. Due to this internal conflict, it can be a rather stormy time of year. (The weather in New England is having the same internal conflict BTW)
This is a time often associated with:
reawakening
cleansing
intention setting
fertility
Self care is of the upmost importance this time of year. That might look different to everyone but it is important no matter what it is. I don't know about you but the winter doldrums have hit our household HARD this year. In fact, the lack of snow has played a major role (and the constant cloudy, moodiness). The past week or two I have been leaning hard into my favorite slef care thing— I am back to my daily walks with the dog, practicing cold showers, indulging in a luxurious weekly bath, moving my body daily in some way, all the tea.... to name a few. A new thing I have been adding in this week is having one morning a week be my slow morning— I have the luxury of no work until 11 am most Fridays. Fridays are my day to elongate my morning routine— sleep in a bit, journal longer, spend more time snuggling the dog. It has been something I look forward to without guilt each week. On the days I do have to be up earlier for work, I have actually be waking up a few minutes earlier than normally so I am not rushing in the morning. Starting my day off grounded and not rushing is the ultimate form of self care for me!
Self care looks different for everyone. IT can be actions or stillness. IT can be movement or rest. It can be whatever you need it to be remember that
Other than anchoring in to self care, you can celebrate Imbolc in many different ways.
Here are some simple ways to celebrate:
bake bread
lots of candles especially white ones
a simmer pot
fire scyring
write poetry
walk in a grove of trees
bless seeds
Here are some more traditional Irish folk ways to celebrate Imbolc:
Weave a Brigid's cross
This is something I have not done yet but is the plan for this year. I have not decided what I will be weaving my cross to of.
This is a folk tradition from Ireland associated with weaving. Traditionally using a handful of rushes ( a wild plant that can be find in any poorly-drained field or low-lying wet ground near ditches, rivers, ponds or lakes. I found lots of places on Esty you can purchase. I am going to wander around the low areas of our property and see if I can find any.
In Ireland's National Folklore Collection, an entry states. "
“In olden times it was a custom to make a St. Brigid's cross and fasten it to the ceiling. The cross is supposed to keep away all diseases for the years. St. Brigid's cross is made of rushes. This cross is supposed to be a miraculous one. All the people of this district make these crosses and they firmly believe in its power.”
Make a Brigid's Mantle
In Irish folklore, it’s states that Brigid walks the earth on the eve of Saint Brigid’s Day. The tradition is that before going to bed on January 31st, each member of the house should leave a piece of clothing or a strip of cloth outside for Brigid to bless. This is Brat Bhríde or Brigid's Mantle.
In the morning, you bring inside the clothes or cloth and it is now believed to have powers of healing and protection. Symbolically, this cloth is now Brigid's Magical Mantle aka Cloak. You can keep this magical cloth on an altar or hold it during time's of sickness, heartache or need.
Looking to be a part of a community seasonal celebration?
I am hosting my FIRST seasonal celebration of 2023 and want YOU to join me.
Celebrate Midwinter with me: a transformational time of reawakening, intention setting and deep rest. We turn inward and reflection while continuing to nourish ourselves deeply and honor the stillness of home and heart.
When: Wednesday, February 1st 7-8pm
What: a mindful celebration of Midwinter, a way to connect deeper to the world around you.