Welcome Imbolc 2021

Spring is on the Horizon

It couldn’t come soon enough… Imbolc is finally here! February 1st marks the beginning of this Celtic holiday where we can begin preparing for spring. It’s definitely not here yet, but there’s much to think about. Technically, Imbolc begins today at sundown, and ends the same time tomorrow, Feb 2nd. The days are starting to get lighter which the Celts took as an indication to prepare seeds for the promise of new life in the upcoming planting season. So its a time to think about germination, and what we may want to birth and flourish in our lives. Imbolc is one of 4 Celtic fire festivals, falling between the Winter Solstice, and the Spring Equinox. Imbolc literally means “ewes milk” for this was the time of early spring when their ewes would lactate. Besides fire, beeswax candles are strongly associated with Imbolc. In early Christian-Pagan history, Candlemas or Purification of the Virgin ceremony was performed, marking the end of the forty day period after Mary gave birth to Christ. Traditionally, women had to wait forty days after childbirth before entering a church or Temple due to their “uncleanliness.” Imbolc was later used as the foundation for Groundhog Day in modern times.

The triple goddess Brigid is associated with Imbolc. She was also included by Christians as the Feast of Saint Brigid’s Day when they adopted the holiday. Brigid the goddess of poetry, healing and blacksmithing. She’s near and dear to my heart as I was conceived a week after the start of Imbolc. This is the time of year to light candles in Brigid’s honor, and leave food outside your door for her. She’s known to visit on this day so be prepared! Eating dairy is also customary for it represents the celebration of young ewes.

Relevant symbolism of Imbolc is a definite for 2021. I don’t think there’s a person around who isn’t looking forward to spring, and new beginnings. It’s a time to take stock of all the things still lurking in the shadows of winter, the ones lingering, and in need of attention. We want to be sure to truly work on what may be smoldering so it can be truly be become a thing of the past during these remaining weeks of winter. We now turn our thoughts to what lies ahead; soft pastel colors, bunnies and eggs, daffodils, crocuses and tulips, along with sunny days, and warmer weather. We’re all waiting for those first days of walking in the park, playing outside with our pets, and early spring yard work. So much has happened over one of the harshest winters we’ve seen in decades, for a multitude of reasons. Use the time of Imbolc wisely to conclude unfinished business, and set your intentions to create anew.

Things to do for Imbolc

At sunset, celebrate the return of sunlight by lighting candles.
Splash yourself with salt water, holy water or water from a fresh river or stream to symbolize the purification rite.
Take a salt bath to perform a cleansing ritual.
Eat some yogurt or fresh dairy.
Plant some seeds now in preparation for outdoor planting, and develop a plan for what your want to grow.
Create a list of everything you want to dissolve or heal from. Take it outside and burn it before sundown Feb 2nd.

Original art by Tara Reynolds