Eagerly Waiting for Imbolc

Ok, We've had a mild winter this year. I mean it was 66 degrees once in my Midwest home! But then Winter came back & I'm positive you want it away again. That's why you should embrace Imbolc!

Imbolc is a holiday that often Neo-Pagans celebrate. Neo-Pagans are followers who've reconstructed ancient & forgotten beliefs such as Celtic, Norse, Egyptian etc. The most popular one is Wicca. It is a Nature-based religion which is Duotheistic and it involves ritual magic. Most interesting to me are it's "Sabbats". These festivals celebrate seasonal changes Year Round. They are often mapped out in Wheels.

As you can see, Imbolc is on February 2 but what is Imbolc about exactly? Where did it come from? Many celebrations exist.  There was the Roman Lupercalia which celebrated the legendary twins Romulus and Remus. Celebrated on Imbolc is of Course Candlemas.  Imbolc, however is based off the Irish Festival. It honors the Goddess Brighid who is the keeper of the flame , fertility, & healing.

Basically, the Point of Imbolc is to usher in spring & drive winter out. Since Brighid is a goddess of fire, it's what Imbolc is about. The world awakens from a dark slumber & green plants arise to be new life. The fire represents the cleansing of the human soul & new beginnings.

What can you do to celebrate Imbolc?
1. Light candles in your home to welcome the lengthening days again.
2. Reflect on winter's end on this great guided mediation script.
3. Brighid is associated with fertility & you can make a corn doll! (Music player at bottom of page)
4. Hold an Imbolc house cleansing ceremony. It's inspiring & social!
5. You could walk around outside & see the signs of spring stirring until it has to wake up again.
6. Make an Brighids cross
7. Open the doors & windows for a few minutes. Let the good energy come in & the bad one go out (not vice versa!)

Have a wonderful spring & year!