Imbolc, is just around the corner, so, for those of us in the Northern hemisphere, the darkest part of winter is done! Much as I needed this period of wintering, I am glad to see signs of spring all around. The snowdrops are flowering in my garden, daffodils are available in the shops and there’s a lightness to the air that holds the promise of spring.

I have to admit that Imbolc is one of my favourite Sabbats. It is observed around February 1st or 2nd in the Northern Hemisphere and marks a significant point in the Celtic Wheel of the Year. This Sabbat is often dedicated to Brigid and heralds the first signs of spring, symbolising the awakening earth and the gradual return of longer days. In this post, I am going to share a few ways I like to celebrate Imbolc, including a Brigid Imbolc Ritual. I hope they inspire you to create your own celebration for this lovely time of year.

Firstly, for those of you that don’t know much about the witches Sabbats, heres a quick recap.

The Witches’ Sabbats, also known as the Wheel of the Year, are a series of eight festivals celebrated in various modern pagan and witchcraft traditions. These festivals mark key points in the solar calendar, representing the changing seasons and the cycles of nature.

Greater Sabbats (Cross-Quarter Days)

The four Greater Sabbat festivals fall roughly midway between the solstices and equinoxes, dividing the solar year into four equal parts. The Greater Sabbats are Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas/Lughnasadh. These festivals are often associated with the changing seasons and the agricultural cycle, such as the shift from winter to spring or summer to autumn.

Lesser Sabbats (Solstices and Equinoxes)

The four Lesser Sabbat festivals coincide with the solstices and equinoxes. The solstices and equinoxes are key astronomical events marking distinct points in Earth’s orbit around the sun. The Lesser Sabbats are Yule, Ostara, Litha, and Mabon.

About Imbolc

The name Imbolc, is derived from the Old Irish word ‘Imbolg,’ meaning ‘in the belly,’ and signifies the early stirrings of life beneath the surface. Imbolc is traditionally associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid and is a time of purification, inspiration and the kindling of creative fires.

As winter’s grip begins to wane, the festival of Imbolc is the perfect time to embrace the promise of renewal and prepare for the growth ahead. Imbolc is also the ideal time to release old habits and burdens. The inner work we have done during winter can now be put into practice and we can use the energy of Imbolc to release some of the beliefs that have been holding us back.

We can begin to act on some of those winter daydreams and take the first steps towards our dreams and goals. You might want to spend some time reflecting on personal challenges you have faced and acknowledge the strength gained through winter’s introspective phase. In addition, Imbolc encourages us to nurture the flame of inspiration, letting it guide us through the coming seasons. Consider the flickering flame within your spirit, recognising its potential to illuminate your path forward.

With the renewed energy of the sun, our energy levels also begin to rise. We no longer feel the need to be huddled down with blankets and throws, and cosy fires and candles by four o’clock. There’s just a little bit more of a spring in our step and we are ready to be curious and creative once more.

We can use this time to consider areas of our lives that have lain dormant for a while awaiting the gentle touch of Imbolc energy to bring them back to life. You might like to think about dreams and goals you have put on the back burner, relationships that you have unintentionally let slide or hobbies you would like to return to in the warmer, lighter months to come.

Embrace this moment of reflection, for in the quiet of winter’s end, the seeds of personal and spiritual growth are sown. Read on to find out more about Imbolc and how you can use this beautiful Sabbat to move forward in life.

Brigid and Imbolc

In Celtic traditions, Brigid is deeply connected to the cycles of nature and the turning of the seasons. As Imbolc marks the first stirrings of spring, Brigid is seen as the force that brings warmth back to the land, melting the winter snows and encouraging new growth. Her aspect as a fertility goddess is particularly emphasised at this time, with her blessings invoked for livestock beginning to give birth and fields preparing for planting.

In some traditions, Brigid is said to visit homes on the eve of Imbolc, blessing those who have prepared for her arrival. This belief led to customs such as leaving out a piece of clothing for Brigid to bless, or setting a place for her at the dinner table. The lighting of candles or fires at Imbolc is not just for warmth, but also to represent Brigid’s fire of inspiration and the growing strength of the sun, reflecting her solar aspects.

Brigid’s association with Imbolc is based on historical and folkloric sources, but it’s important to note that our understanding of ancient Celtic beliefs is often incomplete and subject to interpretation. The specific practices associated with Brigid at Imbolc can vary depending on the region and the particular tradition being followed.

How to celebrate Imbolc

There are many simple ways to make Imbolc a part of your own seasonal and spiritual journey. Whether it’s crafting symbols that bring protection or letting the light of candles guide you, these celebrations are all about feeling the magic of the season. From quiet rituals, to creativity and enjoying the budding beauty of nature, each suggestion offers a way to connect with the revitalising energy of Imbolc.

Journaling

To start your seasonal celebration, I highly recommend spending some time journaling. Imbolc is still a time for of introspection and preparation, and journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and manifestation during this season. This time of year is one of shedding what no longer serves us and preparing the ground for new ideas and actions. It’s a great time of year to do some planning for the year ahead (much better than January 1st when we are still immersed in the cold and dark and should be wintering).

Here are three journaling prompts for Imbolc

Reflect on the dormant aspects of your life during the winter season. What areas need renewal and growth? Consider personal goals, relationships, or creative projects that could benefit from the fresh energy of spring. Write about the steps you can take to nurture and awaken these areas.

Explore the qualities associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid—creativity, inspiration, healing and the hearth. How can you embody these qualities in your own life? Reflect on moments of inspiration and healing you’ve experienced and contemplate ways to bring Brigid’s energy into your daily activities. Write about specific actions you can take to honour Brigid’s influence during Imbolc.

Imagine your goals and aspirations as seeds waiting to be planted. What intentions do you want to sow for the upcoming season? Write down specific intentions for personal and spiritual growth and consider how you can nurture these “seeds” to ensure their flourishing. Reflect on the steps you can take to cultivate a fertile environment for your intentions to grow.

Candles

Whilst winter may be nearly over, and signs of spring are beginning to show, it is still quite cold and dark at this time of year. Imbolc is a lovely time to craft candles, or restock on shop-bought ones or LED candles. Use colours like white, representing purity, or shades of yellow for the returning sun or green for spring growth. Light them during your Imbolc rituals or ceremonies.

Candle-making for Imbolc can be a wonderful, meditative activity. You could try making beeswax candles, which have a naturally sweet scent and golden colour reminiscent of the returning sun. If you’re new to candle-making, consider starting with simple rolled beeswax sheets. For more advanced crafters, you could try dipping or moulding candles.

When choosing colours, consider these associations:

• White: purity, new beginnings and the blanket of snow
• Yellow or gold: the strengthening sun and the promise of spring
• Green: new growth, fertility and awakening earth
• Red: the fire of inspiration and creativity associated with Brigid

If using shop-bought candles, look for ones scented with herbs associated with Imbolc, such as lavender for purification, rosemary for protection, or vanilla for love and happiness.

For those who prefer flameless options, LED candles can be a safe alternative, especially in households with children or pets. Electric scent diffusers are another good option as they allow you to diffuse essential oils without the need for a flame.

Craft a Brigid’s Cross

You can create a simple Brigid’s Cross using straw or other natural materials. Hang them above doorways or windows as protective symbols, invoking the energy of the Celtic goddess Brigid.

Brigid’s Crosses are traditionally made from rushes, but you can use various materials:

• Straw or raffia
• Reeds or long grasses
• Pipe cleaners (for a modern, child-friendly version)
• Willow or other flexible twigs

The process of making a Brigid’s Cross is relatively simple:

1. Gather your materials and soak them if necessary to make them pliable.
2. Take two pieces and lay them in a plus sign shape.
3. Fold each arm of the cross down, always in the same direction (clockwise or anticlockwise).
4. Add new pieces as you go, folding each one down in turn.
5. When you reach your desired size, tie off the ends and trim them.

In addition to hanging them above doorways, you could:

• Place one in each room of your house for protection
• Hang one in your car
• Give them as gifts to friends and family
• Use a small one as a bookmark

The cross is not only a protective symbol but also represents the four directions and the wheel of the year. You can find a good guide to creating your own at Five in the Nest

Signs of Spring

Bring in some of that fresh energy of spring by buying daffodils or other spring flowers to decorate your home. You could also plant some herb seeds in pots on a windowsill.

You could also:

• Force bulbs indoors: Start paperwhite narcissus or hyacinth bulbs in water or soil a few weeks before Imbolc.
• Create a spring nature table: Collect items like pine cones, early spring flowers, and budding twigs to display.
• Make a spring wreath: Use grapevine or willow as a base and decorate with artificial spring flowers, ribbons and symbols of the season.
• Start a garden journal: Begin planning your spring garden, noting which seeds to start indoors.
• Conduct a seed inventory: Check your stored seeds and order new ones for the coming growing season.

For windowsill herbs, consider:

• Basil: Associated with love and protection
• Chamomile: For relaxation and purification
• Mint: Symbolising new beginnings and prosperity
• Rosemary: For remembrance and protection
• Thyme: Linked to courage and purification

Purification Ritual

Engage in a personal purification ritual, whether it’s a relaxing bath with herbs or a mindful meditation. Reflect on letting go of old energies and welcoming the freshness of the approaching spring.

Expand your purification practices with these ideas:

• Herbal bath: Add dried herbs like lavender, rosemary and chamomile to your bathwater. You could put them in a muslin bag for easy clean-up.
• Salt scrub: Make a simple body scrub with sea salt, olive oil and a few drops of essential oil (like lemon for cleansing or lavender for relaxation).
• Smoke cleansing: Use herbs like sage, rosemary, or juniper to cleanse your space. Always practise fire safety and be mindful of smoke sensitivities.
• Sound cleansing: Use bells, singing bowls, or even just clapping to clear stagnant energy from your space.
• Visualisation meditation: Imagine pure, white light filling your body and pushing out any negative energy.
• Journaling: Write down what you want to release and what you want to invite into your life.

Create an Imbolc Altar

If you like, you can update your altar with symbols of Imbolc, such as snowdrops, candles and representations of the sun. Arrange items in groups of three, honouring the Triple Goddess or the triad of Maiden, Mother and Crone. Alternatively, you could create a mini Imbolc altar on a plate or tray.

Additional items to consider for your Imbolc altar:

• Seeds or acorns to represent potential and new beginnings
• A bowl of milk or cream to honour Brigid
• A Brigid’s Cross
• White feathers for purification and communication with the divine
• A chalice or cup to represent the divine feminine
• Crystals like clear quartz for clarity or citrine for abundance
• Images or statues of Brigid or other spring goddesses
• A small anvil or hammer to represent Brigid’s role as a smith goddess
• A piece of green cloth to symbolise the coming spring

Nature Walk and Clean-up

Take a stroll in nature to observe the subtle signs of spring. Participate in a local clean-up, picking up litter to honour the Earth’s awakening and to prepare for the upcoming growth.

Enhance your nature walk experience by:

• Bring a field guide to identify early spring plants and birds
• Take a journal to record your observations
• Practise mindful walking, focusing on each of your senses
• Collect natural items (responsibly) to use in crafts or on your altar
• Take photographs to document the subtle changes of the season
• Look for signs of animal activity, like tracks in the snow or mud

For the clean-up:

• Organise a group clean-up event in your community
• Focus on areas near water sources, as spring melt can wash litter into streams and rivers
• Bring gloves, bin bags, and a grabber tool if you have one
• Sort recyclables from rubbish as you collect
• Consider adopting a specific area to clean and monitor throughout the year

Feast with Seasonal Foods

Prepare a feast using seasonal ingredients such as early spring vegetables and fruits. Consider incorporating dishes sacred to Brigid, like dairy-based foods, honey-infused recipes or plant-based alternatives.

Expand your Imbolc feast with these ideas:

• Dairy foods: Homemade cheese, yoghurt or fresh butter
• Breads: Bannock (oatcakes), soda bread, or braided breads to represent Brigid’s braids
• Seeds: Incorporate seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame into dishes
• Early spring greens: If available, use wild garlic, nettles, or dandelion greens
• Honey: Use in desserts or drinks to symbolise the sweetness of life returning
• Lamb: Traditionally associated with early spring (or a plant-based alternative)
• Potatoes: Represent the earth and stored food that sustained people through winter
• Onions and leeks: Among the first spring crops
• Herbal tea: Make a blend with herbs like mint, chamomile and lemon balm

Consider setting your table with white cloths, candles, and early spring flowers to create a festive atmosphere. You could also share stories of Brigid or your hopes for the coming spring as you enjoy your meal.

Inner Cleansing Ritual to celebrate Imbolc

This Inner Cleansing Ritual to celebrate Imbolc is designed to help you release old energies, making space for renewal and personal growth as you prepare for the coming spring.

What you need

A bowl of purified water
Incense, moon water or a bell to cleanse your space
A white candle or LED candle
A small mirror
Journal and pen

What to do

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or stand. Create a simple altar with the bowl of water, the candle and the mirror.

Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself. Inhale positivity and exhale any tension or negativity.

Cleanse your space by whatever means you choose. Visualise your chosen cleansing method dispelling any stagnant or negative energy. Dip your fingers into the bowl of water and lightly sprinkle it over your face and hands. Feel the purifying and refreshing energy of the water cleansing your inner self.

Gaze into the mirror and observe your own reflection. Reflect on the aspects of yourself that are ready for renewal. Acknowledge both strengths and areas for growth.

Write down the things you wish to release or let go of. It could be old habits, limiting beliefs, or any emotional baggage. Be honest and specific.

After identifying what to release, counterbalance it by writing positive affirmations or intentions for the coming spring. Focus on qualities you wish to cultivate and aspects of yourself you want to nurture.

Close your eyes and spend a few moments in meditative silence. Visualise a warm, golden light enveloping you, cleansing and revitalising every part of your being.

Acknowledge the cleansing process and express gratitude for the opportunity to release the old and welcome the new. Feel a sense of lightness and readiness for the approaching spring.

Close the ritual by extinguishing the candles and thanking your higher self or universal energies for their guidance.

Adjust the ritual to suit your preferences and embrace the transformative energy of this sacred time.

Brigid Imbolc Ritual

This Brigid Imbolc Ritual is designed to honour the Celtic goddess and seek inspiration and healing for the upcoming season.

What you need

White candles (representing Brigid)
Brigid’s cross or any representation of the goddess
A bowl of milk or dairy substitute
Freshly picked snowdrops or white flowers
Pen and paper
A hearth or a candle-safe container

What to do

Find a quiet and comfortable space. Set up your ritual area with the white candles, Brigid’s cross and a hearth or a candle-safe container.

Light the white candles, dedicating them to Brigid, the Celtic goddess of inspiration, healing and the hearth. As you do so, invite Brigid’s presence into your sacred space. Visualise her gentle and nurturing energy surrounding you.

Place the snowdrops or white flowers on the altar as offerings to Brigid. These represent the first signs of spring and the goddess’s association with fertility and new beginnings.

If you have a hearth or a safe container for fire, light it. This symbolises Brigid’s connection to the sacred flame and the hearth. If not, let the candles represent the flame.

Pour a small amount of milk into the bowl, offering it to Brigid. As you do, express gratitude for her nurturing presence and the inspiration she brings.

Take a moment to engage in a creative activity. Whether it’s writing, drawing, dance or any form of artistic expression, allow Brigid’s inspiration to flow through you. Write down your creative aspirations for the coming season.

Speak a prayer or words of gratitude to Brigid, acknowledging her role as a muse and healer. Request her guidance in your creative endeavours and healing journey.

If you practice divination, use this time to seek guidance from Brigid. Pull tarot or oracle cards, asking for insights into the paths of inspiration and healing that lie ahead.

Reflect on the warmth and inspiration received during the ritual. Rejoice in the presence of Brigid and the anticipation of the creative and healing energies she brings.

Thank Brigid for her presence. Blow out the candles and/or extinguish the hearth fire, symbolising the end of the ritual. 

Carry the energy of inspiration and healing with you as you move forward.

Feel free to adapt the ritual to suit your preferences and connect with Brigid in a way that feels meaningful to you.

I hope you have found inspiration for healing and creativity in this post. I’d love to hear how you celebrate Imbolc! Please share with us in the comments below.

Blessed be

Eva x