IMBOLC – Wheel Of The Year

What Is Imbolc

Imbolc marks the first of eight celebrations in the Wheel Of The Year. Imbolc is just one of several pre-Christian holidays highlighting some aspect of winter and sunlight and heralding the change of seasons. Imbolc has been observed by Celtic neopagans and Wiccans since the late 20^thCentury. This holiday has been referred to as Candlemas or Oimelc. Yet, no matter what you desire to call it, this is a celebration symbolizes the time of renewal and new beginnings which is traditionally
associated with the coming of spring.

Imbolc, which means “in the womb of the Mother,” refers to the time of year when the first signs of spring can be seen on Mother Earth. The term “oimelc” refers to ewe’s milk. Around this time of year, many herd animals give birth to their first offspring of the year or are heavily pregnant. In the heart of the racehorse country is also referred to as Spring Fowling Season. As a result, these birthing animals are producing milk. Life’s milk is a creation that represents the promise for spring.

Goddess Brigid

As Imbolc is a mark of the approaching spring, it is also a time to honor the goddess, Brigid. Goddess Brigid is the patroness of poetry, healing, and fertility. Brigid is often depicted as a triple goddess, standing for the three stages of a woman’s life: maiden, mother, and crone. Imbolc is a time to ask for the blessings and guidance of Brigid as the year begins anew, and to embrace the energy of the returning light and the awakening of the natural world.

Brigid is known by various names including Bride, Brid, Briganti, Brigantesm, Brighid, Bridget. She is identified as the Celtic Goddess of fire, hearth, healing, smith working, fertility, childbirth, sacred springs and wells, animal livestock, snakes, and wolves. Brigid was also adopted by Celtic Christianity as named Saint Brigit of Ireland.

The connection of goddess Brigid is highly associated with Imbolc rituals and traditional practice of the Celtic heritage. Of old, people would invite goddess Brigid during Imbolc to bless their homes, livestock, and fields as she is again honored as the goddess of healing and fertility.

Celebrating Imbolc

Whether you celebrate Imbolc for its spiritual, mythological, or practical significance, this holiday is a time to reflect on the past, honor the present, and look forward to the future. As you celebrate Imbolc, may you find renewal, inspiration, and hope for the coming year.

As you celebrate Imbolc, focus on celebrating Brigid. You can accomplish this by creating an altar with Brigid’s emblems, such as a doll made of corn husks, white flowers, a bowl of milk, an oat cookie, tea, and candles. If there is a group gathering, you might cast a circle, and recite a prayer to receive a blessing from Brigid.

Imbolc Date

Northern Hemisphere; January 31^st – February 2^nd
Southern hemisphere: July 31^st – August 2^nd

Imbolc Symbols

Brigid Cross (symbolizing protection)
First Spring Flowers (white in color, symbolizing waking life, new beginnings, beauty, and love)
Candles (symbolizing life, creativity, hope, safety, and fatefulness)
Broom (symbolizing cleansing, fertility, and abundance)
Animals (Lambs, ewes, owls, bees, groundhogs, badgers, snakes – symbolizing innocence, peace, compassion, purity, and a sense of community)
Elements (water and fire)
Sun (symbolizing warmth, light, lengthening of days, bringing life)

Imbolc Colors

White (symbolizing purity, innocence, grace, and peacefulness)
Yellow (symbolizing the sun and fire)
Red (Symbolizing fire)
Green (symbolizing the awakening of the earth)

Imbolc Herbs

Angelica (Angelica archangelica), with it’s gorgeous umbels of cream-white flowers and blood-red stems. It is earthy, slightly sweet, a little bit bitter, and may present a hint of licorice flavor. Angelica is used for heartburn, intestinal gas (flatulence), loss of appetite (anorexia), arthritis, circulation problems, “runny nose” (respiratory catarrh), nervousness, plague, and trouble sleeping (insomnia).

Basil(Ocimum basilicum) is a wonderful plant filled with delicious aromatic oils. Additionally, from being a wonderful ingredient to add to pastas and pizzas, it’s excellent when taken as an infusion, and is traditionally used to relive stomach aches. It also has a calming, mood lifting effect, and is mildly diaphoretic. This herb can be dried and infused in hot water to make teas for respiratory complaints by infusing a teaspoon or two dried aerial parts in a cup of hot water help with coughing and sore throat.

BayLeaf (Laurus nobilis), a beautiful tree with tough silvery leaves. It is most commonly used as a flavoring in soups and broths with one or two leaves. Bay leaves are highly anti-inflammatory and often used for stomach conditions, cancer, diabetes and conditions that cause pain. A poultice of the leaves applied to the chest acts as a gentle expectorant to soothe bronchitis and painful coughing, while bay leaf-infused oil is a warming remedy for cold rheumatic pain.

Blackberry(Rubus fruticosus) is most known for the sweet, pump berries it produces in summer, yet it has other uses as well. The roots of this plant are strongly astringent, making it a good remedy to reach for when you’re struggling with a stomach ailment like diarrhea. The green leaves are good for ulcers and sores of the mouth and throat.

Clover (Trifolium pretense) a common plant found in many areas which can be found in fields, meadows, roadsides, and grassy areas. Not only a tasty treat for many animals, with the pink flower mimicking estrogen found in the human body. It is helpful to prevent loss on bone density for premenopausal and menopausal women. Clover is also used to help with the reduction of hot flashes. This plant is used externally to aid in the treatment for wounds and insect bites.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a bark taken from its tropical tree is wonderful, spiced aromatic. It is great for heart and cardiovascular support. It is an antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral. Add this to food dishes and even coffee for daily support.

Reed (rhizome) has been traditionally used for digestive problems. Reed herb holds vitamins A and C and some B vitamins. People use reed herb for diabetes, breast cancer, insect bites, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) cultivated in herb gardens for centuries, it is a widespread plant for the wetlands and roadsides. Although a pungent herb, it is used for various digestion problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, gall bladder disease, and intestinal spasms. It is also used to treat fever, liver disease, and worm infections; to increase sexual desire; as a tonic; and to stimulate sweating.

Imbolc Stones and Crystals

Amethyst – best known and beautiful of all crystals, amethyst is good choice for when we are having difficulty accepting new ideas or afraid of change. This crystal supports us throughout the decision-making process through bringing common sense to the forefront of our minds, promoting spiritual insight. Beneficial in the use in meditation due to its strong connection with spiritual matters and ability to help us focus our scattered thoughts. This crystal can also be used to improve motivation and in setting realistic goals.

Peridot – an effective crystal for supporting us through the process of releasing guilt and other burdens from the past and leaving negative patterns behind. It can help us to see the lessons in your past experiences and mistakes and move past these, leaving jealousy, resentment, guilt, and anger behind, making it easier to more foreword in life and understanding of our destiny. This crystal can be used in learning to take responsibility for our life and the choices we have made, even when they ended badly.

Moss Agate – known as a stabilizing stone to help us to see the beauty that is present around us. This stone is said to encourage tranquility and emotional balance. It is the perfect stone for those who experience aggression or overly nurturing emotions, helping to balance male and female energies whenever they become extreme. It radiates a very peaceful energy which can help calm mood swings and detach us from emotional drama. It has strong connections to abundance and will benefit anyone who works with plants or in agriculture. Moss agate can be planted in the soil to help to ensure the success of the healthy and productive plant growth to include crops. Moss agate works like a magnet to draw abundance of all kinds.

Onyx – this crystal gives strength even in the most difficult and confusing of times. It will inspire us to take a positive view of the future and take control of our life and the direction we wish to go. This crystal boosts self-confidence and can help us to feel at ease in life. This crystal encourages inner stillness and helps focus during meditation. Onyx can be used to alleviate worries and fear over making decisions while also helping us to make wise choices.

Selenite – a beautiful translucent stone is regarded to be one of the most useful healing crystals. It has a very gentle, but high vibration that helps to bring clarity and deep healing. It can be used to create a protective crystal grid around our home or other space. This will create a calm and safe space free of negative energies. This is a stone of purity and spirituality. It is known for its purifying properties and widely used for cleansing and charging other crystals for renewed energy.

Moonstone – A stone for “new beginnings”, Moonstone is a stone of inner growth and strength and is perfect for Imbolc. It eases emotional tension and volatility, stabilizes the emotions, and promotes serenity. Moonstone improves intuition and encourages creativity, success, and luck in relationships and business. Moonstone can be used to alleviate issues related to the female reproductive system and menstruation. It is an excellent choice for premenstrual tension, boosting fertility, and for use during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding.
Carnelian – This crystal comes in various shades of orange. This crystal is known to speeds up the healing processes, especially after trauma or injury. It helps improve elimination and increases vitality and strength. The fiery color of this crystal helps bring courage when facing personal challenges.

Bloodstone – This stone is said to provide protection from negative influences in the environment and the human bio field. It has long been associated with abundance in all things and is used by many to form part of a manifestation grid to attract an abundance of wealth, health and happiness.

Imbolc Flowers and Plants

Daffodil
Dandelion
Celandine
Chamomile
Crocus
Daffodil
Dandelion
Sage
Shamrock
All Field Flowers

Imbolc Scents

Cedar
Frankincense
Lavender
Lemon Verbena
Myrrh
Peppermint
Violet
Wisteria

Imbolc Foods and Drinks

Cheese
Cornmeal
Dried Fruit
Eggs
Grains
Nuts
Root Vegetables
Ale
Cider
Milk
Mead

Imbolc is the first of eight celebrations of the Wheel of the Year and marks the renewal of Mother Earth. However you decide to celebrate Imbolc and honor Goddess Brigid remember this is the first signs of spring and new beginnings.