Imbolc

·  I M B O L C ·  

Blessings / Inspiration / Rebirth 

· SABBATS ·

Southern Hemisphere: traditionally on the 1st August 
Northern Hemisphere: traditionally on the 1st February

⛤ WHAT IS IMBOLC ⛤

Imbolc is a time of honouring the Spring Goddess Brigid and welcoming the firsts signs of Spring. Candles and bonfires are lit to banish the darkness, and welcome the light. It is a time of cleansing, rebirth and renewal. Brigid wakes the land  after the cold Winter - new plants spring up, new baby animals are born, and we celebrate life and light. Brigid wakes us up too, she is the Goddess of inspiration, creativity and new beginnings.

⛤ IMBOLC ACTIVITIES⛤

Plant: it is traditional to plant seeds at Imbolc. Some witches like to decorate their altar with the seeds they will be planting.

Spring clean: throw out things that no longer serve you (or pass on to someone else, donate, sell) and then thoroughly clean from top to bottom. Move that stagnant energy!

Cleanse: purify and cleanse your house once it is clean. 

Floor wash: perform a ritual floor wash.

Brigid's Healing Water: leave out a bowl of water on Imbolc Eve (see Brigid's Healing Water).

⛤ IMBOLC ALTAR ⛤

Decorate your Imbolc alter with the following:

• Flowers, seeds, greenery 
• Brigid's Cross (made with straw or sticks - YouTube for a "how to" video)
• Besom, sun symbols, lanterns
• Lots of white candles

⛤ CORRESPONDENCES ⛤

• Candle Colours: white, red, green, lavender, pink, yellow
• Herbs: chamomile, lavender, rosemary, bay, basil, cinnamon
• Tarot: Death, the Empress and The Star
• Crystals: amethyst, garnet, onyx, ruby, turquoise

 ⛤ FEAST ⛤

• Baked breads, cakes 
• Lavender cookies
• Dairy products, custards, cheese platters
• Drinks: Spiced mulled wine and cider (use cloves, or cinnamon) 

 ⛤ SPELLS ⛤

Imbolc is a time for spells of cleansing & clearing - combine with a good spring clean and do a floor wash ritual (see here and here for space clearing). It also also a good time for spells involving clarity of purpose, inspiration, fertility, love, beauty, creativity, blessings, wishing, and awakening.