Imbolc: what it is and how to celebrate

Here’s an overview of the Pagan holiday of Imbolc along with some simple ideas for how to observe it.

“When the dark days of winter seem to have gone on forever, the first sign of spring refreshes our souls.”

~ Carl F. Neal in Imbolc: Rituals, Recipes, & Lore for Brigid’s Day

What is Imbolc?

Imbolc is a Pagan holiday. It falls on February 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and August 1st in the Southern.

Many Witches and Pagans celebrate 8 sabbats, which are arranged like spokes around the Wheel of the Year. Imbolc is the sabbat that falls midway between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Vernal Equinox (Ostara).

(The Winter Solstice is the darkest time of the year, when the days are the shortest and the nights the longest. The Vernal Equinox is the time when the daylight is steadily increasing, and the days and nights are of roughly equal length.)

Imbolc is a celebration of the first signs of spring, or at least the sense that it is getting closer.

According to Wikipedia, here are several theories about the origin of the word “Imbolc.” I’m not a linguist, but the one that seems most likely to me that it is derived from the Old Irish i mbolc, meaning in the belly. First of all, the only difference between Imbolc and i mbolc is a capital letter and a space. Secondly, the phrase “in the belly” feels exactly like Imbolc. Spring may not be apparent yet, but you can feel it growing beneath the surface – in the belly of – the earth. But Imbolc is also linked to the first signs of pregnancy in livestock. It’s also connected with the Gaelic great goddess Brighid, who was (among many other things) a goddess of pregnancy and childbirth.

How do you celebrate Imbolc?

Imbolc is a time to honor the quiet rest and renewal of winter while feeling a fresh spark of excitement for the coming of the spring and the growing light of the sun.

Depending on the weather, you might take a walk outside and tune into the life beneath the surface, preparing (soon, soon!) to burst forth in fragrant, colorful profusion.

You could get yourself some springtime flowers, such as daffodils, lilies, or tulips.

You could make a Brigid’s cross and hang it on or above your door for protection and blessings.

Traditionally speaking, you might light a white candle to the Goddess Brighid, perform a cleansing and blessing ritual, plant some seeds (literal or figurative), or engage in a divination practice.

Whatever you choose to do, Imbolc is a time to get clear on your values, plant the seeds of your beloved intentions and goals, connect with and honor your magic, make plans for how to make the best use of your time and energy, and let go of the stuff you no longer want or need.

Here are 5 Ways to Purify Your Energy on Imbolc.

Here’s an Imbolc Divination Ritual.

Here are 5 Types of Magic to Work on Imbolc.