Tess Whitehurst

Live Your Magic / Love Yourself

  • About
    • Welcome
    • Sessions
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclosure
    • Cookies Policy
  • Appearances
  • Blog
    • Cleansing & Clearing
    • Feng Shui
    • Inspiration & Motivation
    • Magical Living
    • Spells & Rituals
  • Wisdom Circle
    • Workshops
      • Workshops, Lessons, and Downloads
      • Divine Resonance Magic Certification Course
    • Inspiration
      • Affirmations
        • Weekly Affirmation
      • Web Chats
        • 2019 Web Chat Archives
        • 2020 Web Chat Archives
        • 2021 Web Chat Archives
        • 2022 Web Chat Archives
        • 2023 Web Chat Archives
    • Join Wisdom Circle
    • Share Your Gifts
  • Shop
    • Sessions with Tess
      • Feng Shui
      • Akashic Clearing
    • Books
    • Oracle Decks
    • Digital Downloads
    • Online Workshops
    • Memberships
    • Certifications
  • My Account
    • Purchased Workshops
    • Dashboard
    • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
You are here: Home / Magical Living / Imbolc: what it is and how to celebrate

Magical Living

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.

Imbolc what it is how to celebrate

“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 what it is how to celebrate

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 what it is how to celebrate

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.

Here’s where you can check out Imbolc: Rituals, Recipes, & Lore for Brighid’s Day

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Related


Leave a Comment

« Say “Goodbye Forever” and Be Free
Awaken to Your Magic at Imbolc (or Lughnasadh) »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Bright blessings.

I'm Tess Whitehurst, and I believe that (A) Life is magical and (B) Learning to love and approve of yourself unconditionally is a lifelong, spiraling journey of utmost importance. If you believe these things too, you're in the right place. On this site, you'll find free guided meditations, rituals, feng shui tips, and other ways to be kind to yourself. If you're looking for something specific, use the search bar. I hope you feel the love I put into everything. Thank you for visiting.
[Read More]

Popular Posts

9 Reasons to Love Mercury Retrograde

5 Common Myths About Magical People

Join Wisdom Circle


Tess Whitehurst - Book a Phone Session

Shop

  • All Products
  • Books
  • Candles
  • Certifications
  • Digital Downloads
  • Memberships
  • Online Workshops
  • Oracle Decks
  • Sessions with Tess

Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · Cookies Policy · Disclosure · Site Map

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Divine Theme by Restored 361