by Nancy Robbins
Imbolc – Feb. 1 – St. Brigid’s Day
Imbolc (EE-molc) is the Wiccan sabbat also known as St. Brigid’s Day. Imbolc is an Irish Gaelic word that means “in milk”. The English name for it is Candlemas. It is a time when the Goddess recovers from giving birth to the Sun-child who is young. The growing light in the darkness fertilizes the earth causing seeds to germinate. It is a time of Fire – fire that purifies from being shut-in from the long winter, and fire that sparks new life with its light and warmth. This is therefore, a festival of fire and light that brings in illumination and inspiration for Spring. Lighting candles honors the Sun’s rebirth.
It is important at this time of year to honor the Earth and acknowledge our direct reliance upon her. It is also an important time for you to get in touch with whatever nourishes your soul. The goddess bids you to awaken to your whole self. Feed yourself with the nourishment of enjoyment, the sustenance of life. This fire energy that lights the candle also quickens the seeds of potential within you.
St. Brigid’s Day honors the spring goddess of fire – Brigid (BREED) Brigid is an Irish goddess of the Triple Flame – the fire of the forge (smithcraft), the fire of the hearth (fertility, childbirth, and healing), and the fire of inspiration (poetry, divination, and prophecy). This fire goddess inspires you to be your own pure and powerful flame of light, to stand up for what you believe is right.
Imbolc Meditation: Brigid’s Three Gifts
Brigid stands before you now and places in your hands a magical bowl that she has filled with healing water. She asks you to sip from the bowl and allow the liquid to purify you of any negativity. Feel the liquid calm your emotions. You feel a joyful bubble rise within you that inspires creativity. Look deeply into the bowl of water, and see your reflection. As you gaze deeply into the water, see your true self reflected there. Expand your awareness of your unique soul essence.
Brigid now offers you a second gift. She raises her hand and a spark of fire expands into a greater flame suspended in the air. The floating flame warms and relaxes you, and casts a light that shines into your inner darkness. This illumination sparks a greater understanding within you of your own inner light. You see more of the beauty, gifts, and skills that you possess that are unique to you. You really do have great worth and are deserving to be cherished and loved. The light warms your heart and enhances your understanding of your strengths and goodness.
Now, the light of the fire evaporates the water and becomes a third gift of enchanted air that creates an atmosphere that embodies love. Air is the element of the heart that gives breath and life to the soul’s passions. It is the air that fuels the spiritual fire. Feel empowered to achieve your soul mission with this nurturing love and greater understanding of your gifts. With gratitude you thank Brigid for these three gifts to illuminate your path.
Imbolc Activities:
- Make a list of new goals.
- Spring cleaning for your home.
- Light a red candle for Imbolc. Sit in stillness and meditation and listen to your higher self or guides for inspiration.
- Write down anything you would like to release on a piece of paper and burn it in a fire to release it.
- Decorate your home/altar with spring flowers, herbs, candles, and symbols of Brigid, such as a St. Brigid’s cross.
- Wash away negativity – Imbolc traditionally is about using holy water sources for purification. Find a fresh spring, river, stream, or well and splash in the water to wash away any negativity. You can also create a purification bath with Epsom or sea salts and essential oils mixed in with the salts.
- Meditate with a Carnelian stone. The solar fire of Imbolc is celebrated with illumination and inspiration. Carnelian brings the solar energy of life force into creative pursuits. It builds confidence, courage, passion, and empowerment. It helps you move forward on your path of new beginnings.
- Plant Wishes – Collect seeds and infuse them with your future wishes, and as you plant them say:
As the sun returns and brings rebirth,
I give my thanks to Mother Earth.
Embracing change, renewing hope,
the future seeds of light I sow.