Imbolc
Updated: 2 days ago
What is Imbolc?
Imbolc is a cross-quarter Sabbat, the third in the Celtic wheel of the year. The Celtic year begins at Samhain.
In some documents, the year begins with Wassail. Imbolc is celebrated on the 1st of February in the calendar, but astrologically it has shifted to the 5th. This festival is dedicated to the goddess Brigid, daughter of The Dagda and one of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
The Significance of Brigid
Brigid is a goddess of spring, new beginnings, pregnancy, birth, and the sewing of seeds. She embodies fire, the heart, home-making, and healing. Brigid was the first deity I encountered when I was pregnant with my youngest daughter. She holds a special place in my heart, both for my family and my path as a doula.
I feel fortunate to have visited Ireland last November, where I explored two of her shrines in Kildare: the well and her flame. I wrote a blog post reflecting on my visit to Ireland, which you can read here: Reflections from a pagan path.
The Transformation of Brigid
Brigid was one of the deities who underwent Christianization. She became Saint Brigid. To honour her, a local priest named his daughter Brigid. Saint Brigid asked the local king for land, requesting only a piece that her cloak could cover. The king laughed, thinking her request was absurd due to the small size of her cloak.
However, she placed her cloak on the ground and asked four friends to hold a corner each, walking in different directions: east, south, west, and north. To everyone's surprise, her cloak expanded. She only desired a small amount of land for a temple. Her humility shocked the king. In this temple, her flame still burns, recently relit by nuns.
Honouring Imbolc
How can you honour this time in your heart? On Brigid's Day:
Place a candle in your window to invite her presence and bless your home.
Hang a cross on your door and plant your first seeds of hope. How to make a cross: Watch here.
You can hang a wish on a tree for Brigid to gather as she passes.
If you are a doula reading this, hang your rebozo or manta out for Brigid to bless as she passes, or any sacred tools you may use.
I used to run a pagan kids' group, and this festival was by far the loveliest for children.
Bardic Offerings for Imbolc
There are many songs dedicated to Imbolc, which you can find on YouTube. Notable artists include Damh the Bard, Lisa Thiel, Trinity, and many others.
Damh the Bard - Bridget: Listen here.
Lisa Thiel - Song to Brighd: Listen here.
Trinity - Brighid's Kiss: Listen here.
Phillip Carr Gomm created a lovely meditation a few years back in his "Tea with a Druid." You can find it here: An Imbolc Meditation - Tea with a Druid.
A poem by Bard Adam Ranger titled The Snow Drops Song beautifully encapsulates the spirit of this time.
I also wrote a poem for Brigid called 'A Letter from a Birthkeeper' two years ago.
The Essence of Imbolc
Imbolc is, of course, the time of lambing. The word "Imbolc" means ewe's milk. It is represented by the snowdrop flower, the frosts, the seeds in the ground, Brigid's cross, and your inner flames of growth.
With these inner flames, we druids and pagans use this time to share poetry and songs during our Imbolc ceremonies. Within our Imbolc ceremony, we hold a bardic competition to win the bardic chair for a year. It is a fun event that fosters community sharing and brings new hope and connection.
A Story of Brigid
Here is a story of Brigid that I wrote a few years back for a workshop I conducted with friends Ally and Jeanie. You can read it here: A Story of Brigid.
Further Exploration
To continue your exploration, here are a few links to help:
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