Imbolc – Celebrating the Light

Today is Imbolc (pronounced im'ulc) a day of celebration in many of the more Earth-born faiths and is sometimes referred to as Springtide. It is now when we start to notice that the day is getting longer and the first hints of spring are forming.

Imbolc is believed to come from the Old Irish I'mbolg meaning “in the belly” and is also connected to the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means ewes milk. This is said to be in connection to the first lambing when many herd animals would be carrying their first offspring of the year.

This Celtic Fire Festival is often considered to be dedicated to the Celtic Fire Goddess Brighid patron of smithcraft, healing, midwifery, and poetry.

For those who celebrate Imbolc it is a time of poetry, growth and light. It is a time when the first crocus and snowdrops start to show themselves.

With this new growth beginning in the natural world, it is a time to look towards our own growth and change. Just as the seasons change, so do we. Imbolc is a time of new beginnings and so we use this time to think about what you want to do, to change and to accomplish this year.

Imbolc is a good time for taking the chance and really evaluating yourself. Are there changes you want to make but don't because of fear or worry? Are there new journeys, ideas or hobbies you want to start? Now is the time to plan, to decide to do and make the first steps.

People would often give blessings to seeds and consecrate farm tools and equipment for prosperity in the coming years harvet. Houses were aired and brushed to remove the old and welcome in the new as Imbolc was seen as a time for purification and the start of “Spring Cleaning”.

Candles are a strong symbol within Imbolc to “welcome” the return of the sun and traditionally, a candle was light in every window in the house. Nowadays this is not always possible due to safety. Though many who enjoy the tradition will often light a candle and carry it through the house (ones kept in glass lanterns are perfect for this).

After you have been to each room, the candle is kept in the “main” room and left to burn down.

The planting of seeds or at the least the planning of your garden are often done during Imbolc. Any form of gardening or connecting to nature is encouraged at this time.

There are also some nice foods often made at this time, I will upload my favourite Imbolc Honey Cake recipe.

So whether you celebrate Imbolc or not, why not see this day as a new beginning when the cold weather will (hopefully) start to shift letting us know that spring is coming.