As winter’s chill begins to wane and the promise of spring lingers in the air, many around the world prepare to celebrate Imbolc, a fire festival.
Imbolc or Imbolg, is a pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. Imbolc literally means ‘in the belly’ and its focus is rebirth and new life.
It is believed that Imbloc comes from the breeding cycle of sheep and the beginning of lactation. The earliest mentions of Imbolc can be found in Irish poetry from the 10th century.
Imbolc is traditionally the festival that honours the Goddess Brigid.Brigid means exalted one, while her ancient name is Breo-saighead, meaning fiery arrow or fiery power.
Brigid, Goddess of fire
According to mythology, she was born with a flame in her head and drank the milk of a mystical cow. Because of this, she became strongly associated with fire and milk. In the Celtic pantheon, the Tuatha de Danann, she is the daughter of the God, Dagda and has two sisters by the same name. Each sister is a different aspect of the same goddess, hence the reason she is known as a triple goddess. The three aspects are maiden, mother, and crone. At Imbolc, she is honoured in the aspect of the maiden.
Brigid brings fertility to the land and its people and is closely connected to midwives and newborn babies. She is also Goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft and is honoured during this time for her transformative and nurturing qualities. Brigid is often referred to as Mother Earth or Mother Goddess.
The Celtic people prepared for Brigid’s visit by making corn dolls out of rushes.
Healing Ritual for Imbolc
Imbolc, a time of cleansing and renewal, offers the perfect opportunity to embrace a healing ritual. Here’s a simple ritual you can adapt to suit you.
Things you will need.
- white candles or any colour you have lying around; tea lights are great too.
- sage incense or smudge stick
- piece of paper, a pen.
- your journal or book of shadows.
Make sure you will not be disturbed. Ground your energies before you begin.
Light your candles; tea lights will be fine. focus on the flame.
If you have any negative emotions, acknowledge them. Can they be healed or released in any way?
Do you feel there is anything toxic in your life? Can you work to remove it?
Take the piece of paper and write down any areas in your life that require healing, whether they’re physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Speak aloud your intentions for healing, purification, and renewal. Express your desires for healing and growth, embracing the transformative energies of the season.
Gently fold the paper. You can either burn the paper or put the paper into the bowl of water, both symbolising the release and renewal of your intentions. Do what works for you!
Imagine surrounding yourself with white light. Cleanse yourself with the sage if you wish or take a cleansing bath after your ritual.
Take some time to journal your thoughts and feelings. The good and the bad, but end with your inspirations and goals.
Spend some time in quiet reflection, acknowledging the healing energies you have invoked. Consider journaling your thoughts and experiences, capturing the essence of your healing ritual.
IMBOLC TIPS
Try your hand at fire scrying. You can do this using a candle. If you are lucky enough to have a fire pit or log burner, use that. Note down what images you see.
Cleanse your altar and give everywhere an early spring clean. See the ritual for protecting and cleansing your home. http://hedgewitch-journals.com/a-ritual-for-cleansing-and-potecting-you-home/
Try your hand at making a Brigid corn dolly
Visit a water source—a stream, river, or well. Brigid is linked to wells and healing waters.
Take a cleansing bath; try adding lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, oil, or herb form. Add rose petals, too.