how to keep the spirit of imbolc alive all month long
Imbolc may be traditionally celebrated from sunrise February 1st until sunset February 2nd, but you can keep the spirit of Imbolc alive and well all month long.
If you follow the wheel of the year and honor seasons, solstices, and equinoxes, chances are that there are days that special events fall that don't always work into your daily plans. If you're able to plan your schedule around high holy days, count yourself lucky! I get as close to that as possible.
Imbolc is the midway point between winter solstice and spring equinox.
It's a time for:
Gentle stirrings from winter's sleep
Letting go of what was to make room for what wants to be
Lighting the way
New beginnings
Sparks of possibility
Imbolc is also known as St. Brigid's Day or Candlemas. Brigid is known as the goddess of fire, the sun, and the hearth. This Celtic/Pagan holiday is often celebrated with what's called Brigid's Cross or a Brigid doll made from straw or reeds.
The cross was used to ward off an bad juju like disease in the home, as well as disease to the crops/lambs. By hanging it on the walls or above the doorway, it was a blessing of protection.
There are many ways to usher in this coming of spring celebration, and no wrong way to do it. You can bake traditional fare such as cakes, bread, cream, and anything with blackberries. Add herbs such as basil, bay laurel, chamomile, and cinnamon. Add divine aromas such as myrrh, frankincense, lemon, lime, and any scents that remind you of spring.
Decorations can be very simple with white or pastel candles and flowers. Or create an altar with whatever spring means to you.
And it's not like everything stops after February second. Imbolc is merely the opening to a portal. Once through the portal you can continue to celebrate the coming of spring.
Some ways to continue the celebration:
Change up your altar using different color combinations, flowers, candles, crystals, herbs, and oils
Set your table with spring-like decor
Bake cookies, tarts, or cakes all throughout the month
Make your own cross and hang it over the door to bless the house
Play some Imbolc or Celtic inspired music all month long - my favorite is Celtic harp music
Mix up essential oils that you use, maybe a new one each week
Find different pictures of Brigid (Brigit, Brighid) and do some research on her
Each morning light a candle
Plant seeds both indoors and outdoors
Plant dream seeds
Buy yourself fresh flowers in all sorts of vibrant spring colors
Look around your yard for signs of spring poking through
Decorate your home with things that represent the sun or the fire element
Take walks
Talk with the Fae and Faery folk
Decorate with lambs, sheep, deer, robins, and spring animals
All of life is meant to be celebrated, not just for one day, but for all days. Until spring arrives, honor winter and ready for spring. You can keep the spirit of Imbolc alive all month long.
For more Imbolc inspiration, CLICK HERE, and enjoy my FREE IMBOLC PDF.
Imbolc blessings to you and yours!
xoxo,
Nancy