The Heart Vibe of Imbolc

February 1st or 2nd (depending on where in the world you are!)

Imbolc or Candlemas is the first sabbat after the new year and represents a time when the world is slowly beginning to wake up from its winter slumber. Imagine the stirring of new life under all that snow-the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. That is Imbolc-the stirring of spring, the season of transformation and hope.

It is traditional during Imbolc to light a lamp or candle in each room at dusk to represent the growing light of the sun’s rebirth. This was a high time for magic, for ritually burning off and releasing the old year and nourishing the new. Besides the lighting of fires and candles as a blessing, we can honor the day by anointing with sacred oils, setting our altars and feasting on the magical foods of Imbolc- bread, cakes, custard pies, cheeses, butter, honey and the like. For those who don’t really have a talent for cooking (like me!!)-Make pancakes! Pancakes were eaten because they were round & golden like the sun. Wishes were made while flipping a pancake & little good luck charms were also placed into pancake batter. Find a charm and your wish is granted!!

This is also a great time to start spring cleaning-in the home and energetic soul as well. just in your home, but energetically. Work with a besom or broom and sweep out areas of your sacred space that may be filled with winter’s stagnant and sleepy energy. Bundle up unused items and donate them.

The main theme of Imbolc, however, is centered on Brigid, the pagan Goddess fire, hearth & home, healing & poetry. She might be a Triple Goddess, but at Imbolc she moves into Her maiden aspect to signify new birth or rebirth. She gives us inspiration and wisdom. She offers the power of magick, prophecy and dreams. She represents love, compassion and the power of women. Let Imbolc and February (the love month) inspire you to call upon Brigid as well as Freyja, Oshun, Aphrodite, Venus and Shakti to stoke that inner fire (it is a fire festival after all!) and give rise to the feminine force that resides within the hearts of all beings. This fire prepares for our rise into the spring, a season of new life. We are calling upon the divine feminine to guide us through, knowing a new season awaits us.

Imbolc blessings, magickal ones!!!