Imbolc: The reawakening of the earth

As July ends and the summer months approach, the 1st of August marks the Sabbat, Imbolc. Pronounced IMM-bulk, it is a day for honouring the goddess Brigid and celebrating the return of warmth, fertility, and the rebirth of the earth. As many other pagan holidays, Imbolc has also been christianised to draw focus away from celebrating the earth and other deities. The goddess Brigid has been replaced by the Saint Brigid, and the meaning of Imbolc has been bastardised. Instead of celebrating the changing of seasons, the christian holiday celebrates conversion and dedication to god. As with the other sabbats, much has been lost to christian colonisation, but modern pagans, druids, wiccans, etc, have attempted to revive the original celebrations.

How to celebrate:

Bonfire

Bonfires are a way to chase away the dark winter months, and a great way to honour the fire goddess Brigid. Fire also helps cleanse the space you’re in, and throwing in some paper with things you want changed is a great little ritual to do.

Feast

Food is a big part of many sabbats, and Imbolc is one of them due to it coinciding with the lambing season. For that reason, fresh milk and dairy products are included in a feast shared with friends and family. Additionally, seeds, breads and cakes, root veggies, and herbs and spices are also included in the feast. Colcannon, a traditional Irish food made of potatoes, leafy greens, butter, and cream, can also be served, along with Brigids cross bread (bread shaped into a Brigids cross). The table should also be lit with many candles, and a warm and cosy environment is a must for a cold winters night.

Brigid cross and doll

A Brigids cross is created by weaving straw or long stems to create a fire wheel which is used as a protection symbol. A Brigids doll is also weaved from straw, with the purpose of embodying Brigid, where you honour the doll and include her in the festivites. She is then put to bed after the celebration has ended, and greeted in the morning, which is said to bless the household for the coming year.

Alter decoration

As with the rest of the sabbats, a common way to celebrate is to set up an Imbolc alter, or decorate your everyday alter to be more in line with this celebration. Items to include are a Brigid cross, candles, fresh milk, ribbons, snowdrop flowers, swans, snakes, and sheep. Colours representing Imbolc are white, green, blue, and gold, as well as pink, red, and yellow. Herbs that can be included are bay leaves, rosemary, and heather.

Clean

This sabbat is the perfect time to spring clean! Donate more than you throw, sweep with a besom, and open windows and doors to breathe fresh air into the house.

Garden

Imbolc marks the reawakening of the earth, so what better time to plan and plant your garden? Fruits, veggies, flowers, herbs and spices, make sure you do research into what can be put in the ground now, what needs to be sown inside, and what needs to wait.

Divination

As Imbolc marks the reawakening of the earth, it is the perfect time to practice different forms of divination. Read tea leaves, tarot cards, and auras, seek guidance for the year ahead, learn to read weather patterns and flames, whatever kind of divination you’re into (or want to try out), use this time to practice.

I’m sure there are many other ways to celebrate so I would love to hear how you celebrate Imbolc! Have a lovely sabbat y’all

Althea xx