Imbolc

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Pale Winter sun lingers, lengthening each day,​

On twig and branch new buds begin to swell,

Songbirds give voice, each striving to excel,

Seed senses change in its deep bed of cold clay,

Earth Goddess weaves her magic to propel.

Reborn cycle of her womb along its way.

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Life returns in every tree's slow thought.

In pond and stream the dance begins again,

Spring flowers show, their purpose to proclaim.

A new season comes, winters reign is short,

And darkness no longer exercises any claim;

Green growth dispels grey moods it brought. 

                                         by ​Ian Thorpe

 

Imbolc is the first Sabbat of the Gregorian calendar and it marks the midpoint between Yule and Ostara, celebrated on 1st Feb; however as with all the Sabbats, it is a season not a day. It is the time when the ground wakes up and the Earth sends shoots up and there are new shoots on the trees and shrubs. It also signifies fertility, new beginnings, purification and the returning  of the sunlight.

In Irish folklore we are celebrating Goddess Brigid as she breathes life into the dead of Winter as she returns from the underworld.  

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Ways to celebrate

• Declutter and spring clean your home

• Open windows and doors to freshen up your space

• Light candles or fires to signify the returning sun

• Create an Imbolc altar with green, white, blue and gold

• Bake bread and cake with milk and eggs to signify fertility

• Meditate with candles

• Make a Brigid's cross or corn dolly

• Get creative by journaling, crocheting, knitting, painting , writing a poem or story. 

• Give offerings to the local wildlife; feeding the birds.

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 ***Have a blessed Imbolc ***​

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