IMBOLC
If we are going by the Gregorian calendar, Imbolc meaning in the belly is the first Sabbat of the year, which is typically celebrated on 1st February (although celebrations can start on 31st January to 2 February). It marks the midpoint of winter, when the earth slowly starts to wake from its slumber. In the dark soil of the earth, the seeds are beginning to sprout, flowers are coming, things are slowly moving - the wheel is turning.
In Ireland, the pagan Goddess associated with Imbolc is Brigid who was Christianised as Saint Bridget of Kildare. Brigid is the triple fire Goddess in her maiden aspect representing spring, transforming from the crone or hag aspect that represents winter. Translated from Irish, Brighid means fiery arrow and legend has it that she carried a white wand, which she would use to melt the snow and ice in order to wake the earth, marking the arrival of spring. She is the goddess of poetry, smithcraft and healing. Many wells through the British Isles are associated with the healing aspect of Brigid usually situated by a Hawthorn tree decorated with clooties, small torn pieces of fabric which represent an individual's sickness.
Imbolc also marked when the first milk from a ewe was available, representing renewed fertility. Before Christianity, villagers would create a bed of straw and decorate it with ribbons, which would be placed close to the fire and a young woman from the village, a virgin, would be chosen to represent the goddess Brigid.
Brigid is a protector Goddess too. In Ireland, people would weave Brigid’s crosses from rushes or straw on the eve of Imbolc, 31st January, pass through a flame and leave outdoors to receive Brigid’s blessing overnight. They would be hung above the front door as an amulet to protect the house and bring blessings for the year to come. I still continue this ritual today, as do many people in Ireland. Candles would also be placed in the windows of the house to welcome back the Goddess and bring blessings.
For Imbolc this year, I baked a honey tart. I also lit a white pillar candle, which I had inscribed with my goals for the coming year and placed it in our living room window for Brigid. I couldn’t find any snowdrops in Berlin for my altar so I think I’ll try and plant some in our window box at the end of the year for next year.
Colours, Crystals and Symbols Associated with Imbolc
Symbols: honey, milk, ice, snowdrops, seeds, lamb, womb - belly of the earth, wells, cauldrons, bees.
Colours: white, cream, pink, green.
Crystals: Garnet, bloodstones, amethysts, rose quartz, moonstone, snowflake obsidian.
Bibliography
Matthews, Caitlin (1997) The Elements of the Goddess
Eason, Cassandra (2001) A Practical Guide to Witchcraft and Magick Spells
