Imbolc is a holiday that has its roots in pagan and Celtic history. Also known as St. Brigid's day, Imbolc has also been canonized in Christianity. St. Brigid is Ireland's patroness saint.
Often celebrated on Feb 1/Feb 2, this holiday takes place midway between yule (the winter solstice) and ostara (the spring equinox) and symbolizes the beginning of spring and ultimately, a reawakening of life. Imbolc (or imbolg) has celtic origins meaning "in the belly" as many ewes begin giving birth or are heavily pregnant during this time.
As such, the holiday and St. Brigid is associated with domesticated animals such as lambs, fire, and milk. In her pagan, pre-Christian origins, the goddess Brigid is associated with fire and candles. Much of her lore was transferred to the Christianized version as St. Brigid.
To celebrate Imbolc, many pagans focus their celebrations on Brigid. The most popular symbol is Brigid's Cross, often woven from straw or grass. As pagan calendars begin with spring, hanging a Brigid's Cross above the entryway of homes was said to welcome Brigid's protection and blessing for the remainder of the year.
I visited Ireland on Feb 1, 2024 and was present for the Brigid celebrations. Even if you were unaware of Imbolc, Brigid's presence is very much known. I can recall walking down the streets of Dublin and seeing a light projection of Brigid on Dublin's First National Bank. And to see dozens of potential events and gatherings throughout the weekend in honor of this holiday.
St. Brigid's Day is Ireland's newest bank holiday. In fact, for 2025, they're hosting the third annual Imbolc Fair and fourth annual Brigit: Dublin city Celebrating Women festival. You can hear more about my experience in Ireland during this time in my podcast episode on Ireland, featuring Keely Farrell, who was a postgraduate candidate for a Master's in Public History and Cultural Heritage at Trinity College at the time. (She has now since matriculated)
Something else to keep in mind is that Imbolc often follows a New Moon in Aquarius. The darkness of the new moon and a new moon's own symbolization of a new cycle aligns with the idea of planting seeds for something new to grow. Common themes for a New Moon in Aquarius that may be prudent while celebrating Imbolc:
- Manifesting and setting intentions
- Breaking old habits/challenging your current ways of thinking
- Planting seeds for long-term future goals
- Prioritizing authenticity over conformity
How to Celebrate Imbolc
Imbolc celebrations are a meant to help prepare for spring so many rituals involve cleansing, both literal and spiritual. Hence the term "spring cleaning". Here are some ways you can partake:
- Imbue your regular spring cleaning with banishing any negative energy from the previous year. Use blessed or charged water, project your negative energy into whatever you're cleaning and sweep or wash it away
- Enjoy hearty winter meals that use seasonal vegetables, grains, and meets. Lamb or mutton is common for Imbolc
-
As Brigid is the goddess of fire, candlework is particularly impactful on this holiday. It symbolizes the increasing sunlight and warmth as spring fully approaches. Light candles or hold a specific candlelight dinner on Imbolc. You can also use candles or fireplaces to burn any releases you want to leave behind in the new year. Check out Busy Gallivanting candles if you're in need of some new candles.
- Weave Brigid's Crosses to hang in your home. While visiting the Cliffs of Moher, there was a separate table set up in the gift shop where visitors were invited to learn how to weave their Brigid Cross to take home
- Spend time outdoors as nature awakens. Enjoy a mindful walk and observe any sprouting plants, animals reawakening from hibernation, or birds returning from their winter migration
- Set up an altar to Imbolc/Brigid using candles, seasonally specific plants, bowls of milk and water, snowdrops (or other early spring flowers), and crystals such as carnelian
Imbolc is a hopeful holiday of growing light and fresh starts, with the reminder that no matter how dark it may get, light and new life will return. Whether you are new to celebrating to Imbolc or a veteran of the holiday, I wish you a happy Imbolc and hope your new intentions manifest this year.
