Happy February & Imbolc
Harbingers of spring
Happy February and Imbolc!
February 1st marks the half-way point between the winter solstice and spring equinox and is the last of the winter fire festivals in the wheel of the year. Imbolc is a Gaelic holiday and the term Imbolc means ‘in the belly’ as it was a time when pregnant sheep begin to give birth to baby lambs. As the harbinger of spring, Imbolc is a season of awakening where the days get longer and nature begins to show tiny signs of coming out of its winter sleep. On my walk yesterday, I saw the daffodils blooming (picture above) and as I looked more closely some trees had the beginnings of buds showing on them, too
For me, I find Imbolc the perfect time for reflecting on what lessons my winter hibernation has brought to the surface and taking time to consider what I need to prepare, so I can be ready for the spring. This is also the time when I set any annual intentions as its energy lends itself to fresh starts and new beginnings. If I can help it, I don’t start anything new in January as I just don't find the energy supportive of success for me.
February 1st is also known as Brigid’s day. Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fire and flame, home, hearth, transformation, change, fertility, healing, and poetry was traditionally celebrated on this day across Britain and Ireland. She is often called the patron goddess of Ireland but was important in Wales and Scotland as well. In addition to being a protector for women in childbirth and young children, she was also known as a great teacher and the keeper of a sacred well which contained healing waters. A common theme found in her stories is one of transformation and new beginnings which aligns perfectly with Imbolc and this time of year. When Christianity came to the area, she was transformed into St. Brigit and her celebration called Candlemas. I have been called to learn more about Brigid and bring some of her feminine protection and support as I lean into change and bring about personal transformation in different areas of my life. As a birthday present for myself, I bought this beautiful statue which shows her holding the flame before a well of sacred waters and sitting beside her is a stack of books which just made this perfect for me!
For my personal celebration, I will mark the time of Imbolc with a small ritual as a reminder that half of winter is behind me and to express gratitude for the hope of spring. My day will include some time journaling and a meal featuring cheese and milk (foods associated with Imbolc) as a nod to my Celtic heritage. I will also celebrate Brigid tomorrow by lighting a white candle in her honor while lighting other candles to represent the returning light. Imbolc is still a winter festival, so it still carries the winter themes of rest, reflection and deep self-care, so I will end the day by taking a soak in a soothing milk bath (recipe below). How will you mark this halfway point to spring and celebrate new beginnings?
Imbolc Journal Prompts
What wisdom from winter have you gathered so far?
Where is it time to prepare the ground for planting seeds in the spring?
🥛 Soothing Imbolc Milk Bath 🛀
2 cups whole milk
2 oz lavender or six drops lavender oil
2 oz rose petals
2 oz dried basil leaves
1 oz lemongrass
Mix together the herbs and place in a muslim bag or cheesecloth. Run the bath water, pouring the milk into it and dropping the bag of herbs into the water while the tub fills.
Relax and enjoy!