| Imbolc, a Celtic celebration, (Wheel of the Year), as well as a Christian holiday of St. Brigid, marks the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, arriving around February 1st or 2nd. This time symbolizes our harshest days are over, arising hope spring is soon to come. Our bodies are very much connected to the seasons, and we will feel an awakening within ourselves as we feel and see signs of the earth awakening. GODDESS BRIGID: The Goddess most connected with Imbolc Celtic celebrations is Brigid, the Goddess of Hearth and Home. She also represents the young maiden, mother and crone, symbolizing fertility, motherhood and healing, respectively. She also embodies inspiration and knowledge. Legend says that when Brigid was born at first light, she had a crown of fire glowing from her head. Because Brigid was said to visit homes, he Irish would make her a bed and lay out food and drink to welcome her and invite her blessings. Often there would be big feasts and fires, with foods like lamb (as the lambs are just beginning to be born,) or dairy products like cheeses, custards and truffles (as the cow’s milk is beginning to gorge in readiness for the newborn calf.) I have tried many of the recipes on this site: https://www.learnreligions.com/recipes-for-the-imbolc-sabbat-4125902 ALTAR: One might set up an altar with the symbols of Brigid, a white cloth with a runner of red across it, and green candles, represent the green mantle Brigid wears as well life growing in the ground beneath the earth. Add spring flowers like daffodils, forsythia, crocus and snowdrops. There are crafts you can make to add to the altar as well; . a corn husk doll. a Brigid’s cross, or anything with a Celtic knot. There are plenty of YouTube “how to” videos on how to make these Imbolc items and they are simple to create. Perhaps another blog can really dive deep into this beautiful Goddess Brigid, as well as Christian Saint. She is so fascinating! In the meantime, OTHER ACTIVITIES TO HONOR BRIGID AND CELEBRATE IMBOLC: · Spring cleaning your home · Visiting a stream or a well, as Brigid is associated with healing and healing waters · Buy a book of poetry or write a poem or two of your own, as she is credited with giving the written word to humans and is the patroness of poets. · Make a fairy garden as Brigid is considered the sister of the fae · Healing herb bath, as she is often connected with healing rites. · Have a fire or lots of candles, as she is considered the Goddess of home, hearth and fires. · Read some Irish folklore on this amazing Goddess flames and transformation REFLECTION: As we are still in the season of rest and unbusyness of the world, in our quiet times we might ask: What seeds do we want to plant in this coming season? Or, what would we like to bring into the light of spring? These are great reflections in this quiet calm before the peeking of spring. Imbolc, this Celtic celebration, is just one of many Goddess celebrations we like to celebrate throughout the year. Check out this site to attend a local Boise Imbolc celebration. |
Imbolc, a Celtic Celebration
Marie invites people to play, dance and love more actively in their relationships so they can experience more JOY, PEACE and INTIMACY. Marie is a relationship coach with over 25 years of experience in Boise, Idaho. 