Today, we step gently into a sacred moment in the Celtic Wheel of the Year: Imbolc. This is a wonderful festival of light and renewal, traditionally celebrated at the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It falls around 1 February, and for many spiritual traditions marks the first real breath of spring after the long winter. But what is Imbolc, and why is it important?
Welcoming the First Light of Spring
Imbolc comes from Old Irish roots meaning something like “in the belly” – a reference to the first stirrings of life beneath the earth and in the womb of the land itself. For early farmers, this was the time when ewes began to lactate, a sign that new life was about to emerge and that the earth was slowly coming back to life.
Spiritually, it is a time of anticipation and awakening. After months of winter rest and introspection, the natural world begins to stir, even if it is deep underground. We get glimpses of new life, the whisper of new beginnings – the days are lengthening, and we might spot the first snowdrops or notice birdsong lingering a little longer.
At this time of year, I love to look out for the first spring flowers, things like hellebores, crocuses and of course, daffodils. I have seen some about to bloom in my area of the world already, and it really does lift my heart and put a smile on my face.
Have you noticed the early glow of spring in your own area? And we are only talking about the Northern hemisphere here for the moment.
Brigid: The Light-Bearer
At the heart of Imbolc is Brigid — a powerful figure in Celtic lore. In Pagan traditions, she is honoured as a goddess of healing, inspiration, hearth and home. In Christian traditions, she became St Brigid of Kildare, with many of the same qualities and symbols being translated to this persona.
Today, Brigid’s energy invites us to reflect on the dreams we had at the start of winter and which begin moving with intention towards growth, creativity and compassion as we move towards spring.
What did you dream of doing as the days drew darker that are now coming to the surface?
Symbols and Their Meanings
Folklore and history are strewn with symbols which our ancestors understood on a deep spiritual as well as cultural level. Here are some of the rich symbols people associate with Imbolc and what they remind us of:
Candles and Light
Lit in homes and altars, candles reflect the return of the sun’s power and the gentle increase of light after the darkness of winter. They are symbols of hope, clarity and spiritual illumination.
Brigid’s Cross
Often woven from rushes or straw, this cross is hung in doorways and hearths to invite protection, blessing and wellbeing into the home.
Snowdrops and Early Flowers
These delicate blooms are the ambassadors of spring itself – rising through frost and cold to signal that the earth is waking.
White, Gold and Green
White is the purity of snow and nascent light, gold the warming promise of the sun returning, and green the stirrings of life returning to the earth.
Milk and Lambing
Animals coming into new life remind us of nourishment and the cycle of care that sustains life, both physical and metaphysical.
How Imbolc Speaks to Us Today
Although Imbolc’s roots are ancient, its message is timeless, and it is a time of the year that I personally love and feel excited by. I love seeing the emerging buds and colour returning to the Earth.
At this threshold moment, why not take a moment to pause and honour:
- The return of light after darkness
- The first whispers of inspiration or creative intention
- The nurturing of inner dreams, just as the Earth nurtures seeds
- The promise of growth, both in nature and within ourselves
It is a gentle invitation to set new plans into motion, sweep away stagnation, and set clear intentions for the future.
If you haven’t already, why not stop the mind chatter and instead, tend to the spark of life stirring in your heart? Go within and listen to the calling of your Higher Self. Your heart knows what you want to do, so listen to it and follow its lead.
The light is returning to the Earth – by acknowledging this, we can connect with the natural world’s rhythms and our own cycles of renewal.
A simple ritual
Here’s a simple ritual to honour the day: light a white candle at dawn or dusk, breathe deeply into your intentions for the coming season, and sit with gratitude for the light returning in your life.
May this Imbolc bring you courage to step forward into growth, warmth to brighten your spirit, and peace to ground you in the present moment.
With love and light.
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