Imbolc is just around the bend. With the arrival of Imbolc, January’s quiet will give way to a quiet buzz within the earth. In some places – like where I live – the snow won’t melt until perhaps March.
So, there likely won’t be any flowers here on Imbolc, which is usually celebrated on either February 1 or 2. In other places, where the weather is warmer a few sprouts may poke their heads through the ground.
Still, no matter where you might live, when Imbolc arrives it nonetheless harkens a return to spring. Even if the ground is frosty the days are slightly longer and continually lengthening. This return of daylight is in itself a sign that the Spring which Imbolc heralds will be on its way.
So to celebrate Imbolc’s arrival I’ve put this post together on 5 simple Imbolc ritual ideas to celebrate the sabbat. Feel free to pick those that resonate most with you, as always spirit and intuition should be your guides when it comes to any aspect of your practice
1. Plan Your Garden
Imbolc heralds the first signs of spring. So there is really no better way to celebrate than by planning for Spring and Ostara. Reflect on which herbs, plants or flowers you want to grow in the coming season. Even if you don’t have a backyard you can still plan which plants you want to grow indoors.
2. Light a Red Candle
Imbolc is a fire festival. It celebrates longer days and the return of daylight as the days begin to lengthen midway between Yule and Ostara. Lighting a red candle on the eve of Imbolc can help welcome this warm energy into your home – even if it’s still freezing outdoors.
3. Honour The Goddess Brighid
Imbolc traditionally honours the Celtic goddess Brighid. She is a patron of both poetry and creativity among other things such as blacksmithing. Come Imbolc let Brighid and creativity inspire your sabbat. No matter what form your inspiration from Brighid to create may take, allow it to guide and nurture your ritual.
4. Search For Signs of Spring
If the weather permits – head outdoors. Look for signs of spring in your area. Can you see any green shoots? How about buds on trees? Do you have longer daylight hours? All these are signs that spring is indeed on its way once again.
5. Work Cinnamon Magick
With its fiery associations, cinnamon is the perfect herb to work with at this time. It’s a fiery spice so lighting a stick of cinnamon incense or using cinnamon for some kitchen witchery is a perfect way to connect with the energy of the sabbat. Don’t have time to bake? Sprinkle a little cinnamon on your coffee or hot cocoa