Imbolc Activities~

Imbolc - February 2nd
'Imbolc is the one of the four greater sabbats, which are the sabbat dates from the Celtic calendar which do not change over the years. (The other three are Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain.) The hard work of beginning another year occurs at Imbolc. Possibilities are endless and eternal at this time. The whole year stretches before you and you have the power to mold it into whatever you desire. Imbolc is a good time to perform spells concerned with the gaining of inspiration, releasing the old to bring in the new, creating and/or increasing the warmth and love within a household/relationship/family, creating prosperity, and welcoming personal growth.'
- Adapted from 'Llewellyn's Sabbats Almanac: Samhain 2009 to Mabon 2010'

Imbolc is a good time to focus on yourself and center your own personal powers. It's a popular time for divination, wish casting, consecrating/purifying, healing magick, goal setting, and initiation or renewing rites.

Whether you're a Witch or not, you can still celebrate Imbolc. Why not try out some of the activities below?

♥ Check out your candle supply and make note of what you're running low on. Black candles for protection rites? White tealights? Then, make or buy your own candles and bless them for use in the coming year.

♥ Hang or refill birdfeeders! [p.s There are tons of great DIY tutorials on the web for birdfeeders you can make with children!]

♥ Do a little 'spring' cleaning! Weather permitting, open the windows to let some fresh air in. Smudge the house and/or ring bells to break up the stagnant energy and cleanse the space. Wash the windows and mirrors. Give everything a good dusting!

♥ Cleanse the area where you perform divination, or cleanse your runes/cards/pendulum. Everyone has their own way, so choose whichever method you like.

♥ Burn the Yule greens to send winter on its way!

♥ Plant some early spring flowers such as snowdrops, daffodils, or irises. (You can do this indoors, too!) Or bless the seeds you've chosen for your spring garden.

♥ Brew a pot of herbal tea and enjoy it as you reflect on the personal goals you've accomplished in the past year and what you'd like to accomplish this year. You can journal your intentions, too!

♥ Try out some wish casting!

♥ Bake some goodies to enjoy on Imbolc, and remember to share them with your friends and family! Traditional foods for this Sabbat include bread and dairy. Why not whip up your own butter and soda bread to serve?

♥ Light a gathering of candles on Imbolc to inspire the sun and Spring to return. [Be safe! Use fire-safe holders and never leave burning candles unattended!]

♥ Brigid is the Celtic triple goddess of fire, healing, and poetry, and is often celebrated on Imbolc. Write a poem in her honour.

♥ Clean out your fireplace!

♥ Make some Imbolc crafts like a Brigid's Cross or a dream pillow.

For further reading, I recommend 'Seasons of Witchery' by Ellen Dugan and any of the Llewellyn's Sabbats Almnacs.

Brightest of blessings for Imbolc and the coming year!

Faula.