Imbolc
February 2, 2014

Imbolc is one of the four Celtic Fire Festivals, once known as Candlemas or Brigid’s Day. It celebrates the waning of winter and the promise of spring and rebirth. Imbolc is a celebration of light and fertility, the shift of the Triple Goddess from Crone to Maiden.

Imbolc gives hope that the scarcity, solitude, and darkness of winter are ending, and a new agricultural year is about to begin. Plants emerge from the snow. Livestock lactate (Imbolc means “in milk,”) in preparation to giving birth in the spring. Imbolc marks the halfway point of winter.

The goddess honored at Imbolc is known by many names: Brigid, Brighid, Bride, Bridey, Brigantia, and Brigit. One of the most common pronunciations is BREED. A Triple Goddess, Brigid is a goddess of fire, healing, poetry, and smith craft. She inspires internal magic — the creative spark and inner healing. Her influence also governs the tangible alchemy of the forge — the harnessing of primal fire through skill and strength to transform metal into tools, weapons, and more. As Brigantia, she is the personification of her namesake, Britain.

To learn more about Brigid’s enduring history, including Her appropriation as a Catholic saint, I recommend, “Brigid: Survival Of A Goddess” by the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids.

Brigid’s Animal Totems

A white cow is one of Brigid’s sacred symbols. It represents motherhood and life-sustaining milk. Representations of Brigid and the cow can be seen throughout Britain, including the carving (above) at Glastonbury Tor. She is also associated with the ewe, rooster (who heralds the light of a new day), and the adder (who transforms itself by shedding its skin). In her warlike aspect as Brigantia, She is represented by the boar, a Celtic symbol of aggression and war.

Traditional Crafts

Imbolc traditions include the weaving of a Brigid’s cross, a symbol of the sun used to protect the harvest and livestock.
http://youtu.be/1eDUXepmNLY

Another Imbolc craft is the creation of a doll, usually a corn dolly dressed in white, to represent the Maiden aspect of the goddess. Traditionally, the doll was carried by a procession of white clad maidens. For easy step-by-step instructions please click here.

Imbolc Foods

Dairy products.
Corn cakes

Imbolc Incense

Rosemary (Sun, fire, protection, purification, healing, love, lust, youth)
Frankincense (Sun, fire, protection, spirituality)
Myrrh (Moon, water, protection, exorcism, healing)
Cinnamon (Sun, fire, healing, success, lust, love)

Mistress of the Mantle

Brigid is also known as the Mistress of the Mantle. Healing wells dedicated to Her abound in Britain. It is said that one drop from her mantle created a healing lake. Stories vary as to the color of Brigid’s mantle, perhaps because the goddess has endured for so many centuries and has so many different aspects. Some say the mantle was Tyrian blue, evoking both royalty and healing water. Others say it was green, suggesting her alignment with the Fae, and the promise of spring. Her association with fire may explain the crimson fragment in Bruges said to be from her cloak. When the King of Leinster told Saint Brigid she could have as much land for abbey as her cloak would cover, the white garment magically expanded to cover the amount of land she desired.

Are you in need of healing or inspiration? Do you need help with something you wish to create? Meditate on Brigid. Imagine yourself kneeling beside a lake or natural well. Look into the healing waters. At first, you might see your own reflection. But as you stare into the water, your face disappears and you see instead Brigid. Take note of whether she appears to you as a saint or goddess. What color is her mantle or kirtle? Ask for her help with healing, inspiration, or creation. Continue to peer into the water until Brigid delivers a message to you or blesses you with a gift to aid you in your quest. Once you have received Brigid’s gift, thank Her and light a candle in Her honor. Be sure to write down whatever you learned or received during the meditation.