As I mentioned in the previous post, Imbolc a.k.a the pagan St. Brigid Day is the celebration of the coming of spring, marked by the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. Here I am giving some ideas for activities to celebrate Imbolc.
Spring clean your home
Old things hold on to old energy and clutter makes up for a cluttered mind. Imbolc marks the beginning of a new cycle. You don't want to begin something new with the old stagnant energy, so it is a good idea to do a spring cleaning. Get rid of everything cluttered up and clean thoroughly the surfaces in your home. You may even sage your home and open all the windows so fresh air comes in. If you find it hard to get motivation to clean, think of it as a way of preparing for the celebration of Imbolc.
Visit a stream, river or well
Traditionally, on Imbolc people used to visit holy spaces which held water, such as wells, streams and rivers. This held the belief that by visiting, bathing or just washing your face or hands you are purifying yourself. Thus, it is a good idea to visit a place like that and if its possible to splash yourself with some water from it. It is also believed that dipping and hanging a ribbon on a nearby tree is going to carry hope and healing. Remember to be respectful of the area and thank the spirits or clean up the loitering rubbish around. If you can't visit one you can make a purifying bath at home.
Plant seeds
This is an ideal time to plant some seeds and charge them with your intentions they can also be planted to represent your hopes, dreams and aspirations. It is also a great time to thank or bless your garden/plants and just spend time with them. You can also go out and if you see some early spring flowers you can bring them home to your altar. (make sure to harvest them with respect)
Get in the kitchen
Imbolc is a good time for baking and cooking anything with seeds or diary products. Traditional Imbolc foods were colcannon, sowans, dumplings, barmbrack or bannocks, but you can also make cakes, pancakes etc. You can tie whatever you decide to make with silver, white, or green ribbon. What else you can do is put sigils runes or any symbol on the bottom of the utensils or carve it into the cakes. Last, but not least you can put some of the food you made on your altar as an offering. Beverages associated with Imbolc include milk, spiced wine, lavender or chamomile tea.
Candles
As this is a day marking the beginning of the return of the sun and longer days and of Goddess Brigid lighting as much candles as you can is a must. You can use white, green and pink candles, anoint them with oils and herbs corresponding with the symbolism of Imbolc, carve symbols in them and wish upon them.
Brigid
Make a Brigid Cross. Brigid Crosses are traditionally made from reeds but there are alternatives. You can go for a walk, see what pliable enough wood or other material you can find, you can also use straws or long strips of paper. Decorate the completed cross with ribbons and other corresponding things that you find appropriate.
Make a Brigid straw doll (Brideog)
This was traditionally done by the men in the home and the Brideogs were hung over the doors in the home. Brideogs are made with straw or rushes forming the shape of a doll and wrapped with white fabric as a dress and decorated with flowers and whatever you find appealing.
the Altar
Depending on how much space you have you can either decorate your whole altar for Imbolc or make an alternative - travel or an altar in a cup. Key thing is to use a lot of candles, the colors would be white, light green, silver, pink. Use corresponding herbs such as lavender, chamomile, bay leaves, seeds, berries. Put the doll or cross too if you have made one. You can also put crystals, pictures and flowers. Have fun with it!
Correspondences:
Crystals: Amethyst, Malachite, Garnet, Ruby, Turquoise, Moonstone, Carnelian
Colors: Green, White, Pink, Yellow, Brown
Herbs: Angelica, Basil, Bay leaf, Chamomile, Lavender, Frankincense, Rosemary
Food: Bread, Cake, Cheese, Honey, Milk, Wine
Animals: Lamb, Bear, Deer, Groundhog
Gods: Eros, Pan, Osiris, Herne, Cernunnos
Goddess: Brigid, Demeter, Gaia, Venus, Persephone
Remember you don't have to do absolutely everything listed here. Do whatever feels right, get crafty, get in the Imbolc mood, and make sure you have fun with it!
Blessed Imbolc!
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