Imbolc

That's a funny word!  What does it mean?

Imbolc is the third Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year, falling roughly in the middle between Yule (Winter Solstice) and Ostara (Spring Equinox).  Also known as Candlemas or Brigit's Day, Imbolc is a reminder that the Dark Season of Winter is beginning to give way to Spring.  The Goddess, Brigit presides over this day.  She is a Goddess of fertility as well as healing, poetry and smithcraft.  Through her, we are blessed with the promise of renewed life as the sun grows stronger and the cold recedes.

In the Tarot, Brigit's qualities can be found throughout both the major and minor arcana.  Perhaps she is best represented by The Empress, in whom we see so many symbols of creativity, fertility and the power of nature.  The Empress is proudly feminine, embracing all aspects of womanhood without shame or fear.  She accepts her personal power and uses it to nurture and protect.

Today, we are invited to work joyously with the power of Nature to bring forth new ideas. Plant the seeds of future prosperity.  Whether that is starting a new project or planning and preparing your garden for the coming growing season, look at this time as the beginning of a new cycle.

Imbolc is also a time to let go.  Cleaning out the old and making room for the new is featured today.  What no longer serves you?  Get rid of it!  Be it old grudges or clothes that no longer fit, it's time to empty the closets.

A great way to celebrate Imbolc is to divest yourself of something that is cluttering your life - spiritually, emotionally, mentally or physically.  Do it ritually!  Do it with purpose!  Find one thing - just one! - today that you can let go of.  If it can be recycled or re-purposed, of course, recycle or re-purpose it.  If it's something intangible, like a regret, a grudge or guilt, find a way to let it go.  A simple ritual is to write it down on a piece of paper and then burn the paper.  While it's burning, ask Spirit to transmute the negative energy into something more positive.  Then bury the ashes or scatter them to the wind.  It needn't be elaborate.

Smudging yourself and your home is another way that you can celebrate Imbolc.  Or get out your broom or besom and sweep away negativity.  If it's not too cold outside, open windows and let some fresh air in.

If your thoughts are turning to Spring Cleaning, then let them turn fully!   Lighten and brighten your life any way you can today.

Blessed be!

Ps  If you are wondering how to pronounce Imbolc, there are several variations, none of which I have ever been able to clarify definitively.  I pronounce it: EE-mulk.    I have also heard it pronounced Im-bolg, IM-bullug or IM-bulk - both with a EE sound or a short i as in interesting.  It might be easier to just call it Brigit's Day!