Although I’ve been centred on the theme of New Beginnings this month, the time for renewal is typically marked in Pagan circles by the sabbat of Imbolc. Also known as Brigid’s Day, has Gaelic roots and is traditionally celebrated on the 1^st of February.

I view myself as a “SASS” witch – sceptical, agnostic/atheist, and/or science-seeking. I resonate with seasonal themes, I love the psychology of creating rituals and manifestation, and I adore symbolism. I don’t follow designated structures for the most part, but do find joy in seasonal alignment, which does often fall into line with more organised branches of religious witchcraft practice.

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The History and Origins of Imbolc Traditions

Etymology of Imbolc

It’s believed that the name of the festival itself stems from an Old Irish phrase meaning “in the belly”, and refers to the beginning of lambing season, referring to pregnant ewes. Other interpretations have suggested it refers to root words meaning “cleansing” or “budding”.

No matter the origin of the word, all interpretations seem to point to one thing: this is a time for the gestation of new beginnings.

Brigid

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Imbolc Themes: Renewal, Protection, and Spring Awakening

Inspired by both the season and the associations with Brigid, Imbolc embraces a multitude of themes.

The Circle of Life

Renewal, Purification, and Protection

With the buds of spring appearing, Imbolc brings an opportunity to embrace renewal. The power of the sun is rising, and it’s time to take action in line with this. Projects, ideas, and aspirations have had their time for planning. We’ve embraced the introspective and reflective qualities of winter; it’s time for us to wake up, renewed with the energy to put action into our intentions.

Brigid’s associations with purification and protection align with the promise of brighter days ahead and the return of light. With this light, we’re protected against the difficulties experienced in the darkness. Purification allows us to clear the way to make the changes we’ve been preparing for.

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Modern Ways to Celebrate Imbolc

Imbolc is celebrated through customs like feasts, cleaning, floral decorations, and processions. Modern customs include artistic festivals, storytelling, music, and dance.

I thought it would be useful to share some ways to imbue the spirit of Imbolc into modern witchcraft practices, reflecting on my own ways of celebrating the shift of the season.

Feminist Interpretations

Brigid’s status as an “exalted one” alludes to strong feminine power. This is something that has been reflected in celebrations in Irish embassies around the world.

Although as a Northern Irish woman, my Irish identity is somewhat tenuous, I’ll be taking it as an opportunity to celebrate my strength, my artistry, and my resilience. I think this ties in beautifully with the themes of renewal, and nature bouncing back after a difficult winter. I’ll be taking a moment to appreciate myself and recognise the challenges I’ve faced and overcome in the past months.

I don’t think this is a theme that should be limited to Irish women, either. I think it’s a great opportunity to celebrate these qualities in anyone and everyone.

Celebrate Imbolc by Connecting with Nature

Although this is something I do every season, every season has different qualities I look forward to.

In spring, my focus is on the emergence of new life, the soft colours appearing, and the little symbols of hope and renewal. My walks often take me much longer than they should, as I spend time pausing to notice these little features.

I love the little signs that nature is starting to wake up, and I’m reminded that it’s time for me to spring into action again, too.

Planting Seeds for Growth: A Green Witch Imbolc Ritual

I’ll be spending a lot of time planting up my herb garden – weather permitting. I love connecting with the dirt. I’m endlessly fascinated by how seeds grow, and love watching little shoots developing into fully-fledged plants.

If you want to learn a little more about the symbolism of different kitchen ingredients, I’ve written articles about ingredients for joy and abundance, protection staples, and purification. These should prove useful in planning your own green witch herb garden!

I like to imbue a little bit of magic into my planting, too. I think about the symbolic associations of the herbs (or fruits, vegetables, and flowers!) I plant, and try to imbue the planting of the seed with a related intention. Watching the plants grow always makes a nice physical manifestation of the growth of my aspirations.

Of course, the seeds you plant could be more metaphorical. Though, now is the time to nurture the growth and beginning of the seeds, and really focus your energy on making it grow.

Feel Inspired to Reignite Your Passions

As I metaphorically wake up from the reflective and introspective period of winter, I always find my enthusiasm bounces back in the spring. I find new inspiration, and I’m invigorated with the energy of the earth to pursue my passions again.

For me, spring is a time to take action on finding that fire again. I’ll be spending more time engaging with what makes me happy, and what brings me to life in a spiritual sense. I think this spring, it’s going to look a lot like painting more!

Imbolc as a Spring Clean for the Soul

There are so many ways to engage in cleansing and cleaning; this can be interpreted in both a literal sense and a metaphorical sense.

I’ll be engaging with the time-honoured tradition of spring cleaning to give my home a little bit of a reset. I’ve been trying to declutter a lot recently, or repurpose items I do have around my home.

In a more spiritual sense, I’ll be engaging in some smoke cleansing of my home, aiming to purify the ‘energy’ of my living space to allow me to make room for growth as the season progresses. I’ll be utilising incense-based smoke cleanses, and more intentional simmer pots to bring about space for growth and nurturing.

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Although it is a traditionally religious celebration, I think Imbolc is a lovely invitation to celebrate small moments of hope and change in the world around you.

I’ll be inviting in the new season by putting action into the intentions and aspirations I’ve been developing this month. I’ll also be taking the time to enjoy little moments of growth and hope on my usual walks in nature. I’m also very excited to get my seeds started this year!

If you’re thinking of utilising the energy of Imbolc to embark on new beginnings & are looking for a structured approach to understanding your goals, the ’31 Days of New Beginnings’ workbook might be for you! It’s based on teaching theories, psychology, mindfulness, and spiritual practice. I choose themes for every month to align with the blog & with spiritual practices.

Alternatively, you can support my work by sharing, commenting, or giving small monetary contributions via Ko-Fi!

How will you be celebrating Imbolc – or even just the beginning of spring – this year? I’d love to hear about your rituals, celebrations, and traditions in the comments!