Wheel of the Year
Imbolc (Saint Brigid’s Day)
Imbolc (Saint Brigid’s Day) is celebrated from the evening of 1st February to the evening of the 2nd February.
It marks the midway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox and is a sign that spring is finally on its way. Imbolc is symbolised by the snowdrop.
Snowdrops
Imbolc was initially a pre-Christian festival and it was celebrated as a time of new beginnings and hope, after the long, cold, dark winters.
The Celts honoured the goddess Brigid. She was the goddess of fertility, healing, poetry, smithcraft, and prophecy. She had two sisters, also called Brigid! References to the goddess Brigid appear in the 10th Century Irish saga Cath Maige Tuired, and also in the Lebor Gabála Érenn (a history of Ireland).
A doll and Brigid cross were traditionally made during this time.
Over the years, the Catholic church adopted the tradition of Imbolc but changed the name to Saint Brigid, after was a real person.
St Brigid’s Blessing
The real Saint Brigid was the daughter of a slave and a chieftain. She had no interest in marrying and instead became a nun. She set up a shrine to her namesake the goddess Brigid in Kildare, Ireland, and was widely known for her healing abilities and her kindness and generosity to the poor.
Saint Brigid is classed as one of the three patron saints of Ireland along with Saint Patrick and Saint Columba.
How can we honour the coming of Spring:
- Walk in nature and look out for the snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils that are poking their heads out of the ground after sleeping through winter.
- Spring clean your house – get rid of items that you haven’t used in the last year. These items are only cluttering up your house and your energy.
- If you are lucky enough to live in the country, you will notice that the first sheep will start lambing at this time. Lambs represent fertility and new life. If you can tolerate lactose, enjoy a lovely cheese.
- If you can, visit a stream, well, or some form of water as Imbolc was traditionally viewed as a time of purification.
Wishing you much light and hope as we welcome new beginnings.
Lee-Anne x 
