by Marissa Myers

As hard as it is to believe, springtime is almost here. Even if it feels far away, the festival of Imbolc is just what we need to welcome in spring’s vibrant energy. 

What Is the History of Imbolc? 
In between the middle of the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox lies the Celtic festival of Imbolc. Dating back to pre-Christian times, Imbolc celebrations revolved around the Goddess Brigid. Ancient Celtic mythology explains that she was born with a flame in her head and immediately drank the milk of a mystical cow upon birth, which is where her common symbols of a flame and dairy originated from. She also represents fertility, and many women would travel to her sacred wells (the most popular one in Kildare, Ireland) to drink their water in hopes of conceiving shortly after. During Imbolc celebrations, those celebrating would light bonfires and make dairy-rich meals in honor of Brigid. 

Now, Imbolc coincides with Saint Brigid’s feast day. Historians have shown that when Christianity was spreading throughout Ireland, the church was having a difficult time convincing pagans to let go of their gods and goddesses. Thus, Brigid was “reborn” into Saint Brigid, and her representations (i.e., fertility, the flame, and dairy farmers) were kept the same. 

How Can I Celebrate Imbolc?
Depending on your own spiritual practice, there are a variety of ways to celebrate Imbolc. Below are a few ideas to help get you started: 

Set Up Your Imbolc Altar.
Like many Sabbats, an altar plays a large role in your Imbolc celebration. Since the holiday is centered around Brigid, incorporate her colors (red and white) onto your altar. This can be done in the forms of flowers, fabrics, or crystals. It’s also recommended to incorporate candles around the altar, symbolizing Brigid’s flame and bringing light into the winter darkness. 

Make Brigid’s Cross.
One representation of Brigid is the goddess’s cross. By creating this cross, you’re welcoming her into your home for the upcoming spring season. It’s also said to protect your home from future fires or destruction. A tutorial on how to create your own cross can be found here. 

Cook an Imbolc-Inspired Dinner.
Since Brigid is the guardian of the hearth and home, it’s best to celebrate with foods that honor just that—including loaves of bread, grains, and dairy products. Check out these Imbolc-inspired recipes for feast ideas. 

What Herbs Can I Use to Celebrate Imbolc?
There are a number of herbs used to celebrate Imbolc. Take a look at a few common ones listed below. 

Bay Leaves.
Bay leaves have long been associated with the fire element. In traditional Imbolc rituals, they have been used as an offering to the sun. By carrying around bay leaves, it can bring you prosperity for the upcoming season. Consider writing down your future goals and intentions, and placing your bay leaves in a spell jar. This way, they’ll serve as a reminder for your future intentions. 

Rosemary.
Similar to bay leaves, rosemary is a herb that has a connection to fire. For spellwork, rosemary is an excellent herb to use for cleansing or purification purposes. A common cleansing ritual includes adding rosemary to your bath. You can also incorporate rosemary into your Imbolc feast by adding it into recipes. 

Heather.
This beautiful feminine herb evokes both fertility and the divine feminine within. This is a wonderful herb to use for fertility spells or outer cleansing—similar to rosemary. However, heather can be difficult to find. For convenience purposes, use heather tea bag leaves in your Imbolc ritual. 

Final Thoughts on Imbolc
During the holiday of Imbolc, be sure to tend to your own inner flame. To do so, practice the rituals listed above and celebrate spring’s upcoming light. Regardless of how you practice, make sure to honor yourself and the season.

by Marissa Ranahan

As the Wheel of the Year continues to turn, the earth-based celebration of Imbolc is almost upon us!

Deriving from Celtic origins, this pagan holiday falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, illuminating a rebirth and cleansing period. Historically, Imbolic celebrates the Celtic goddess Brigid. In Pagan literature, she represents the safety of the home and hearth. Common rituals honoring Brigid include making bread, candle lighting, and cleansing rituals. Interestingly enough, the term “spring cleaning” is said to have derived from her influence.

Herbs also help with celebrating the sacredness of Imbolc. Typically, the ones used in rituals represent purification, rejuvenation, feminine energy, and cleaning.

If you’re looking to incorporate herbs into your celebration this year, take a look at some of the best ones to use outlined below. As you work with them, you’ll be more in tune -- and enchanted -- during Imbolc. 

Angelica: 

Angelica is a gentle herb used for divine guidance and intuitive support. This comes as no surprise, considering its botanical name, Angelica archangelica, is associated with the angelic realm. This herb is also a symbol of romance and feminine energy, which is vital for enhancing the intimacy of your current relationship. 

To use angelica in a ritual, sprinkle it around the dining room table to evoke positivity during meal time. If you want to use it in a solo ritual, it’s recommended to use angelica in a bath for cleansing purposes. 

What’s more, if attracting good fortune is on your mind, place the herbs’ leaves in a small bag with your favorite healing crystals. This will serve as an added blessing throughout the holiday.

Basil: 

Basil is an aromatic herb incorporated into a variety of earth-based recipes. Basil represents new life, making it the perfect herb to use on Imbolc. By incorporating basil into different dishes, its properties work to soothe tension with every bite! 

For an easy fix, add crushed basil leaves into your homemade bread, salads, or sauces.  Its delicious taste will uplift everyone in the kitchen. 

Chamomile: 

The brightness of chamomile reminds us to connect with the sun’s energy. More specifically, it holds purification power for the upcoming spring season. Similar to angelica, chamomile is a representation of feminine energy. The tenderness of this herb cultivates relaxation for women looking to deepen their meditative practice during the spring months. 

During Imbolc, use chamomile in herbal teas after meals for a calm evening. It’s also advised to lay chamomile on the table for comforting energy. 

Heather: 

This lively purple flower is viewed as a symbol of everlasting beauty. In Ireland and Scotland, it’s used metaphorically to “carve” the path of a new journey. Heather is a great herb for those looking for a fresh start or entering a new transitional period of life. 

One of the best ways to use this magical herb is to burn it alongside fern. By doing this, the combined power welcomes the new season with ease and grace. Heather is also a lucky herb, and can be used alongside chamomile to attract good fortune. 

Consider using heather’s leaves as a part of your Imbolc centerpiece. Even better, use its branches to “sweep” the old energy out of your home and welcome a fresh start. 

Iris: 

Iris serves as a symbol of duality between winter and spring. Alongside its radiant color, iris is symbolic of new beginnings. It’s the perfect flower to use for guidance towards a career change, romantic relationship, or new adventure. 

To welcome the energy of iris, press its leaves into the areas of your home you wish to cleanse. This will bring vibrant energy into your designated rooms. Fortunately,  the petals of iris also represent wisdom and faith; another good touch for your indoor space! 

Conclusion

Imbolc is a wonderful time to appreciate the emergence of new life. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate it. Take time to experiment with different herbs, and see which ones fit in with your ritual. Don’t forget to journal your thoughts, feelings, and emotions throughout the day!

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Marissa has been drawn to the world of aromatics and plants since she was a child. Certified in aromatherapy, Reiki, and meditation, she actively changes lives using these healing practices. Additionally, she is a holistic life coach, and works towards helping others heal while simultaneously getting in touch with their spiritual side. As Herbstalk's Market Manager & Community Engagement Assistant, Marissa draws upon years of experience to oversee vendor relations, event management, and social media outreach. As a longtime attendee and member of the Herbstalk community, she is beyond thrilled to be a part of the team! ​