Imbolc (pronounced Em-bowel-k) means In the Belly, and is a not-so-subtle reference to fertility and new beginnings for the harvest season. Also known as Oimelc (Oy-melk), Imbolc is generally celebrated on February 1, though some people opt to celebrate it closer to February 5th, when the sun reaches the exact astronomical midpoint of 15 degrees Aquarius or on the second full moon after the Winter Solstice.
It is the beginning of beginnings.
Our spirits and energy are lifted each day as we move further from the darkness of winter into the lengthening hours of daylight. We are not called to rush there yet, but we can feel the promise of longer days ahead.
At Imbolc we are gathering the potential of a new season awakening, lighting the flame of potential in the darkness.
Inside POTENTIAL exists all which is potent. From the Latin word potentia, meaning POWER, consider the possibilities of the year shifting to spring.
Maybe you’ve had things coming up for you –old habits, patterns, stories you tell yourself–that you’ve outgrown.Are you ready to truly shed and release? We are at a moment to do a final clearing out to remove the last remains of all those things we really want to leave behind. Clear. Cleanse.
This is the time to recognize, and really understand, that there’s nothing you need to do to finally release those things you want to change in your life.
There’s nothing more you need to do. Just release and make space.
This is not a time DOING your resolutions, goals, and personal growth. Right now your work is to release control, release your striving, release the incessant need to DO something active in your growth. JUST BE.
Imbolc is most closely associated with the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who was celebrated as the goddess of learning, healing, the smitharts/craftsman and fertility. Brigid was credited with bringing civilization to the Celtic people similar to the Roman myth of Vesta.
Rituals and celebrations center on the hearth and home. Protecting the fire during the cold days of winter was a necessity. For Imbolc. candles are lit to raise the energy of fire and seeds are sorted to plan the year’s garden. Think of the phrase: Keep the Fires Burning!
HISTORY
An IMBOLC Poem
I am the dream of awakening. I am the returning of the light. I am the tough green shoot pushing up through the pavestones, I am the first kiss of sunlight on the unfurling petals of the snowdrop. I am the wind, which whispers the gentle pull of home to the migratory bird. I am the drop of ice melting on the mountainside with its great dream of the ocean. (snip) Give me the healer, the writer, the craftsperson and the storyteller, and I will replenish their essence and make them new again. I am Brigid, Bast, Inanna and Hestia. I am the fierce protectress of the sacred fire. – Caroline Mellor
Coming out of winter make need some clearing and cleansing. Imbolc is the ideal time to enact some freshening and purification of your space, mind, and body.
Richard Rudd shares: “February 2, the Celtic festival known as Imbolc, is one of eight great crossing-over points between the movement of the heavenly spheres and the world of humankind. As we shall see, it is really the most natural time to celebrate the true New Year. The ancient Celts referred to this period leading up to Imbolc as the time of the ‘Ice Moon’ and saw it as the most powerful time for sowing the seeds of future dreams.” READ FULL ESSAY.
Lillian Blackstar writes in her post The Fool’s Journey Begins; Aquarius and Imbolc -“At this time of year, we collectively experience a feeling of starting over again – starting fresh.” She goes on to share that:”This is where we first meet The Fool – Major Arcana 0. Full of childlike exuberance, innocence, and even a bit naive – our fool has decided to try something new.”
If you are familiar with Tarot consider as you celebrate this Imbolc the lessons of The Fool, The Star, and The World cards to help you begin to plan for your own journey ahead. If not, maybe this turn of the wheel is an opportunity to begin a new exploration of the signs of symbols around you.
Allow the seeds of opportunity and potential to bubble to the surface.
The Power of Story 