Imbolc: What to Know About the Feast of Waxing Lights
from Episode 52: Imbolc & The Four Elements
Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, Saint Brigid's Day, the Feast of Pan, the Feast of Torches and the Feast of Waxing Lights, is a Celtic festival that observes the first signs of the coming of spring. It is traditionally celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain.
The First Milk
Imbolc is a time when the first signs of spring emerge, evocative of images of snowdrops peeking out though patches of snow, or possibly early daffodils, birds starting to become more present and animals, particularly herd animals, beginning to lactate as their bodies prepare for new offspring in the spring. In fact, the first milk was of major importance for the agricultural peoples who observed and or celebrated this time of year.
The word "imbolc" is believed to have originated from the Old Irish word "Imbolg," which means "in the belly of the Mother." This likely refers to the pregnancy of ewes, as this time of year was associated with the onset of lambing season and the increasing presence of milk. The term "oimelc" also means ewe's milk.
It was a time of great anticipation for the renewal of life in nature, as the seeds of spring are also beginning to stir in the belly of Mother Earth. Imbolc is also known as a time for purification, renewal, and the welcoming of the increasing light and warmth of the sun.
Although most of us can’t particularly relate to agricultural life, we can nonetheless imagine how it might feel to rely so heavily on the food you’ve grown and raised to get through a hard winter and why seeing the first signs of life, and especially the first milk starting to come in, would absolutely be cause for celebration. Furthermore, we think more deeply on the concept of the seeds stirring the belly of our Mother Earth and find a parallel in terms of the seeds we might plant and begin to nurture in our own lives. How, through focused intention, energy and real world effort, we could make these seeds start to blossom into something beautiful come spring. Something strong and ripe for the taking come summer. And something to harvest, enjoy and look upon with pride come harvest season.
The Goddess Brigid
Imbolc's ancient roots can be traced back to Celtic and Gaelic traditions, often associated with the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who has both Pagan and Christian significance. In pre-Christian times, she was often considered a deity of fire, healing, fertility and inspiration. She was also a triple goddess associated with poetry, smithcraft, and healing — representing three different aspects: the poet, the healer, and the smith.
Imbolc was considered a festival dedicated to Brigid, celebrating her role in the awakening of the earth from winter slumber as well as her role as a hearth goddess, having some dominion over the home and domestic activities. Remember, Imbolc is a time when people are still spending most of their days indoors and out of the cold, warming by the hearth — but also thinking about the coming spring or cleaning and preparing the home for it.
One of the key symbols of Imbolc is the sacred fire associated with Brigid. In mythology, it is said that a perpetual flame burned in her honor at Kildare in Ireland. Priestesses tended to this flame, and it was considered a symbol of inspiration, healing, and protection.
One common Imbolc tradition, the lighting of fires, symbolized the increasing power of the sun and its transformative effects on the land. People would engage in various rituals and activities to honor Brigid and seek her blessings for fertility, protection, and inspiration. Over time, some of these traditions have been adapted and incorporated into modern celebrations of Imbolc, particularly in modern Pagan and Wiccan-influenced practices.
The Evolution of Imbolc
Imbolc itself has undergone quite an evolution over time and its observances have undergone changes as cultural, religious, and societal shifts occurred between the time of the Ancient Celts and now.
Pre-Christian Origins: Imbolc has ancient roots in Celtic and Gaelic traditions, linked to the seasonal cycles and agricultural practices, like celebrating the first signs of spring and the approaching end of winter, particularly the lengthening of days and the first milk.
Christian Influence: With the spread of Christianity, some Pagan festivals, including Imbolc, were adapted or incorporated into Christian traditions. Imbolc became associated with Saint Brigid, who was considered the patron saint of Ireland and shared similarities with the Pagan Goddess Brigid. Most will agree, however, that she is in fact the Pagan Goddess, repurposed as a Christian saint in order to ease the transition from Paganism to Catholicism. Saint Brigid's feast day would fall on February 1st and the now Saint’s association with Imbolc is still evident in the customs and rituals that have persisted through the centuries.
Folk Traditions: Over time, Imbolc has been marked by various folk traditions, customs, and superstitions. In some regions, people engaged in rituals to ensure a successful agricultural season, such as weather divination based on the behavior of animals. Brigid's crosses, woven from reeds or straw, became a common symbol during this time, representing protection and blessings.
Revival of Paganism: In the 20th century, there was a revival of interest in Pagan and nature-based spiritual practices. Wicca, a modern Pagan religion, incorporated Imbolc into its Wheel of the Year, celebrating the festival as a time of purification, inspiration, and new beginnings. Wiccans and other Neopagans often perform rituals, light candles, and honor the goddess Brigid during this time.
Eclectic Celebrations: Today, Imbolc is celebrated in various ways by different individuals and spiritual communities. Some people continue to observe traditional customs, while others adapt the festival to suit their modern lifestyles. The focus on themes such as renewal, creativity, and the coming of spring remains central to many Imbolc celebrations.
Global Recognition: Imbolc has gained recognition far beyond its Ancient Celtic and Neopagan Reconstructionist origins. Today, people from diverse cultural backgrounds may incorporate aspects of Imbolc into their own celebrations of the changing seasons, fostering a broader appreciation for nature-based traditions.
On the other hand there are many completely separate and unique celebrations occurring at this same time, all over the world and throughout many different cultures. While the specific customs and cultural contexts may vary, the underlying themes often include the end of winter, the return of warmth and light, and the anticipation of growth and fertility.
These holidays — a small few among many — while diverse in their cultural and religious contexts, often share common themes of purification, renewal, and the anticipation of better times with the arrival of spring:
Candlemas (Christianity): Celebrated on February 2nd, Candlemas is a Christian holiday that marks the presentation of Jesus at the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary. It is also associated with the blessing of candles. The customs of lighting candles and the themes of purification are reminiscent of Imbolc.
Setsubun (Japan): Setsubun is a Japanese festival celebrated around February 3rd or 4th which marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. One common ritual, mamemaki, involves the throwing of roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune. The act of cleansing and purifying the home is another major theme.
Brigid's Day (Ireland): In Ireland, February 1st is also celebrated as St. Brigid's Day, honoring both the Celtic goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid. This day is marked by rituals, including the weaving of Brigid's crosses, which are similar to the traditions associated with Imbolc.
Li Chun (Chinese New Year): While not specifically a spring festival, or Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated based on the lunar calendar, usually falling between January 21 and February 20. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Traditions surround the central theme of removing the bad and old, and welcoming the good and new. Its a time to honor ancestors, exorcise evil spirits and pray for a good harvest.
Holi (Hinduism): Celebrated in March, Holi is a Hindu festival known as the Festival of Colors. It signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. The stories of Krishna and Radha as well as Holika and Prahalad are also major themes. Participants celebrate by throwing colored powders and water at each other, symbolizing the vibrancy and joy of spring.
Despite an evolution over many years, Imbolc has held on to its central themes of renewal, light, and the anticipation of spring, which continue to resonate with individuals seeking connections to nature and the cycles of the seasons — while also drawing further connections between these cycles and those of our own personal evolution.
Common Traditions, Elements and Foods
Here are some common traditions, elements and foods associated with the celebration of the festival of Imbolc:
Lighting Fires and Candles: Fire is a central symbol of Imbolc, representing the returning warmth, the increasing power of the sun and the Goddess Brigid. Lighting candles and fires during rituals is a common tradition.
Brigid's Crosses: Woven crosses made from reeds or straw are often placed in homes for protection and as symbols of blessings.
Purification Rituals: Imbolc is a time for purification and cleansing. People may engage in rituals to cleanse their homes and lives, symbolizing the transition from winter to spring.
Altar and/or Home Decorations: Altars and homes are often adorned with symbols of the season, such as candles, representations of Brigid, colors, like white, yellow and green and early spring flowers, like snowdrops.
Seeds and Planting: Imbolc is linked to the early stages of agricultural activity. Some people symbolically plant seeds or plan their gardens, expressing hope for the coming growing season.
We may also plant Seeds of Intention. Just as the Earth is preparing for the growth of new life, magickal practitioners may use Imbolc as a time to plant symbolic "seeds" of intention for the coming year. This could involve setting goals, making plans, or expressing desires for personal and spiritual growth.
Feasting: Sharing a meal with family and friends is a common tradition. Foods associated with dairy, such as milk, cheese, and butter, are especially significant at Imbolc feasts.
Bread and grains such as barley, oats, and wheat are also commonly incorporated into meals, as are seasonal vegetables, symbolizing the return of abundance (you can’t go wrong with anything that is in season in your region), and spices like cinnamon and ginger, used in dishes to add warmth and flavor and reflect the increasing warmth of the season. Honey, associated with the sweetness of life, is also sometimes used in Imbolc recipes. It symbolizes the promise of abundance in the coming season. Finally, blackberries are sacred to Brigid and the leaves and berries are used to attract prosperity and healing. The bushes are also quite protective as well.
Fertility Magick: Imbolc is associated with fertility, not only in the agricultural sense but also in terms of creativity and inspiration. Practitioners may seek Brigid's blessings for increased creativity and inspiration in their lives.
Poetry and Creativity: Imbolc is a time for inspiration and creativity. Writing poetry, making art, and engaging in creative activities are common ways to honor the spirit of the season, as well as the Goddess Brigid if you work with her.
Remember, specific traditions and foods can vary among different individuals, families, and spiritual traditions. Some may choose to create their own rituals and dishes based on personal preferences and beliefs and that is wonderful!
Traditional Blessings
Blessing of Brigid's Flame:
“May the flame of Brigid illuminate your path, bringing warmth to your heart and inspiration to your soul. May her sacred fire ignite creativity and guide you through the lengthening days.”
Candlelight Blessing:
“As you light the candles in the darkness, may their glow dispel the shadows of winter. May the flickering flames symbolize the growing light within you, filling your life with hope and renewed energy.”
Seed of Potential Blessing:
“Like seeds planted in fertile soil, may your dreams and aspirations take root and flourish. May the energy of Imbolc nurture the seeds of your potential, leading to a bountiful harvest of joy and fulfillment.”
