Imbolc – A Concise Guide to Candlemas Astrology, Rituals, Recipes, & More

“Cleaning and clearing are two words which suit the essence of Imbolc, as this is February, the Roman month of purification. This can be a cleansing of the self, in undertaking a good ‘detox’, or a clearing and cleansing of the home, in keeping with the tradition of spring-cleaning.”
― Carole Carlton

When is Imbolc:

Imbolc comes to us from Gaelic tradition as a festival that marks the beginning of spring taking place about halfway between the previous Winter Equinox and the coming Spring Equinox. People throughout Scotland and Ireland observed Imbolc as an integral part of the Wheel of the Year along with Samhain, Beltane, and Lughnasadh.

Other Names for Imbolc: Candlemass, Oimelc, St. Brigid’s Day

Dates: February 1 or 2 Northern Hemisphere; August 1 Southern Hemisphere

What is Imbolc / Candlemas?

Historians are uncertain as to the origins of the world Imbolc. The best guess is that it has ties to an Old Irish word Imbolg, which means in the belly. Since the Ewes were pregnant at this time of year that makes sense. It also could come from imb-fholc, meaning to cleanse yourself. This would reach back to the ancient Romans who considered the entire month of February as a period of purification.

We celebrate Imbolc on the first, with the 2nd being Candlemas (the feast day of Mary of the Candles). Here we see the mixing and melding of Pagan customs with the new religion on the scene, Christianity. While the Christians honored Mary (who Wiccans consider a Goddess persona), the Irish and Welsh honored Bridgit.

The earliest Irish literature indicates that Imbolc has been a sacred date since long before such things were written down. Brigit is a fertility Goddess, perfect for celebrating the spring when everything returns to life and vitality. The Christians considered her a Saint. So, people made Brigid’s Crosses or poppet like figures of Brigid.

Brigit crosses were created with great reverence with woven rushes. Girls would wear white and went house to house singing hymns to the Saint. Each house gave the girls a small gift. These returned to the home and became the centrepiece for the Imbolc table. The evening would end with a bit of merriment between parents and children.

As for Brigit’s doll, it should reside in a little bed on Imbolc with food and drink nearby. Once prepared they called on the Goddess thrice, letting her know her resting place was ready. Then people put their clothing outside trusting for her blessings upon them. If there were unusual marking in the hearth ashes, it was a sign that Brigid had, indeed, made a visit.

Like many holidays it wasn’t uncommon for people to seek out holy wells, cook great feasts, or engage in some kind of divination practice. For example, you could light two candles and sit between them drinking a cup of Ale. Once finished, toss the vessel over your head. If it fell upright, it was a positive sign of long life. The tradition of Wassailing continued from Yule with the focus on increasing livestock and the crops in the field. You could trust in that abundant harvest if the sunlight kissed the altar.

Should someone visit a Holy Well, they followed a specific protocol. First, they would pray for health while moving clockwise (sunwise) around the well. They would gather a bit of water for their home, fields, and family and then leave an offering of coins or other votive gifts that would please the indwelling Spirit.

Many remnants of these traditions remain in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man and among modern Wiccans, Neo-Druids, Pagans and other people of magical persuasion. In Dianic Wicca, Imbolc is a special time for initiating new members.

Imbolc and Candlemas Symbolism and Lore

The siting of the first Crocus is truly a moment of celebration. Winter is starting to wane. It is time for us to make a transition from the Crone to the Maiden aspect of the Three-Fold Goddess.

If we focus our attention toward Brigit, this is a Goddess of midwives, smiths, healers, and bards. She truly embodies all that is spring. Wiccans often honor her on their altar with a red and yellow candle, the red for winter and the yellow for spring and Her governance.

Throughout Europe, huge blazes came alive. Perhaps this is why Imbolc is also called the Feast of Torches or the Feast of Waxing Light. In Scandinavia, Witches carried candles as part of their ritual invocations.

Speaking of other names for Imbolc we come to Oimlc, which means basically milk. This was the lambing season, with many of the herd giving birth. Mother’s milk flows freely while farmers may invoke blessings on their tools and seed.

The idea of Groundhog day began with myths about Brigit. She is the Maiden, and the Sun God is her lover. Brigid’s snake comes out this day from the earth, checking the weather. As the old ditty goes:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,
Go winter, and come not again.

Generally speaking the symbolism and Meaning for Imbolc remains the same as it was for our ancestors. The God and Goddess reunite bringing fertility, the earth renews, the old ways go and welcome the new.

Imbolc Astrology – Northern Hemisphere

The Zodiac Sign of Aquarius rules the day. Being governed by Uranus, Aquarians are a bit odd and eccentric. Just like their ruling planet that spins on its side, you always follow your own inner drummer. Friends to the Water Bearer love that quirkiness and authenticity.

In considering Imbolc, Aquarius is the sign of teamwork and friendship. There is certainly a neighborly “vibe” on this holiday. Aquarians also have that upbeat, sunny-side attitude perfect for Imbolc. As a fixed sign, you can count on the Water Bearer to follow through on any aspect of the rituals and observance today to which they have committed. Besides that, give this person any activity involving animals, and you’ll have to drag them away at the end of the day.

Imbolc Astrology – Southern Hemisphere

At this point in the calendar, the sun sits in the center of Leo. Imbolc can be a little hard on the Lion who wants to be the focus of all your activities today. Nonetheless, if you are planning a ritual drama – they’re on point and ready for a starring role.

When Leo participates in Imbolc activities with those he or she loves, there is a whole different, kinda cuddly side to our Lion. They are generous, helpful, and doting. This emotional expression is almost in a motherly way that Brigit would appreciate.

Imbolc and Candlemas Element

Imbolc is one of the four traditional Celtic Fire Festivals. In this case, the fire comes from the increasing hours of light, warmth and the overall fertility of the earth. For our ancestors, fire meant life and safety, gathering together the tribe in one central location, much like the hearth fires bring the family together at Imbolc. Fire also has a cleansing and purgative characteristic that vibrates with February festivals and activities. In the Far East practitioners of Feng Shui say that fire warms the heart and brightens one’s spirit.

Yule & Winter Solstice Crystals, Minerals and Sacred Stones

The symbolic colors for Imbolc are Brown, Green (light), Pink, Red, Yellow and White. Let’s look at some of the magical crystals that bear those hues and positive energies for your Imbolc rituals.

• Amber: Amber continues the February theme of cleansing. It also attracts joy, luck, patience, self-confidence and greater focus for your magic.
• Aventurine: Aventurine celebrates the clam, soothing nature of Imbolc while also ramps up our romantic nature with creativity in the bedroom.
• Bloodstone: Bloodstone offers revitalization, just as the Earth is being reborn right in front of your eyes. Bloodstone also decreases stress, attracts abundance and bolsters courage.
• Calcite (green): Calcite helps us resolve problems, tieing up any loose matters from Winter. It is also a luck stone.
• Citrine: All of the optimism of Imbolc has been stuffed into this crystal. It increases our magical aptitude, gives greater focus, smooths over problems in your home or coven and supports success.
• Desert Rose: If you have lingering fears or phobias, use Desert Rose as an amulet. This opens your Third Eye Chakra so that you can use your awareness as a guide to secure actions as you move into the freshness of spring.
• Fluorite (Green): The lovely hue of this stone reflects Imboc’s purifying nature and growth-oriented energies. Fluorite helps you speak your truth and promotes emotional healing.
• Garnet: Red like the rising sun of Imbolc, Garnet brings you cheer, confidence in your friends, inner peace with a pinch of inspiration for good measure.
• Howlite: The whiteness of this stone represents the purity and innocence of Imbolc. Carry it to eliminate selfish tendencies and banish artistic barriers.
• Milk Quartz: Milk Quartz reminds us of animal mothers who are nursing and nurturing their young at this time of year. Milk Quartz has bubbles of quartz floating inside, lifting our spirits as we welcome the cycle of new life.
• Pink Tourmaline: Pink Tourmaline has the “in the pink” energies of renewal. It also vibrates with compassion, spiritual love and gentleness. It is a stone recommended for young children as a sleep charm, or for mothers who want a stronger bond with their child.
• Rhodonite: This crystal highlights your Imbolc celebration with an understanding of new ideas that have come your way over the winter months. You can internalize those teachings now and manifest the desired change.
• Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz is the ultimate stone for gentle, sweet tenderness like that of the newly reunited lovers – the God and Goddess. Native American tradition says that using this crystal as an amulet resolves anger between couples and restores harmony.
• Selenite: In the tradition of a good Roman, clean out your aura using Selenite. Think of your stone as if it were a chalk eraser gathering all the unwanted energy in your aura neatly away. Selenite gets its name from the Moon Goddess in Greek tradition, Selene providing it with other mystical and magical qualities including mental clarity.
• Tiger’s Eye: The visual impact of Tiger’s Eye contributes greatly to its reputation as a powerful tool for clairvoyants as well as for protecting oneself from the evil eye. Tiger’s eye has the golden gleam of the Sun and holds characteristics like bravery, integrity and good fortune.
• Topaz (yellow): Sometimes tied to the Golden Ray, Topaz is as warm as the spring sun, slowly lighting our spiritual gives into awakening. Topaz teaches balance, which right now is between the Winter and Spring energies.

Imbolc and Candlemas Herbs and Plants

Neopagans often place early spring flowers like dandelion, pansy, crocus, and primroses on their altar or add the dried petals to incense. Let’s look at the other Herbs and Plants suited to Imbolc.

• Angelica: Carry Angelica when you want to welcome the positive energies of Spring, and banish any lingering negativity. Bathe in it by the light of the moon for healing and improved energy.
• Basil: Used in a power pouch Basil helps us move forward from the chill of Winter positively. If you need luck quickly, sprinkle a bit around you. This also attracts prosperity.
• Bay Laurel: After spring cleaning use an infusion of bay laurel to bless your house and fill it with romance.
• Blackberry: Blackberry is sacred to Brigid. These bear the energies of passion, healing prosperity and protection.
• Ginger: Spring brings love to mind, and Ginger is a common component in Witch’s love potions.
• Iris: Another purifying plant, Iris represents sagacity, courage and faith. It sometimes appears in rituals for blessing a baby.
• Myrrh: Imbolc has often been a time when people consecrate their magical tools. Myrrh supports that as well as empowering talismans and charms. Ressonates with the Earth Element.
• Nettle: Nothing spoils the cherry disposition of Imbolc as much as a bundle of negativity. Use Nettle for turning away gossip, envy, jealousy and basically those naysayers who undermine your happiness. Aligned with the Fire Element.
• Tansy: This is a healthy herb. If you place a flower in your shoe on Imbolc, it averts legal problems and promotes wellbeing.
• Vanilla: Another ingredient in passion and love potions as well as sachets. Vibrates with the Air Element
• Vervain: Ruled by Venus and under the rule of the Water Element, Vervain has strong feminine qualities. It can be used as a component in your spring love spells that encourage enduring commitment.
• Violets: With the thought of spring births in mind, Violet given to a new mother brings luck, and encourages blissful sleep (something for which all new mothers pray!)

Imbolc and Candlemas Foods & Beverages

In Ireland and Scotland having a special meal on Imbolc Eve was common. The traditional fare included cabbage and potatoes, dumplings, raisin bread, and quick bread. The table would have either a setting for Brigid or foods and beverages were left as offerings. Here are a variety of items you can consider for your Imbolc celebration.

• Bread: Bread has been called the “staff of life,” and as such has been sacred in many cultures including those of the Celts. Adding raisins to the loaf represents fertility and prosperity. Associated with the Earth Element.
• Dairy Products: You can’t get more symbolic of nurturing than milk and other dairy products. Generally, milk and cheese inspire manifestation, growth and joy. The Water Element
• Butter: Add this to your bread! Imbolc is the season of calving. Spread it on for smoothing out relationships and overall dedication.
• Garlic: An ancient herb, Garlic works cooperatively with the rather fertile and lustful energy of Imbolc (just bring mints). The Fire Element.
• Lamb Stew: Embodies the energy of kindness, warmth, innocence and inspires your Inner Child.
• Onion: Spicy food honors the sun, and onions are also round. Combine them with hot peppers, leeks, chives or garlic.
• Peppers (Sweet): The color of your sweet pepper lends different symbolism for Imbolc. Green pepper is spring growth, red pepper- vitality and yellow pepper is the color of spring and inventiveness.
• Poppy Seeds: Use these in breads or muffins for calm, mature feelings. They also bring good luck. The Air Element.
• Potato Soup: Witches sometimes used potato for poppets. More pragmatically potatoes are a stable food representing grounding and providence.
• Pumpkin seeds: Like most seeds pumpkin represent fertility and wealth. They are a good addition to your charms for drawing prosperity and success.
• Scones: These little Scottish quick breads often adorned the Imbolc table. They are based in oats and fried on a griddle. The name comes from a Dutch word that translates as “beautiful bread.”
• Wine (spiced): Wine has adorned the altars of numerous ancient Gods and Goddesses. It represents harmony and spiritual love. Spice your wine with cinnamon, ginger, and other Fire herbs to honor the Sun.

For more delicious holiday feast ideas visit our Pagan & Wiccan recipes section!

Creating a Wiccan / Pagan Imbolc Ritual

We know that Imbolc honors the Element of Fire and the sun’s slow return to power in the sky. Yet, because winter still lingers with a chilly air, this is not a showy celebration. It is one of thoughtfulness, of finding the light that resides within us. The theses of this holiday are contemplation, providence, health, opportunity, and change.

The Irish celebrate the Feast of Brigid today. Brigid was the goddess of creativity, especially home crafts. Her domain also includes agriculture and protecting baby animals. In the home of the gods, heroes ate and drank from Brigid’s cauldron, and it never ran out of sustenance. Throughout Ireland, people decorated her sacred wells, decorated their homes with rushes or corn and oats, and offered her ale at the feast.

The Aztec New Year also falls on this date; it is a time to purify and fortify the fields for planting. As an interesting analogy, Candlemas was once called Imbolc, meaning “in the womb,” implying a period of gestation. The sun’s growing rays begin generating life beneath the soil now. This gives Candlemas a special focus on unseen potentialities and banishing your inner shadows.

Preparations for the Imbolc Ritual

Gather together as many light sources as possible. Suggestions include white candles, flashlights, incense sticks, and small oil lamps for indoor gatherings. Outdoors, consider torches or a well-tended bonfire.
For the activities in this ritual, you will need some ice or snow; a cauldron or cup of soil and a seed; your personal journal and a pen; ale or buttered toast for an offering; corn husks for decoration; and any white items. This is Brigid’s color as the Maiden aspect of the Goddess.

The Imbolc / Candlemas Altar

Arrange your light sources in a pleasing manner around the ritual space but leave them dark. The center of the altar holds a coal or other fire source from your hearth or that of the group’s leader. It is the only thing burning at the start of the ritual. Next, to the fire source, leave a container of ice or snow. On the other side place your seed, the soil, and dish.

Corn husks are scattered on the surface of the altar like a cloth. Your personal journal and pen sit in one corner. The offering of toasted bread or ale rests on the other corner.

Imbolc Invocation

Before starting the invocation, go to your door and open it, saying, “Brigid, I welcome you to our sacred space. As you enter, bring with you the fires of warmth and fertility.” Traditions similar to this are very old, the opening of the door symbolically making way for the powers of light.

Go to the center and pick up the sacred fire. As you walk the circle reciting the invocation, begin igniting the light sources in that quarter of the room. This creates the visual effect of the circle of magic coming alive around you.

East

I welcome the Air and the rising sun. Let the light-filled wind bring inspiration and the breeze of new beginnings.

South

I welcome the Fire, and the noonday sun. Let the purifying light of the Spirit bring energy and courage with which to walk my path daily.

West

I welcome the Water, and the setting sun. Let the twilight bring thoughtfulness and wisdom to my magic.

North

I welcome the Earth, and the resting Sun. Let the moment of fertile darkness give my soul peace and my magic foundations.”

Center

Light the God and Goddess candles now from the sacred flame. “I welcome the Spirit of ever-burning truth and light. Let your fires be ever present in my mind, my heart, and my magic.”

Imbolc Meditation and Visualization

Sit in the center of the light generated around the room. Look at the flame of the sacred fire until you can see it in your mind’s eye clearly. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, continuing to visualize that flame. See it slowly growing in power and beauty until the fire encompasses your whole being, restoring strength, health, and insight.

Once you feel the energy of that light filling you to overflowing, shift your awareness. See yourself as you sit right now, with light shining all around you. Slowly shrink that light down into one brilliant spark that resides in your heart chakra, banishing any shadows that hide within. This ember of the Spirit, this light of truth is always with you, empowering and guiding your magic.

Sit quietly pondering the significance of light in your magic and everyday life, and—when you feel ready—open your eyes and make a note of any insights in your journal. Then continue with the ritual. (Note: if this meditation is done in a group, one person should talk the others through it, so the group finishes together.)

The Imbolc Ritual Body

Stand in place, raise your hands toward the sacred altar, close your eyes, and whisper this chant three times: Goddess in me, in my understanding. The Goddess in me, in my heart. The Goddess in me, in my spirit. The light in me, in my body. The light in me, in my mind. The light in me, in my soul.” Put your arms down, open your eyes, and say, “I welcome the light.”

Walk up to the altar now and, taking the container of soil and seed in hand, raise it to the heavens. “This soil of Earth is also the soil of my spirit. Today I plant the seed of _______[fill in with a quality that you wish to develop] in this loam to be warmed by the returning sun and grown with love.” Plant the seed in the soil and put the container in front of you on the altar.

Take the container of partially melted snow or ice and raise it upward, saying, “This is the Water of the Maiden who returns to Earth today, generating life and fertility with her warmth.” Pour the melted snow into the container with the soil and the seed. “This Water shall likewise nourish the seed of_____now growing in my soul.”

Pour the remaining liquid out to Earth as a libation. If this ritual takes place indoors, save the snow or ice until the circle is closed, then take it outside. After the ritual, the soil and seed should be transferred into a large pot and placed in a sunny window to activate the magic.

Go to the center and pick up the sacred fire. As you walk the circle reciting the invocation, begin igniting the light sources in that quarter of the room. This creates the visual effect of the circle of magic coming alive around you.

East

I welcome the Air, and the rising sun. Let the light-filled wind bring inspiration and the breeze of new beginnings.

South

I welcome the Fire, and the noonday sun. Let the purifying light of the Spirit bring energy and courage with which to walk my path daily.

West

I welcome the Water, and the setting sun. Let the twilight bring thoughtfulness and wisdom to my magic.

North

I welcome the Earth, and the resting sun. Let the moment of fertile darkness give my soul peace, and my magic foundations.

Center

Light the God and Goddess candles now from the sacred flame. “I welcome the Spirit of ever-burning truth and light. Let your fires be ever present in my mind, my heart, and my magic.”

Other Magical Imbolc Activities

Even in ancient days, this festival included a time for omen observation, specifically to figure out the weather to come. Consider taking a walk outside to see what signs you can discern from Nature’s storehouse of wisdom.

A great activity for kids is making their own Imbolc candles. All you need for this is melted wax, a wick, and an old milk carton that acts as a mold. Allow the kids to add any powdered herbs or aromatic oils they wish, then keep this safely stored away for next year’s festivities.

Closing the Imbolc Circle

North

Under the moonlight the resting Earth lay until the dawn brings a new birth.

West

The Waters recede with a setting Sun, but the magic continues when the circle is done.

South

The Fires die down, the candles go out, but within my heart, there lingers no doubts.

East

The Air calms, but the breath of Spirit remains. Merry part, and merry meet again.

Instead of dismissing the center point, go to your door again, taking with you the toasted bread. Toss the bread out the door for the birds, saying, “Accept this gift of bread to nourish the children of the winds as my thanks to you, Brigid, for your presence… for sharing the fire from your hearth to bless, inspire, and heal me. May I keep these embers safely burning in my heart.” Close the door. “So be it.”

When disassembling the Candlemas altar, make sure to save one corn husk or sheaf of wheat. Wrap it in white cloth and put it in a safe place until next year.

Postritual Foods

Any seed items can symbolize new beginnings and fertility. For example, bake spiced pumpkin seeds—the spices considered representative of the sun’s warmth.

In group settings, it’s fun to have a postritual ale-brewing party. Once it’s made, each person can take home a bottle and tend it as a symbol of the group’s unity. Then next Candlemas, the ale can be served during the ritual to honor Brigid.

Personal Celebrations

How you personalize your Imbolc observation depends heavily on what aspect of this holiday you focus upon. Are you hoping to have a baby? Do you want to cleanse and consecrate your magical tools, or for that matter purify your own body and aura? Add that focus into your ritual and see what wonders the energy creates.