Tag: midwinter

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Working with the magic of February; Love, creation, and transition

The air is still cold, snow is covering the branches of the trees, and nature is still and quiet. Yet if we look closely around we will see hints of green starting to break through the white snow covered landscape. Every now and then the silence is interrupted by the flapping of wings and the chirping of birds beginning their mating dances for the coming spring season. This is the contrasting energy of February, a month marking the mid point of winter and the awakening of spring. February is often seen as a time of transition and preparation. As the last month of winter it signifies the final phase of introspection and hibernation before the arrival of spring. February is the month when we hunker down and use this time for deep inner work, reflection, and planning for the coming seasons with the hope of warmer days beginning to peak through the cold winter snow. Come with me in this blog post on a walk through the midwinter woods.

History of February

February is the second month of the year according to the modern Julian Calendar and the Gregorian Calendar and it is the shortest month of the year, having only 28 days in most of them and 29 days in a leap year. Prior to the Gregorian calendar being invented this was the 12th and final month of the year. since the calendar was more pagan by following the natural cycles of the two seasons and began in March. The name February comes from the ancient Roman Februarius. The name Februarius comes from Februa, meaning “to cleanse”.

What is a leap year?

It’s a day that comes around once every four years so of course there is going to be some boosted magical energy for us to harness for ourselves and our lives. Leap Year is a rare moment to step out of the ordinary flow of time. It’s an opportunity to recalibrate, reflect, and realign with the Earth’s natural cycles. With its extra day, Leap Year is a way of syncing our calendar with Earth’s orbit around the sun. It’s like the universe’s version of a time-out, giving us a moment to align more closely with celestial rhythms. Leap Year happens because our calendar year (365 days) is shorter than a solar year (about 365.24 days). Julius Caesar, back in 46 BCE, introduced the leap year as part of the new Julian calendar. Leap Year is a potent day for deep magic and transformation since it’s a day out of time, offering a powerful energy boost for spells and rituals. If you want a change in your life this year, then there’s no better time for doing spell work than on February 29th. If you want to read more about the magic of a leap year and how to use it, so you are ready for the next one in 2028; read my guide HERE

Zodiac signs for the month of February

Those born in January are said to be born under either the sign of the ethereal water bearer Aquarius or the sign of the two fishes Pisces.

Those under the sign Aquarius are typically born between January 20th and February 18th. Aquarius an air sign is represented by the water bearer bringing Earth it’s vital nutrients. Aquarius is said to be innovative, progressive, and revolutionary while spreading wisdom to the world. Aquarius has a vision for themselves and the world, and they’ll work towards it no matter what others say. They can be seen as resilient, holding onto their hopes and dreams long after others have given up.

Those under the sign Pisces are typically born between February 18th and March 20th. Pisces is, fittingly, a water sign, represented by the sign of the two fishes. They’re all known for being emotionally fluid, vacillating between feelings, and being very in tune with their feelings and those of others. Pisces are typically loyal, intuitive, and creative, and they are very sociable.

Sacred Days And Celebrations In February

Every Single month has sacred and important days and celebrations to help you connect to the energies of the month. Plus they usually are a lot of fun to take part in! Below you will find a list of the sacred days and celebrations for the month of February! The common themes you will find are love, passion, creation, romance, commitment, friendship, and self love. Also take note how this month has a lot of holiday energy packed into the shortest month of the year. But, first we are going to talk about a few that take centerstage during this month like the purification of Lupercalia, the love of Valentine’s day, and the awakening of creation with Imbolc!

Imbolc

First up, literally since the holiday takes place on the 1st and 2nd of the month is Imbolc. Imbolc is a sabbat on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year but, is originally an ancient Gaelic/Celtic holiday celebrating the first signs of Spring. At Imbolc, the Earth is beginning to wake up and we celebrate the approaching return of spring. We are through the harshest, longest, and darkest part of the winter. We begin to prepare ourselves to awaken from a hibernation and time of reflection. We begin to reach for the light again as we open our eyes, stretch our limbs, and prepare to leave our places of safety to venture out into the wilderness again. Imbolc is a time for cleansing, renewal, and planting the seeds — both literal and metaphorical — for what you want to grow in the year ahead. Imbolc is holiday all about reflecting on the promise of new life and the first signs of spring stirring within the earth. To learn more about this holiday, how you can celebrate it, and get FREE spells read my guide all about this holiday HERE!

Lupercalia

Next up, we have one of my favorite ancient Roman holidays during the year Lupercalia. Lupercalia is a really fun festival all about purifying the city of Rome and bringing fertility to all it’s people. Which meant the celebrations tended to be a little more full of debauchery and sex. Which, is really my kind of holiday and it gives me big Saturnalia vibes, another one of my favorite ancient Roman holidays. Lupercalia is celebrated from February 14th to the 15th and predates Valentine’s Day by centuries which is why many think this is actually where Valentine’s day partly came from! During Lupercalia, every year, the ancient Romans would perform rituals and then throw parties all in the name of purification. To purify the city of Rome on this festival guaranteed a good crop, plenty of pregnant ladies, and overall good health and happy people for the whole city. If you want to learn about this festival and learn how they celebrated back than. Plus how you can celebrate it today; read my guide all about it HERE!

Valentine’s Day

Lastly, we have easily the most well known and popularly celebrated holiday for the month of February, especially in the United States; Valentine’s day. What is Valentine’s Day? St Valentine’s Day is an annual festival to celebrate romantic love, friendship and admiration. Every year on 14 February people celebrate this day by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family and friends. Historically Valentine’s day is tied to Saint Valentine. Saint Valentine was said to be a priest named Valentine who was imprisoned and beheaded by Roman Emperor Claudius II for assisting persecuted Christians and secretly marrying Christian couples in love. He even tired converting Claudius to Christianity while he was imprisoned. He was beheaded on February 14, which later became known as Valentine’s Day.  If you want to get 9 spells to make this Valentine’s day enchanting and magical check you my guide HERE!

Other sacred days and holidays:

  • Candlemas
  • Saint Brigid Day
  • Groundhog day (USA)
  • Valisblot
  • Presidents day (USA)
  • Black History month-This will always be black history month to me no matter what some executive order based in discrimination from our corrupt President signs.
  • Parentalia
  • Quirinalia
  • Equirria
  • Fornacalia

Magical and witchcraft themes of February

February is a month of reflection, purification, fertility, love, and transition from winter to spring in witchcraft, marked by celebrating the midwinter with Imbolc. February is associated with themes of love, fertility, and purification, with rituals and spells focused on attracting love, strengthening relationships, and cleansing negative energies. This month is a time to honor the growing light, embrace the energy of renewal, and plant the seeds of intention for the coming season. This month we can engage in rituals, spells, and meditations that reflect the themes of purification, creativity, fertility, love, transition, sex and aligning with the natural rhythms of the Earth.

Don’t forget to cast fire spells as well during this month to bring you heat and warmth during the cold winter months. As well as connecting you to the hope of brighter and warmer days soon to come. I love to perform fire magic via candles during this month to create a beacon of light and hope for my mental health during the darkest days ahead and to connect to candlemas that is celebrated this month.

This month we can perform rituals to bless seeds for the coming growing season, imbuing them with intentions for abundance, fertility, and growth. Lastly, if you live in a part of the world that freezes during the winter with frozen water ways and falling snow, binding and banishing magic can be extremely powerful and protective right now. Use the power of the alchemy in ice and snow to banish things from your life you need to let go, or to bind someone or something in place that no longer serves you in a wanted way. Check out more themes for this month and use them in your spells and rituals below.

The gods and goddesses of February

This month is a potent month to work with and honor deities associated with winter, spring, transitions, love, and fertility such as . This month is a good time to get to know the winter goddesses that rule this cold season as well as the goddesses that will help us welcome the blossoming spring soon. Some are associated with the dark goddess aspect as of the divine feminine as well. Allowing for a powerful portal to ancient wisdom and magical knowledge during this month as the snow still falls and spring begins to peak through its layers. Everyone works with and views deity energy a little differently. Whether you view them as archetypes of the human consciousness, representations of the source energy, or as being entities on their own, there are certain deities that now is the time to connect to and honor them in the most sacred and amplified way.( Don’t forget to grab my eBook in the shop to help you explore this)

This month for me is a very feminine month. When I want to go into the womb of mother Earth and allow her to wrap me up in the comfort that all of her love has to offer. To listen to the past, root myself in introspection, and hear the healing whispers from my womb in the stillness and silence of winter. But, it’s also a month to be reminded of the connections we have to those around us and bring us hope with the new light of spring just over the horizon. During this month a few deities take center stage because they have festivals or sacred days during this month to help you connect with them in a very intimate way. The deities that are going to be the best for you to connect to right now are deities connected to fertility, transitions, the winter, spring, love, and community. Below we will talk about some of the deities you can work with this month. I could never list them all here.

Brigid

The first deity I am going to talk about takes central stage during Imbolc. A Goddess in Irish tradition, Brigid is one of the most well-known because, she is the Goddess of fertility and spring. To many she is also known as the Great Mother Goddess of Ireland, and to Christians as a Saint Brigid. With this energy, Brigid brings the remembrance of our Oneness and of the Eternal Essence of the Divine Feminine. She is the daughter of the Celtic God Dagda, a Fae leader of the Tuatha dè Danann.She’s often depicted with fiery hair and a sunbeam cloak. She was born at sunrise with rays of sunlight radiating around her head. She is associated with many things; Poetry, Healing, Midwinter/Imbolc, Flames/fire, Fertility, and Motherhood.

Brigid is considered a Triple Goddess, yet many references distinguish Brigit differently than the traditional Triple Goddess aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone. Rather Brigid is frequently referenced having three sister selves with three distinct roles, Lady of Healing Waters, Goddess of the Sacred Flame and Goddess of the Fertile Earth.

Callieach

On Imbolc which is the first of this month, Cailleach, the Goddess of Winter, heads out into the world to gather firewood to keep her warm for the rest of winter. If the weather is bright and sunny, Cailleach is out gathering the wood and will be able to gather enough to make winter last a good bit longer. However, if the weather is bad and cold, Cailleach is still asleep and will soon run out of firewood, and spring will come sooner.

Cailleach is often depicted as a powerful, crone-like figure who embodies the harshness and stillness of winter. When she appears to me she also has a blue aurora about her, and her mythical staff in hand. As the guardian of the cold, she is said to control the storms, the winds, and the snow that blanket the earth during the winter months. She is a symbol of death and decay but also of transformation and the wisdom that comes with age and experience. While Brigid heralds the coming of spring and new life, Cailleach represents the slowing down and rest that winter brings, urging us to pause and reflect. On Imbolc, Cailleach’s presence is especially poignant as it marks the shift from the deep, inward-focused energies of winter toward the budding life of spring. Cailleach holds the power to either prolong winter or usher in the first signs of spring, depending on whether she decides to create a fierce storm or allow the warmth to return.

Aphrodite

In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. She is also associated with sexuality, fertility, and pleasure. While best known as the goddess of love, she was also the ancient Greek goddess of fertility, physical pleasure (particularly sexual), eternal youth, grace, and beauty. Additionally, she played roles in commerce, war, and politics. Plus let’s not forget her crucial role, as one of the causes of the Trojan War. Her origins though, are shrouded in mystery. According to Hesiod’s Theogony, she emerged from the sea foam in the waters of Paphos, on the island of Cyprus, born from the severed genitals of Uranus. She supposedly arose from the foam when the Titan Cronus slew his father Uranus and threw his genitals into the sea. However, according to Homer, in Iliad, Aphrodite may instead be the daughter of Zeus and Dione.

Call on her this month to work with the energy of love and deepening your connection to others. Don’t forget to reflect on your relationships as well and find love with those you can. Especially if you are forced into a situation just as she was. Remember, Aphrodite is about so much more than love, beauty and lust though. You can always call on her for those reasons but, Aphrodite is about the passion of creation. Which is why she can be called on for creative expression, and living your passion. She is a great goddess to use for self love, emotional balance and healing as well.

Kuan Yin

Kuan Yin (also known as Guanyin or Avalokitesvara) is a Buddhist goddess of compassion and mercy. Kuan Yin’s name translates to “One Who Sees and Hears the Cry from the Human World” She is often depicted with multiple arms, holding symbols of compassion, and standing on a lotus pedestal. Kuan Yin is a protector of the vulnerable and a guide for those seeking spiritual awakening. She is an all-seeing, all-hearing being who is called upon by worshipers in times of uncertainty, despair, and fear. Her story is one that truly teaches us to love one another this month and the depth our compassion and empathy has the ability to go. You can read her story below.

Long ago in a Chinese state there was a king who had three daughters. He hoped to marry each one off to a suitable family but his youngest, Miao Shan, wanted to become a Buddhist nun to learn more about spirituality and bring salvation to the world. Disgusted by this, the king disowned her and sent her to live in exile. Years later the king fell very ill. A wandering monk came to his aid and told him the only way to save himself was to make and ingest a potion made from the eyes and arms of someone who gave them willingly. Unbeknownst to the king this monk was his youngest, Miao Shan, in transformation. After years of studying she had become a bodhisattva. Having heard of her father’s illness she morphed herself into the monk in order to share her wisdom. In her transformation she told the king to reach out to the bodhisattva of compassion who lived atop the mountain. She told him to send a messenger to plead for help.

At the top of the mountain, in her true form, she received the messenger. Despite knowing that his illness was a result of past sins she willingly gave him her eyes and arms as it was her filial duty to help her father. Back in the kingdom, once again disguised as the old monk, she made the potion and saved her father. The king, now saved, cried out in gratitude. The monk told him he ought to visit the mountain top and thank the person who saved him, and so he did. When he reached the temple atop the mountain he was deeply saddened to see his own daughter, who he had banished, without eyes and arms presiding over her hundreds of followers. He finally came to understand the suffering she must have undergone but instead of anger Miao Shan met him with benevolent love and urged him to follow the ways of Buddhism and live a life of compassion. Then, with a bright flash of light, she was transformed into the divine image of a bodhisattva with her eyes and arms restored.

Juno

Let’s talk about Juno next, although so many associate her with June I also like to use her this month as well. Because, of the energy of love all over this month. Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage, the family, and childbirth was a paramount figure embodying the sanctity and power of matrimonial union and the family. The Roman goddess Juno is among the first gods and goddesses of ancient Rome who is in charge of the women’s lives in the state. Juno’s symbol, which is a peacock, represents her watchful vigilance and her role as the protector of the community. It is assumed that the term “Juno” meant “the young one” because of her association as the goddess of the new and waxing moon. This celestial connection perhaps implying the idea of growth and beginnings, aligns with her domains.

Today, it is accepted that the Roman goddess Juno has the title “Regina” meaning Queen which gives her the title of the “Queen of the Gods.” Juno, being a multifaceted deity, was also the wife and sister of Jupiter, the King of all the Roman gods. She was often represented as the female counterpart to Mars the god of war, highlighting her influence in both the domestic and political spheres. Although the Roman goddess Juno had dominion over family, marriage, and childbirth, she is often depicted to be in a warlike stance, an illustration that is often favored upon by Roman soldiers.

Correspondences For The Month Of January

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy, the zodiac energy the moon is currently or for time of the year like a month, which I will list below for you to use. Remember this is just a start to the list for you. You can use any correspondences that connect the magical themes and energies of February. Just follow your intuition on what you choose to work with!

  • Planet-Venus
  • Animal- deer, goat, lambs, burrowing animals, groundhog, robin, wolf
  • Element- water and Air
  • colors-White, yellow, light blue, silver
  • Symbol-Candles, snowdrops, Brigid’s crosses, hearts, cupid,
  • Herbs- Lavender, rosemary, snowdrop, chamomile, primrose, honeysuckle, jasmine, nutmeg, cinnamon, oak moss, myrrh, Pine
  • Stones/ crystals-Amethyst, aquamarine, clear quartz, jasper, bloodstone, moss agate, onyx, aventurine
  • Deities-Sjofn, Mars, Juno, Brigid, Diana, Apollo, kuan yin, Demeter, Persephone, Cailleach
  • Zodiac- Aquarius and Pisces
  • Themes-Transition, renewal, fertility, purification, love, creativity, fire, introspection, awakening, growth, abundance, hope, Sex, planting seeds, midwinter, manifestation, protection, passion, Cleansing, community, friendship, self love, natural rhythms of the earth, opportunities, healing, family

How to connect to the magic of February

We’ve talked a lot about all the different types of energies the month of February has and gives us access to work with. So, how can you specifically connect to those energies? In your everyday life you can make sure your affirmations , intentions, and manifestations align with the energies of renewal, love, creativity, transition, community, and fertility in all areas of your life. Make sure to grab onto the energy of hope in the light of a flickering candles. As you let go of what no longer serves you and head into new beginnings with hope as springs begins to peak through. You can celebrate and honor any of the sacred days and holidays this month has like Imbolc, Lupercalia, and Valentine’s Day.

Some Rituals and spell workings during this time that will be really intensified will be based on releasing the old, clearing away unwanted energy from the past year, and welcoming in wanted energy and opportunities. Other spells that will have some significant meaning right now and help you connect to the energy of February should be centered around planting new seeds, fertility, and fostering loving relationships. This month is another month when you can really get some clear and transformative messages from your guides. As we are in a liminal time of transition siting in the middle of two seasons. You can do this through any means of divination you prefer but, fire gazing or Cryomancy ( snow and ice divination)are some to think about to align with the correspondences of this month.

February creates a very potent liminal pocket of time that is teeming with duality, balance, and the power of transition from one season to the next. It’s a month that really pulls us to go deep within ourselves in the darkness, stillness and silence for introspection, reflection, self awareness, and growth. Especially since it’s the last officially full month of the Winter Season. This makes it a great month to do any work on transformation, reflection and preparation for dark times through shadow work. Allowing the energy of the frozen winter in the last days of winter and in the glimmer of hope in spring just about to be blossoming. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here. Plus don’t forget to head to the shop and register for my new course that is beginning at the end of this month!

  • Elemental magic with the element of Air or water
  • Shadow work based on transition, fertility, love, relationships, self love, community, renewal
  • Simmer pot for cleansing, renewal, removing unwanted energies
  • Transformation and transition spells and rituals
  • Herbal magic-brew teas especially, or add herbs to your hot drinks
  • Protection magic– most potent right now will be banishing and binding
  • Purification and cleansing rituals and spells using snow
  • Abundance and gratitude magic- one of my favorites this month is using drinks like hot chocolate and apple cider to call in abundance daily to my life
  • Candle magic- super potent this month!
  • Make some rose water and use in your spells and leave as offerings for deities
  • Bake treats and add sigils to them for love, family, and relationships
  • Set SMART goals and intentions for your manifestations for the coming spring
  • snow magic
  • glamor and beauty spells
  • Ritual bath for purification and self love
  • work with deities of fertility, love, and relationships
  • Divination like fire gazing, snow scrying, melt snow and use the water in scrying, Cryomancy
  • Create a spell jar for self love, to enhance your sex life, or for to attract a new relationship
  • love spells, or obsession spells
  • SEX MAGIC! Plus don’t forget to register for my event all about sex magic in the shop!
  • Get out in nature, feel the snow, the cold, and the frozen ground while listening to the silence all around. Then look around for the new signs of life springing up already around you
  • Make snow water
  • add a self love altar to your home
  • Write situations or people you want to cool off on a piece of paper and bury it in the snow
  • Create a freezer spell
  • Add ice to your ritual bath for added protection and purification
  • Make a snowman as protection ward for your property
  • Work with eggs in your fertility magic
  • Make snowballs and release things you need to let go when you throw them
  • draw sigils in snow and ice
  • create Brigid’s crosses
  • Relationship and communication spells will be extra potent this month and needed
  • meditate as the snow falls
  • make ice lanterns
  • Creativity spells
  • Mirror magic and mirror work
  • go on a shamnic journey with the deer or any of this month’s animals
  • work with the divine feminine during womb healing
  • Work with the snake in your workings and rituals since this whole year is the year of the snake
  • create an altar for the month
  • celebrate Lupercalia by adding some whipping to your love life
  • work with milk in your spells and rituals to honor the energy of Imbolc all month long
  • write love letters for those you care about in your life.
  • Clean off some graves that need some extra love this month and do some graveyard magic with them for comfort and community
  • plant literal seeds and start growing them indoors or in a greenhouse for the coming spring
  • self love spells, rituals, and self care activities
  • Volunteer in your community to those who need to feel loved like at a nursing home
  • perform a commitment ceremony
  • Knot Magic
  • Create and bless gifts like talismans and charms for your friends and family
  • Study and read myths about the gods and goddesses and their love stories and relationships

Don’t forget to check out 9 spells for Valentine’s day in my blog post HERE too!

Duality and the month of February

Since, I am a grey witch I look for the duality in every single energy I work with including sacred times like a month of the year like the one we are currently in, February. When we think about February I feel many often only see one side to this month. The one that is shoved in their faces by commercialism; the love, sex, and fertility aspects of this month with Valentine’s day. Plus we seem to really cling on to that hope of spring with the first signs of life Imbolc brings to our attention on the first of the month. While far too many forget about the coldness, harshness, and stillness that is surrounding us still with Winter. We may be at what we consider to be the mid point of Winter but, that doesn’t mean it will be pleasant and easy to finish out. Some of the biggest blizzards and harshest temperatures of the winter can happen in the month of February. Trust me I know this all to well living in Minnesota. Even now as I am writing this in February I am waiting for an ice storm, almost a foot of snow and below zero temps to hit me in the next few days. While February is a time that is focused on purification, fertility, and love, it’s also a time of darkness, harshness, and having to dig deep within ourselves to survive the last days of Winter.

Final thoughts

We talked about many things in this blogpost including the history, some celebrations, the different energies and magical themes we can work with during this month. Along with how to connect to those energies, deities we can honor and worship, and how to work with the magic of February. February is a uniquely magical time that invites everyone to plant the seeds for hopes with the first signs of spring. While also reminding us of the harshness of Winter sill surrounding us we have to be resilient and get through. Using this month as time to truly let go of what no longer serves us before spring fully emerges. February reminds us that even in the darkest nights, in the harshest conditions, and the coldest times we can still find hope and light. We can still look for new life fighting to break through the snow to survive. It’s the month that shows us the depth of our resilience and our willingness to thrive in harsh conditions. As the snow continues to fall and blankets nature February’s magic graces us with a dance of love, transition, and strength for the rest of winter’s harsh days.

In this new special 6 month shadow work program I will help you realign your inner world, discover all the versions of you in the shadows, and show you how to integrate your shadows into your own authentic identity. When you purchase and register for this 6 month course you will get pre-recorded lessons, eBooks, journal prompt workbooks, weekly guided sessions, ( with one week off for integration) one womb healing session, and access to a discord chat for all those who are taking the course with you. We begin the last Monday of February for orientation week and then session for courses start the first Monday of March! There will be limited spots so hurry and register today.

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About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!

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Work with the transitional energy of Midwinter by celebrating Imbolc

At Imbolc, the Earth is beginning to wake up and we celebrate the approaching return of spring. We are through the harshest, longest, and darkest part of the winter. We begin to prepare ourselves to awaken from a hibernation and time of reflection. We begin to reach for the light again as we open our eyes, stretch our limbs, and prepare to leave our places of safety to venture out into the wilderness again. Imbolc is a time for cleansing, renewal, and planting the seeds — both literal and metaphorical — for what you want to grow in the year ahead. Imbolc is holiday all about reflecting on the promise of new life and the first signs of spring stirring within the earth. Come with me as the wheel turns again and learn all about this transitional festival from Winter to Spring with me in this blogpost.

First, What is Imbolc?

Imbolc is a sabbat on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year but, is originally an ancient Gaelic/Celtic holiday celebrating the first signs of Spring. The word Imbolc is believed to mean either “ewe’s milk” or “in the belly”, which many believe refers to the birth of baby lambs around this time in Ireland and Scotland. In modern times, most of us don’t understand the harshness of Winter and what a brutal mistress she can be, that our ancestors endured. Not even me who lives in Minnesota. Our winter’s get quite harsh but, I still can’t understand their experience. So, at this time they were coming out of a period of brutal weather. They had endured the harshest part of the winter and their food stores were declining. So when the baby lambs were born around this time and their mother’s milk started flowing, it was a good day. The birth of new lambs and milk meant they’d have more food to last the rest of the Winter season. Another coming mean I come across, is that Imbolc means; “in the belly of the Mother,” because the seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of Mother Earth.

In addition to celebrating rebirth, life, and replenishment, the Celtic goddess Brigid is honored on Imbolc and takes a central role. This is because, another name for Imbolc is Brigid’s Day. I am going to talk about her more below so just keep reading if you want to learn why she is so important.

When is Imbolc celebrated?

Imbolc is celebrated annually on February 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and August 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. Imbolc marks the halfway point between the winter solstice or Yule and the spring equinox or Ostara. Because Imbolc is the midway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, it was regarded as a season unto itself. A time of change, when the days are longer and the sun is stronger.

History of Imbolc

Historically, this was a time to honor the increasing sunlight and prepare for the coming growing season. Although winter still holds its harsh grip, the days are growing noticeably longer, and we see signs of the earth beginning to awaken. Farmers would bless their fields and livestock, symbolizing hope for a bountiful harvest to come. Our ancestors looked forward to Imbolc as a sign that the darkest days of winter were behind them. As the darkness began to give way to the light, they experienced a sense of hope and anticipation that the cold, dark winter season was coming to an end.

Imbolc the day the earth begins to awaken

On this day, the earth stirs from its slumber, and the first signs of spring begin to emerge. Imbolc means we see the gradual return of warmth and light, the stirring of life in the natural world, and a sense of rejuvenation that permeates both the earth and our own spirits and bodies. This energy brings a palpable sense of anticipation and renewal as nature prepares to burst forth with life once more. Even though there may still be snow on the ground where you are, even if it’s freezing cold outside, we are beginning to feel the very earliest hints of spring rising in our spirits. After months of turning inward, of hibernation & of rest, life is beginning to stir again. The Earth is beginning to reawaken after her Winter slumber.

Imbolc a day of fertile manifestation

The dormant earth starts to awaken, and we sense a surge of potential and possibility in the air. It’s a time for new beginnings, for setting intentions, and for sowing the seeds of our dreams. Imbolc gives you a chance to reflect on your own life and how you want to grow in the coming year. Now is a time to honor the potential waiting within you as well. It’s the spark of an idea or a dream waiting to come true. Let your creativity and imagination help manifest these dreams!

Brigid the Irish goddess of Imbolc; who is she?.

A Goddess in Irish tradition, Brigid is one of the most well-known because, she is the Goddess of fertility and spring. To many she is also known as the Great Mother Goddess of Ireland, and to Christians as a Saint Brigid. With this energy, Brigid brings the remembrance of our Oneness and of the Eternal Essence of the Divine Feminine. She is the daughter of the Celtic God Dagda, a Fae leader of the Tuatha dè Danann.She’s often depicted with fiery hair and a sunbeam cloak. She was born at sunrise with rays of sunlight radiating around her head. She is associated with many things; Poetry, Healing, Midwinter/Imbolc, Flames/fire, Fertility, and Motherhood.

Brigid is considered a Triple Goddess, yet many references distinguish Brigit differently than the traditional Triple Goddess aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone. Rather Brigid is frequently referenced having three sister selves with three distinct roles, Lady of Healing Waters, Goddess of the Sacred Flame and Goddess of the Fertile Earth.

Other names she goes by

Brigid is also known as Brigit or Bríg

  • The Bright One
  • Fiery Arrow
  • The Powerful One
  • The High One
  • Great Mother Goddess of Ireland
  • Lady of the Sacred Flame
  • Eternal Flame of Life
  • Flame of Inspiration
  • The Mistress of the Mantle

Cailleach, the Goddess of Winter, heads out to gather wood

On Imbolc, Cailleach, the Goddess of Winter, heads out into the world to gather firewood to keep her warm for the rest of winter. If the weather is bright and sunny, Cailleach is out gathering the wood and will be able to gather enough to make winter last a good bit longer. However, if the weather is bad and cold, Cailleach is still asleep and will soon run out of firewood, and spring will come sooner.

Cailleach is often depicted as a powerful, crone-like figure who embodies the harshness and stillness of winter. When she appears to me she also has a blue aurora about her, and her mythical staff in hand. As the guardian of the cold, she is said to control the storms, the winds, and the snow that blanket the earth during the winter months. She is a symbol of death and decay but also of transformation and the wisdom that comes with age and experience. While Brigid heralds the coming of spring and new life, Cailleach represents the slowing down and rest that winter brings, urging us to pause and reflect. On Imbolc, Cailleach’s presence is especially poignant as it marks the shift from the deep, inward-focused energies of winter toward the budding life of spring. Cailleach holds the power to either prolong winter or usher in the first signs of spring, depending on whether she decides to create a fierce storm or allow the warmth to return.

Cailleach is a goddess that until this year I had only read about and had not worked with. This is for many reasons but, the main one being I hate winter. Well, now it’s hated. since I have been able to walk alongside her in the winter wonderland that is the Minnesota woods this year. This winter I have listened to her call from the woods to come and join her time and time again. Each time she was able to help me heal a layer of trauma, let go of parts of me that need to rest, and remember the strength found in the resilience of winter. This Winter has shown me that Cailleach teaches us that winter’s resilience and silence is just as important as the energy of growth. Her winter reign creates the space needed for rebirth and growth, teaching that sometimes we must go through periods of stillness, darkness, and challenge before we can emerge into the light. If you want to learn more about her check out the anthology that is within the Dark Goddess Collective I am apart of.

Common traditions for Imbolc

Most traditions observed around Midwinter are focused on awakening Nature from its sleep and dormancy and the coming fertility of spring. Honor Imbolc by including traditions connecting you to the rhythms of Nature. Let’s take a look at some of the many but, certainly not all, of the ancient traditions associated with Imbolc. Listen to your intuition and celebrate Imbolc in whatever way calls to you.

Use milk and dairy as an offering to Brigid or in your spell workings

Traditionally milk and dairy are included in meals. This is an easy way to work ancient traditions into your modern Imbolc rituals. Leave a glass of milk as a offering to Brigid or your spirits at the table or on your altar. When you have your Imbolc feast make a dish that features cheese, cream, or milk. Lastly, you could use milk in spells or rituals. Some of my favorites are adding it to ritual baths for fertility and purification or in abundance spells.

Lighting a fire in your hearth

As a fire festival, Imbolc symbolizes the return of light after the dark days of winter. The hearth fire was central to celebrations, representing warmth, protection, and the growing power of the sun. Fire is also used to purify and protect and is an Imbolc symbol for these reasons. In addition, fire is an element sacred to the goddess Brigid and employed to honor her on her sacred day.

Making a Brigid cross or dollie

The Brigid’s cross is a four-armed cross constructed of reeds. It is traditionally made fresh every year and hung above the front door for protection. This has become one of the most popular symbols of Imbolc.

Bless your seeds to plant this coming spring

Now is the traditional time to bless the seeds for the coming planting season. I f you already purchased seeds for spring, leave them on the altar on the night of Imbolc to charge with positive energy for fertility for planting in the spring.

Cleansing and purification rituals
Imbolc is also a time of purification and cleansing after the festivities of Yule. Cleansing rituals are common at Imbolc as a way of sweeping away the dense and dark energy of winter. To usher in the joy and hope of Spring.

Magical themes of Imbolc

Every season and every pagan holiday has certain concepts and magical themes. Which means, depending on your tradition and needs, you can weave one or more of these themes into your personal celebrations. This festival on the wheel perform spells to harness the energies of winter, spring, fertility, awakening, growth, manifestation, and renewal. This is also a time to reflect on the past year, but in a way to be present. To truly let go of the things that no longer serve you. This festival is reminder to harness the last bit of the reflection power of winter as Spring begins to awaken for the planting soon just ahead. On Imbolc, we see the following magical rituals and spells below as well. Remember these are just some of the themes and energies you can connect to and work with on Imbolc.

  • Creativity
  • Awakenings
  • Fresh Beginnings
  • Renewal
  • Healing
  • Introspection
  • Resilience
  • Patience
  • Self-Care
  • The Sun
  • Potential
  • purification
  • abundance
  • reflection
  • light
  • Manifestation
  • Fertility
  • Last half of winter
  • beginning of Spring
  • hope
  • Home and hearth
  • Joy
  • quickening
  • Inspiration
  • new life

Imbolc and duality

Since, I am a grey witch I look for the duality in every single energy I work with including sacred times like Imbolc. The duality of Imbolc is as deep as it’s fertile energy. That is because, this is the transition period aka a liminal period between the harsh winter and the warming, new life of spring. Imbolc is that moment between what was and what’s still to come – a time to pause, reflect, and let the first seeds of hope take root. It’s not about rushing forward or forcing change but gently preparing ourselves for what’s next. Imbolc is a festival that celebrates the duality of light and dark, and the need for in our life. It’s reminds us of the wisdom found in the reflection and introspection of winter and the spark of hope and creativity in the light of spring. It’s a time to honor the cyclical nature of life and rebirth.

Correspondences for Imbolc

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy, the zodiac energy the moon is currently or for A holiday or sacred time like Imbolc. I will list below for you to use. Remember this is not an all encompassing list and there may be other correspondences to use. Just follow your intuition and use what calls to you.

  • Planet-the sun
  • Animal-bears, deer, sheep, lark, swan, cow, wolves, groundhog
  • Element-fire
  • symbol- Brigids cross, Candle Flame or Light, Besom/Broom, snake/ serpent, Sheep, Flowing water and springs, snowflakes, white flowers, seeds
  • colors-White: represents the Snow and milk, Green: represents the newly emerging earth and the green of Brigid’s mantle, Pink: symbolizes the female reproductive system, Orange and red: represent Brigid’s sacred fire, Pastel Spring colors, you can also use silver
  • Herbs/flowers-acorns, evergreen, basil. bay leaves, chamomile, jasmine, rosemary, lavender, Snowdrops (one of the first flowers to blossom), Cinnamon, Cedar, Juniper, Dandelion
  • Stones/ crystals-amethyst, moonstone, ruby, garnet, bloodstone, onyx, turquoise
  • Deities-Brigid, Hestia, Epona, and other fertility or hearth-related deities
  • Food/drinks-grains, dairy, milk, oats, butter, seeds, or bread, Root vegetables, Dried fruits, Stews, Mead, Fermented foods, Cider, Herbal tea. Canned foods, Pancakes

How to celebrate Imbolc

However you choose to work with the Imbolc magic and energies make sure to follow your intuition where it leads you. Make sure you tap into the energies of abundance, renewal, manifestation, and awakening from the slumber of winter. In your everyday life, you can work with any affirmations, mantras, and visualization work for abundance, new beginnings, endings, renewal, awakening, fertility, and Spring. Let’s take a look at some of the many different ways you can magically work with the energy of Imbolc.

Light candles in your home on Imbolc eve

Lighting candles during Imbolc rituals symbolizes the awakening of the earth from its dormant state and the emergence of new possibilities. The illumination serves as a beacon of hope, guiding individuals through the last throes of winter toward the light-filled days of spring. Don’t forget to set an intention with each candle you light, focusing on renewal and new beginnings.

Cleanse, purify, and clean your home or space
Imbolc is an excellent time for a thorough physical and energetic cleansing. Perform a symbolic “spring cleaning” by decluttering or tidying your home. Sweep your home to remove stagnant energy, smudge with rosemary or sage, and open the windows to invite fresh air and light.

Honor Brigid by creating poetry or art and giving it to her as an offering

Brigid’s connection to poetry and craftsmanship makes Imbolc an excellent time to engage in creative pursuits. Write a poem, craft a piece of jewelry, or work on a project that sparks joy and expresses your unique voice. Dedicate your work to Brigid and ask for her blessings of inspiration and skill.

Other ways to celebrate Imbolc

  • Make a Brigid Cross. Crafting a Brigid’s Cross from straw or wheat is a traditional Imbolc activity. Place it above your door or hearth for protection and blessings throughout the year.
  • Set up an Imbolc altar with symbolic items like candles, flowers (like snowdrops), and representations of Brigid
  • visit a dairy farm if possible
  • Light a candle in each room after sunset to honor the suns rebirth
  • take a mindful walk in nature; notice all of the early new growth
  • Give an offering of milk to the earth
  • honor Brigid
  • cleanse and purify your home and personal spaces
  • charge new tools to use for the spring season
  • Go and meditate or reflect as you touch a frozen waterway, Feel the energy just pulsating under the surface
  • Add a cup or bowl of fresh water to your altar or by the front door
  • Plant seeds and place them on your windowsill inside or in a greenhouse to begin their growth before moving them to their outside home later
  • Make snow cakes
  • Reflect on goals set during Yule and check in with your word of the year set on the new year
  • Have a bonfire or do elemental magic with fire
  • prepare and host an Imbolc feast
  • Visit a spring or steam and make an offering. Brigid whose life giving waters are said to flow from springs and holy wells . You can make a flower or pebble offering to her
  • Light a candle on Imbolc eve to meet Brigid in the liminal space
  • Make an ice lantern
  • candle magic
  • Take a ritual bath to cleanse and renew yourself. Don’t forget to add some self love to it as well. I have a self love ritual bath spell on my Pinterest here.
  • Make your own candles since it is also known as candlemas
  • Take a cleansing shower
  • Divination like fire scrying, water scrying
  • perform spells and rituals to bless and bring hope into your home and hearth
  • Use snow in your rituals for renewal, cleansing, purification
  • do release work and let go of the things that no longer serve you by burning them in a ritual fire
  • Do spells for growth, transformation, renewal, rebirth
  • Work with the lingering energy of the lunar new year
  • Work with herbs and start planning your garden
  • Harness the energy of fertility for manifestation work
  • Since this is a fire festival its a great time to use it passion in sex magic

Reflection questions for Imbolc

Remember how Imbolc is a liminal time. This is because it is a time when we are sitting on the edge of awakening and growth. Growth often begins in darkness and stillness like the essence and energy of winter we have been in and we are now beginning to awaken from. To celebrate Imbolc is to honor the bravery of new beginnings by going within and doing the reflective work needed to heal. One of the best ways to do this is through shadow work . During Imbolc, Shadow work focused on letting go of what no longer serves you, renewal, the return of the light, and awakening to the fertility of spring. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here;  you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here. Also don’t forget to head to the shop and register for my 6 month course on shadow work starting at the end of this month!

  • While you’ve been cooped up over the winter, what has been growing and stirring within you?
  • What brings sunshine and inspiration to your daily life? What brings you light? What can always be relied on to cheer you up?
  • How are you transforming during this season of new beginnings and transformation? What will be your fresh start this Imbolc?
  • Brigid is a very protective deity. If you could have protection from anything over the next year, what would it be?
  • How can you be more creative in your life? What things are inspiring your creativity right now? How do you like to express your creativity?
  • What do you need to let go that no longer serves you before the growing season?
  • Are there any old beliefs or habits that I need to let go of to truly grow and flourish this spring?
  • What tiny buds of new life are beginning to appear from those winter dreams? What new beginning are you experiencing?
  • What are the projects & plans you’d like to bring to life over the next few months?
  • How are you building wisdom in this season of your life? How can you nurture that growth this winter?
  • What areas of my life need be reborn the most with the return of the light?
  • Are there changes currently taking place in your life, or transitions you are experiencing that are making you feel out of balance or uncomfortable?
  • If you could start fresh and renew an acquaintance from your past life, with whom would you renew it? Reflect on your past relationship with this person.
  • What wisdom have you learned this Winter you want to take with you into Spring?
  • How will you transform (or contribute to transforming) your community or the world? How will you bring new life this Imbolc?
  • What are your favorite signs of spring and new growth as the earth is beginning to come to life? What are the things you look for in nature during this season?
  • What are you planting this year, in terms of your personal development? What are your plans for growth?
  • How have you been honoring and connecting to winter this season?
  • How do you wish to connect with the coming Spring?

Imbolc Wishing Ritual

Imbolc is a celebration of light and the first spark of spring. It is a whisper of warmer weather and an ember of hope in the darkness of winter. Which is why its a time of ripe fertile energy great to focus towards your manifestations and deepest wishes. Use this simple Imbolc wishing ritual below to create a potent vessel to help your deepest wishes come true with the blossoming energy of Spring.

How to preform spell

You can use either a box or a Jar. Take the vessel and decorate it with Imbolc and spring correspondences. Than take a sheet of paper (green if you can) And write out all your wishes for the coming year and/or season. You can also add rosemary and/or bay leaves into the box. Than take the paper and energetically seal it within your vessel while saying

“ As the sun begin its rebirth I gave my thanks back to mother earth. Embracing change, with the light of hope the seeds of the future I continue to sow.” Than Take the vessel and add it to your altar or leave it in a place you can see it often and come back to and charge yourself with its energy.

Burst of creativity ritual with Brigid on Imbolc

As you begin to awaken from your hibernation during winter, Imbolc is a time for reigniting our motivation and fertile creative energy. It’s a time to be willing to let go of the past ways of creating and feel into those fertile grounds that rest has nourished. Imbolc invites you to reflect on what fires up your soul creatively, what brings you back to your why, the thing that really fires your soul. Then dares you to have the courage to follow that spark and let a passionate inferno of creativity ignite in your soul. Use this ritual involving candle magic and the element of fire to call on Brigid to help you do just that.

What You’ll Need:
White candle (tealight or spell size is best)
Lighter
Carnelian


How to Cast the Spell:
Gather your supplies , pick your spot and get yourself into sacred container however works best for you. If you want to cast a circle you can do this now. Set your carnelian and your candle next to each other directly in front of you. Take the time now to focus on what the igniting passion of fire can light in your soul to create right now. Focus on the energy of fire lighting your creativity and bringing your project to life.
Next, Focus on your breath and when you feel ready on an inhale, light the candle then exhale. Then, recite this spell as you stare into the dancing hot flame now ignited, “candlelight, fire bright, burst through the darkness and stagnancy inside of me. I ask Brigid to lend me her fire of inspiration and creativity.” Close your eyes and repeat the prayer two more times. Visualize a small flame in your heart growing bigger and brighter. This is the fire of passion and creative ingenuity. Let it continue to grow in your mind’s eye as the candle burns down. When the candle is done burning, pick up the carnelian stone and carry it on you. Wear it daily and know that the fire of creativity is inside of that stone. Lending its energy to you. Now CREATE. Whatever that means to you: writing, content, arts and crafts, a new project at work, music, etc. etc.

Milk and Honey Prosperity Spell

A milk and honey prosperity spell is a magical ritual that uses milk and honey as its key ingredients to attract abundance and financial prosperity into your life. By drawing on the symbolism of nourishment and sweetness, essentially invoking a “land of milk and honey” into your life . Bringing you plenty of wealth, happiness, and well-being to you. With Imbolc being a festival and time of fertility and the coming abundance of spring and the return of light it’s a great time to do this spell. Learn how below.

Mix a small bowl of milk with a teaspoon of honey. You can personalize the spell by adding other ingredients that resonate with your personal goals (like cinnamon for motivation, or basil for business success)
Then take a deep breath and Stir your mixture clockwise while focusing on abundance and blessings. Make sure you focus on what it is you specifically want abundance of in your life and what it is you want to sweeten up your life.
Place the bowl on your altar as an offering to Brigid, or pour it into the earth as a sign of gratitude.

Final thoughts

These cold Mid-Winter days give us a moment to pause and notice the signs of life return. The days are beginning to lengthen, and we receive the first faint whispers of warmth. Imbolc is a reminder that Winter does not last forever. Earth’s magic is never idle, even when it appears to be sleeping. Imbolc really is a special time of the year where the chill of winter begins to fade and the promise of spring peeks through. Just like the first flowers pushing through the snow, this is a chance to reconnect with ourselves and embrace the quiet energy of new beginnings. May the life stirring underground stir new dreams to life within you. May the flames of inspiration and passion be ignited in your soul this Imbolc/ Midwinter.

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Celebrate the midwinter with Imbolc

At Imbolc, the Earth is beginning to wake up and we celebrate the approaching return of spring. We are through the harshest, longest, and darkest part of the winter. We begin to prepare ourselves to awaken from a hibernation and time of reflection. We begin to reach for the light again as we open our eyes, stretch our limbs, and prepare to leave our places of safety to venture out into the wilderness again.

First, What is Imbolc?

Imbolc is a sabbat on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year but, is originally an ancient Celtic holiday celebrating the first signs of Spring. The word Imbolc is believed to mean either “ewe’s milk” or “in the belly”, which obviously refers to the birth of baby lambs around this time in Ireland and Scotland. In modern times, most of us don’t understand the harshness of Winter and what a brutal mistress she can be, that our ancestors endured. Not even me who lives in Minnesota. Our winter’s get quite harsh but, I still can’t understand their experience. So, at this time they were coming out of a period of brutal weather. They had endured the harshest part of the winter and their food stores were declining. So when the baby lambs were born around this time and their mother’s milk started flowing, it was a good day. The birth of new lambs and milk meant they’d have more food to last the rest of the Winter season.

In addition to celebrating rebirth, life, and replenishment, the Celtic goddess Brigid is honored on Imbolc and takes a central role. This is because, another name for Imbolc is Brigid’s Day. I am going to talk about her more below so just keep reading if you want to learn why she is so important.

When is Imbolc celebrated?

Imbolc is celebrated annually on February 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and August 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. There are many traditions and practices sacred to this day including making Brigid’s crosses, feasting on Imbolc foods, and making magic.

Brigid the Irish goddess of Imbolc; who is she?.

A Goddess in Irish tradition, Brigid is one of the most well-known because, she is the Goddess of fertility and spring. To many she is known as the Great Mother Goddess of Ireland, and to Christians as a Saint Brigid. With this energy, Brigid brings the remembrance of our Oneness and of the Eternal Essence of the Divine Feminine. She is associated with many things; Poetry, Healing, Midwinter/Imbolc, Flames/fire, Fertility, and Motherhood.

Brigid is considered a Triple Goddess, yet many references distinguish Brigit differently than the traditional Triple Goddess aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone. Rather Brigid is frequently referenced having three sister selves with three distinct roles, Lady of Healing Waters, Goddess of the Sacred Flame and Goddess of the Fertile Earth.

Other names she goes by

Brigid is also known as Brigit or Bríg

  • The Bright One
  • Fiery Arrow
  • The Powerful One
  • The High One
  • Great Mother Goddess of Ireland
  • Lady of the Sacred Flame
  • Eternal Flame of Life
  • Flame of Inspiration
  • The Mistress of the Mantle

Imbolc Magical and Spiritual Themes

Every season and every pagan holiday has certain concepts and magical themes. Which means, depending on your tradition and needs, you can weave one or more of these themes into your personal celebrations. On Imbolc, also called Brigid’s Day, we see the following magical rituals and spells

  • Purification
  • Protection
  • Love
  • Fire and Water
  • Awakening
  • Rebirth
  • Honoring the goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid
  • Prosperity
  • Healing

Imbolc Correspondences

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy, the zodiac energy the moon is currently or for A holiday or sacred time like Imbolc. I will list below for you to use. Remember this is not an all encompassing list and there may be other correspondences to use. Just follow your intuition and use what calls to you.

Colors

White: represents the Snow and milk
Green: represents the newly emerging earth and the green of Brigid’s mantle
Pink: symbolizes the female reproductive system
Orange and red: represent Brigid’s sacred fire
Pastel Spring colors

Food and decorations-acorn, bears, deer, Brigids cross, evergreens, grains, dairy, milk

crystals- amethyst, moonstone, ruby, garnet, bloodstone, onyx, turquoise,

Herbs/ flowers- basil. bay leaves, chamomile, jasmine, rosemary, lavendar

Spell workings-
Make a Brigid Cross
Create an Imbolc Altar
Give an offering of milk to the earth
honor Brigid
charge new tools for the year
Reflect on goals set during Yule
Have a bonfire
Light a candle on Imbolc eve to meet Brigid in the liminal space
Take a cleansing and purifying bath or shower

Divination-fire scrying

Scrying by Candleflame

Since Imbolc is a holiday that honors Brigid and her sacred fire, why not try your eye at fire scrying? If you have the ability to have a bonfire, then go for it! If not, a simple candle will do the trick. But keep in mind, a roaring fire outside will have different results from a small flame inside. You could even try both. This form of scrying is as simple as watching the flames and allowing pictures to form. This can be literally in the fire OR images that flash into your mind.

How do I celebrate and honor this sacred day?

Imbolc, also called St. Brigid’s Day, is an ancient Celtic holiday celebrated annually on February 1st. It’s a time when Winter starts to fade and the first signs of Spring pop up to remind us life will blossom again soon. But how do we celebrate Imbolc in our own modern way? Below you will find out some ways you can do this in your own life and practice.

Imbolc wishing ritual

You can use either a box or a Jar

Take the vessel and decorate it with Imbolc and spring correspondences.

Than take a sheet of paper (green if you can) And write out all your wishes for the coming year and/or season. You can also add rosemary and/or bay leaves into the box.

Than take the paper and energetically seal it within your vessel while saying

“ As the sun begin its rebirth I gave my thanks back to mother earth. Embracing change, with the light of hope the seeds of the future I continue to sow.”

Than Take the vessel and add it to your altar or leave it in a place you can see it often and come back to and charge yourself with its energy

Imbolc Spell jar

I love, love, love spell jars! They have so much power and energy packed into such a small space. You get to decide the energy and intention that is sealed off in there for you to be able to come back to whenever you need to recharge with it.

Some things to make sure when you create this spell jar, make sure wash and cleanse the jar before you use it. You can also charge it under the moon and at your altar prior to using it. Before you add each item to the jar make sure to you have created a sacred space, and set your intention energetically.

Once you add the items you can say any incantation, intention, manifestation, or spell while energetically sealing the jar. You can also as a bonus seal it with wax on top and/or sigils. For a more detailed look at how to create spell jars and the simple beauty of their power look at for a new blog post coming soon.

Imbolc Shadow work

Every single holiday and celebration brings it’s own special energy with it and with that comes specific shadow work themes and prompts to work with while in the sacred liminal space of that specific sacred day.

What is shadow work? In case you don’t know.

Shadow work is necessary if you wish to grow spiritually and personally. It will help you better understand yourself, your traumas, and the old wounds you are carrying. Not to mention, help you better understand other people.

The idea of shadow work is to bring your dark sides out into the light and learn to accept and love them. There are different exercises and activities to help explore those aspects of yourself, but you must first acknowledge your shadow.

Everyone has a shadow self. The shadow gets developed in our childhood from our ego while adapting to social norms. We learn to change and adapt our behavior in a way that is acceptable in society. But along the way, we also bury an authentic part of ourselves, our shadow side.

If you want to learn more about this topic check out my FREE youtube class With divination academy and study guide linked here; https://youtu.be/lhPItS33eu4?si=UbdnoUDghlmy5bbz, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dkXzYdb6HAbfJCgkfcdaR0cifj12D5A0/view?usp=sharing

Imbolic spell using Brigid’s fire of creativity

What You’ll Need:
White candle (tealight or spell size is best)
Lighter
Carnelian: small chunk or pendant
How to Cast the Spell:
Gather your supplies. Set the mood with music, incense, etc.
Set your carnelian chunk or pendant close to the candle.
Get into a relaxed state, light the candle and say, “candlelight, fire bright, burst through the darkness and stagnancy inside of me. I ask Brigid to lend me her fire of inspiration and creativity.”
Close your eyes and repeat the prayer two more times. Visualize a small flame in your heart growing bigger and brighter. This is the fire of passion and creative ingenuity. Let it continue to grow in your mind’s eye as the candle burns down.
When the candle is done burning, pick up the carnelian stone and carry it on you. Wear it daily and know that the fire of creativity is inside of that stone. Lending its energy to you.
Now CREATE. Whatever that means to you: writing, arts and crafts, a new project at work, music, etc. etc.

However, you choose to celebrate this sacred day whether it’s honoring Brigid, pouring milk back into the earth, fire scrying, and so much more may this blessing be with you!

May the life stirring
underground stir new
dreams to life within you.
May the flames of inspiration and passion
be ignited in your soul this Imbolc/ Midwinter