The Pagan New Year - Imbolc
For all those who follow the sabbats, or seasonal celebrations, you may well have heard of Imbolc. It's the first celebration of the year and is widely considered the Pagan New Year. It is the half way point between the winter solstice, and the spring equinox, (Yule and Ostara if you prefer) and is celebrated on the 1st of February.
Imbolc is strongly associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid, who is known for chasing away the winter and welcoming in the start of spring along with the warmth of the sun. She also heavily associated with fertility, learning, poetry and healing.
( An Image of Brigid, Sourced from Google)
It is a time when farmers start to plan for the year ahead, and it would often involve rituals that ensure a bountiful harvest come autumn.
Traditionally in Ireland people would visit the many sacred wells that can still be found around the countryside. They were believed to have healing properties and acted as portals between the realms. These wells were an important part of many rituals and ceremonies throughout the year.
(An image of on of the wells in Ireland, sourced from google)
Aside from this there are many other ways people celebrate Imbolc, one of the most popular is to make a Brigid's Cross, these were traditionally woven from reeds, or rushes. In more modern times people have used craft straws depending on what they have available. These crosses were then hung above doors and windows to protect against illness and evil spirits. Food and drink would be left out as an offering to Brigid along with items of clothes, or belongings in the hope that she would bless them.
(An image of a Brigid's Cross sourced from google)
Other more subtle ways to celebrate include lighting white candles, the fire representing the return of the sun and its warmth and energy. Or by bringing in white flowers (typically snowdrops as they are the flower most commonly associated with Imbolc) or even wearing white, as it symbolises hope and cleansing.
As we look forward towards spring, with the warmer weather and colourful flowers it is often seen as a time to plan for the year ahead, apply new skills you've learnt, or focus on goals and what you want to achieve from the year ahead, whether that's magically or practically. Personally we are going to be refreshing our money bowl, to ensure our finances stay stable in these uncertain times, and to protect us from bad luck and misfortune. We will also be lighting candles and looking forward to warmer weather and longer days. As someone who carries crystals and loves to have crystals on my alter, I highly recommend carrying citrine, (a joyful stone that represents the sun and all things positive) moss agate, ( helps to connect with nature and is associated with mother earth and all things green and natural) and aventurine (a lucky stone known to bring opportunity and is an excellent stone for manifesting your goals and drams)
We will be posting things across our social medias, and we would love to hear how you celebrate Imbolc, and whether you have any traditions I haven't mentioned here. Hope you all have a wonderful time and I'll try not to leave it too long this time before the next posting.
Bye for now and Blessed Be