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It’s that time of year! Let’s learn how to celebrate Imbolc!
We celebrate Wiccan sabbats, or holidays, on eight occasions throughout the year. Imbolc is a sabbat falling within the month of February. It is known as the first day of spring in the Wheel of the Year.
You can celebrate Imbolc in many ways! Imbolc is a time for new beginnings, so clean your home and do cleansing rituals to purify the mind and body. Perform rituals to honor Brigid, bid farewell to winter, welcome the return of spring with candles.
In this article, we will explain more in depth about the Wiccan sabbats, in particular the sabbat of Imbolc. We’ll discuss what it is and how to celebrate Imbolc!
Wheel of the Year
Each sabbat represents a spoke in the Wheel of the Year
which is the Wiccan yearly cycle. Both the Wheel of the Year and its sabbats are rooted in storied pagan traditions.
Each sabbat falls on a seasonal marker based on the positions of the moon and sun.
To talk about the passing of time, Wiccans refer to the turning of the Wheel. The occurrence of sabbats, and the turning of the wheel, are used to stay in tune with the Earth’s natural rhythms.
They allow us to reflect on the cycle of life, and express gratitude to the God and Goddess.
The eight sabbats are Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, and Mabon.
Celebrating Sabbats
You can easily participate in these storied holidays and become at one with the Earth.
Sabbats can certainly be celebrated alone, especially if you are a solitary practitioner. There are many rituals which can be done by yourself, introspection you can perform, and ways you can adorn your altar at home.
Sabbats can also be celebrated as a group. This can your coven or with fellow witches. However it can also be celebrated with friends and family who are not Wiccan.
For example, if you’d like to celebrate the harvest by feasting and showing gratitude, what better way to do that then to assemble some close friends and family!
Even non-Wiccans like to feast regardless of the reason! So for those solitaries whose family doesn’t know that they’re Wiccan, this is a great way to avoid celebrating alone.
How to Celebrate Imbolc
Imbolc is a sabbat that occurs every year around February 1 to celebrate as the first day of spring on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year.
Imbolc is used by some Wiccans to welcome and honor Brigid, the Triple Goddess and the Celtic goddess of smiths, art, healing, crafts, and poetry.
On Imbolc, Brigid is just waking up from her wintertime slumber to soon bring light and love to us. As a result, Imbolc is also termed Brigid’s Day.
Imbolc is a time for new beginnings and purification, both inside and out, as we celebrate the promise of spring. More light will shine, warmth will come, new life will grow, and new opportunities will present themselves.
There are many ways to celebrate Imbolc!
Say Goodbye To Winter
Perform a winter farewell ritual.
Honour Brigid
Perform rituals to honour Brigid and asking for her guidance.
Welcome the Spring
Perform candle rituals to light up every room in your house after the sun goes down. The candles symbolize the return of spring after winter’s darkness.
Spring Cleaning
Clean up all aspects of your physical life starting with spring cleaning your home. Purify and sanctify your home totally. After all cleaning and cleansing is complete, bless your altar.
Cleansing
Imbolc is a time for fresh beginnings. Cast cleansing spells and do cleansing rituals. Clean your energy and purify your mind, heart, and spirit.
Prepare for the Future
Work on creative inspiration, planning, and initiation. Prepare for the coming light and growth of spring.
Merriment
Gather with friends and family. Feast and laugh with them.
Imbolc Correspondences
Color Correspondences
- White
- Red
- Pink
- Light Yellow
- Light Green
Herbal Correspondences
- Basil
- Rowan
- Wheat
- Cedar
Crystal Correspondences
- Turquoise
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
Deity Correspondences
- Brigid
- Cupid
- Vesta
- Eros
- Selene
- Gaia
- Athena
Animal Correspondences
- Swan
Magick Correspondences
- New beginnings
- Light and illumination
- Cleansing and fresh starts
- Hope
- Inspiration
Conclusion
I hope this has given you a good background on Wiccan sabbats, the sabbat of Imbolc, what it means, and how to celebrate it! Click below to get more helpful information about other Wiccan sabbats.
And for a wider overview of Wiccan sabbats, visit our comprehensive guide to the Wheel of the Year.
