Imbolc Rekindling the Flame

Blessed Imbolc, for all in the Northern Hemisphere. Imbolc is one of the eight sacred days of the pagan wheel of the year; it is what is often referred to as a "cross-quarter" day marking the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox.  

Historically, this day began as a Celtic celebration marking the very beginning of spring and a sign we survived the worst of the dark winter. Snow is likely still on the ground if you are in the northern reaches of the northern hemisphere, but deep in the belly of the earth and in ourselves the light of spring is stirring. From here the days are getting noticeable longer and the world is awakening with new life and rebirth.  

Snowdrops

In our modern world, a lot of people see the New Year as a time to make resolutions and changes to renew their world and lives. A more natural process would have these new beginnings happening now, at Imbolc, as the earth is awakening. With the support of the earth and the Goddess Brigid now is the perfect time to clear the way for the new growth of spring. Get rid of what is no longer serving you, put down what is not yours to carry, and kindle your inner flame.  

The ancient Celts, and many modern-day pagans, celebrate the Goddess Brigid (spellings can vary due to the oral traditions of the Celts) at Imbolc. Brigid is a triple mother goddess present all year, but today she shines bright. Brigid is a goddess of poetry, fertility, motherhood, inspiration, new beginnings, smithcraft and the hearth. She is a goddess we often turn towards to strengthen our own inner fire, seek protection, and heal and find inspiration. Brigid is often associated with flames, sacred wells, snowdrops and crocus, serpents, swans, dairy animals, sheep, and spring. 

In our ancient beginnings, as our agrarian ancestors prepared for the birth of lambs, the first ploughing, and the work of spring, they honored Brigid and the protection and healing she offers the world. Starting at Samhain, many hearth fires have been burning without end to see us safely through the cold and dark of winter. Today, as a sign of trust in the land and the Goddess, that sacred hearth fire would be extinguished. The ashes of the past would be cleared away, and the new fire of spring would be lit and blessed by Brigid. Today few homes rely on a continuous flame for heat and cooking, but this tradition is still a vital part of my year. Today I will light candles and cleanse my home and spirit of what I no longer need to burn a path both internally and externally for new growth. Brigid covers the world on the night of Imbolc, and any cloth left out overnight will be blessed with her protection and healing for the coming year. 

Imbolc is not only a fire festival but has long been a feast day. Brigid and Imbolc are both heavily associated with milk and butter, bread, and beer or whiskey. Being a Celtic Pagan today I will make a creamy colcannon soup with fresh homemade bread (recipes below). I will leave offerings on my altar of cream and whiskey. I will place fresh flowers in my home. I will work with divination and creativity, and I will begin looking towards the season of growth. What seeds do I want to plant physically and spiritually this coming spring? What needs to be removed before those seeds can grow and blossom? How can I kindle my own flame moving into this new season? The answers to the questions will be different for us all.  

Recipes for Imbolc 

(Note all recipes are made with measurements from the heart so adjust as needed) 

Simmer Pot 

 

This simmer pot will call in the renewal of the season and honor Brigid.  

Ingredients: 

Snow (or shaved ice) 

Lavender  

Peppermint  

Dandelion  

Lemon  

Chamomile  

Melt snow and herbs in a simmer pot on low heat throughout the day.  

Colcannon Soup 

Ingredients:

1/2 onion diced  

Minced Garlic measured with your heart 

1 cup Bacon pieces  

5 (or more) peeled and diced potatoes  

2 cups chopped/shredded cabbage  

Vegetable broth  

Heavy cream  

Basil 

Rosemary  

Oregano  

Sage  

Smoked Paprika  

Butter 

Chop and dice all vegetables. Caramelize onions, garlic, and bacon pieces with butter on medium heat. Add potatoes and cabbage. Cover with vegetable broth and heavy cream to preference. Add in spices and simmer until the potatoes are soft. Using an immersion blender to desired consistency. Serve with warm bread and enjoy. 

May the Goddess bless you and your home today. The light is returning and in these trying times we all need some hope to cling to.