Sabbats: Imbolg

Imbolg (pronounced phonetically) is also referred to as Imbolc. It is a mid-winter holiday celebrated on February 1-2 in the northern hemisphere or August 1-2 in the southern hemisphere.  It seems to be the least practiced and least understood of the sabbats.  Imbolg celebrates the following:imbolg 2

  • halfway point through the winter
  • the sun starting to return
  • ewes and goats starting to produce milk again
  • some signs of spring returning (depending on where you live)
  • some people call it Brigid’s Day and honor her

Here are some ways that I and other people I know celebrate this holiday culturally:

  • lighting candlesimbolg 1
  • clean your home
  • cleanse your home
  • do guided meditations
  • do inner work
  • make crafts
  • unplug all electronics for the day
  • light your home by candlelight for the night
  • make and eat foods made with milk and dairy products
  • read books to improve your spiritual knowledge
  • feed animals who might be struggling through the winter
  • take a walk in the snow (if your locale permits)
  • create a corn dolly
  • create a protective sigil
  • de-clutter your home

Here are some ideas for Imbolg rituals:

  • Call for the return of the sun
  • Bless holiday-appropriate foods and eat them
  • Meditation
  • Inner work
  • Honor the Goddess Brigid
  • Cleanse your ritual tools
  • Protection spells

Please remember that your celebration and ritual can be as simple or complex as you want and have time for. How do you celebrate Imbolg?

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