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Sabbats: Imbolg

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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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Sabbats: Yule

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yule

Yule is on the winter solstice.  It is probably the most iconic and most celebrated Pagan holiday.  It you look at modern Christmas celebrations and take out all of the God and Jesus references, you’ll pretty much be left with Yule.  In fact, in most Scandinavian countries, Christmas is still called Jul (pronounced Yule). Here is a list of things that are traditionally celebrated during Yule:Holly-wreath1

  • The longest night of the year
  • Rebirth
  • Starting over
  • Welcoming back the sun (the morning after)
  • Having enough food to get through the winter months

 

Here are some ways it can be celebrated culturally:yulelog

  • Create and light a Yule log
  • Decorate your altar or home with evergreens
  • Baking
  • Making resolutions
  • Ringing bells
  • Singing carols
  • Giving gifts
  • Giving to and helping the less fortunate
  • Spending time with family
  • Cooking or eating a feast.
  • Staying up all night
  • Ring in the dawn with bells
  • Go wassailing (responsibly, please)
  • Decorate a Yule tree

Some ritual ideas for Yule are:

  • Meditation
  • Inner work
  • New beginnings
  • Dedicating oneself to a path or course of study
  • Welcoming back the sun
  • Cleansing
  • Snow magic
  • Anything you want to manifest in the coming year

Some other notable celebrations at this time of year.

Jolabokaflod – On the evening of December 24th in Iceland, people give gifts of a book, chocolate, and pajamas.  They spend the evening in bed, reading, and eating chocolate.

Twelfth Night – On the 12th night after Yule there used to be a big feast.  Today this usually corresponds with New Years.

How do you celebrate Yule?

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