Rituals & Raiments

Hello and welcome to my first Paganism Deep Dive! We’ll be starting by learning about the Sabbats. First up: Imbolc, celebrated Feb 1-2, marking the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Please join me in learning about the history, traditions, and symbolism of Imbolc.

The History

Imbolc originated in pre-Christian Ireland, the earliest mentions dating back to the 10th century. Festivals were held celebrating Brigid, a goddess often called upon for fertility rituals and oversees poetry, crafts, and prophecy. She’s also associated with healing, fire, and protection. Imbolc also celebrates the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, bringing warmer days and harvest. Traditionally, the timing aligns with the breeding cycle of sheep and the beginning of lactation.

Celebrations

In pre-Christian times, the night before Feb. 1st, dolls were made from oats and rushes in Brigid’s honor, clothed in dresses, and left overnight in a basket. This was a way to welcome her into the home. It’s still a fun way to start your celebrations. After sunset, light a candle or turn on a lamp in each room of your home. If you can, leave on all night to welcome Brigid. The day of, planting seeds can be a nice way to nurture your intentions for the year. If you set an intention for Yule, stick with the same intention now, if not, set one as you’re planting your seeds. Repeat this intention every time you water your plant. It is also a great time for initiations, be that into a coven or the initiation or your intentions, and for rededications.

As Imbolc celebrates the coming abundance that spring brings, food is an important part. Feasts are held on the day of, heavy on the dairy. Milk, cheese, and butter (sometimes hand churned on the day of) are musts, bonus points if you can get sheep varieties. Oatcakes are baked the day of, and milk is left out for Brigid. Bannock, a traditional Scottish skillet bread, is super yummy and a great addition to your feast! Cooking with early greens such as wild garlic also embodies the spirit of Imbolc. A popular addition is the Irish dish, Colcannon, made with potatoes and early greens.

Colors & Symbols

For your altar and ritual spaces, burn incense, myrrh, frankincense, and musk. Energizing scents like basil, rosemary, and cinnamon are also great. A blue tablecloth to represent flowing water, or fiery colors to represent Brigid make a good foundation. Include white, red, and orange candles, sun symbols, crystals with solar associations like, citrine, garnet, amber, and sandstone, and triple goddess symbols are perfect additions. If you keep flowers, add in snowdrops and daffodils. Wool and sheep figurines represent the early startings of the sabbat. If you can, a small tabletop fountain also makes a great addition.

Have fun celebrating, and click here to see my Pinterest board with recipes, altar inspo, and educational articles!