Northern Hemisphere – February 1st – 2nd
Southern Hemisphere – August 1st – 2nd
Imbolc
Imbolc (also known as Imbolg) marks the midway point between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara). Imbolc is a Celtic festival traditionally celebrated from sunrise on 1 February to sunset on 2 February. The word ‘Imbolc’ comes from the Gaelic meaning “in the belly” which is thought to be a reference to ewes, which at this time of year would be heavily pregnant and about to give birth to their lambs. Imbolc is a festival of light, celebrating the promise of spring, which brings with it the lengthening of days, a time of nature awakening and the stirring of new life and possibility.
Dating back to pre-Christian times, Imbolc celebrations revolved around Brigid, the goddess of fire, who was evoked in fertility rites and oversaw poetry, crafts, and prophesy. Brigid was also associated with healing and herb craft so many plants sacred to her are used in observance of Imbolc. Christianity later incorporated Brigid into their teaching and it is thought that she became known as Saint Brigid. The festival of Imbolc was also incorporated by the Church and is known as Candlemas which is celebrated on the 2nd of February.
New life - planting the seeds of intention
Recently there has been a greater awareness of this seasonal celebration and its popularity has grown as people now see Imbolc as a way of getting in touch with nature again. As bulbs start to emerge from the ground, new buds appear on trees, and seeds take root under the earth, Imbolc is a time to reconnect to the world around us. It is a time to celebrate the returning of the light and make space for new beginnings in your life.
Some people see Imbolc as a part of an annual cleansing ritual as they start their spring cleaning around this time. It can be a time to remove clutter or debris from your life or an opportunity to recycle and repurpose those items you no longer need or use. Others see Imbolc as a time to commit to a new goal, to set in motion new ideas and bring new energy, inspiration, and creativity into their life.
Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, we are far removed from the climate and rural lifestyles of the people of ancient Europe where this festival originated. Due to the six month offset of the seasons between the northern and southern hemispheres many New Zealanders prefer to celebrate Imbolc when it is seasonally appropriate here, on the 1st or 2nd of August. It is the time of year when lambs are born, and daffodils pop up in abundance announcing the arrival of warmer weather and longer days after winter. With the approaching of spring, it is a time to let go of the past, embrace the present and set in motion new ideas and opportunities.
Herbs for Imbolc
There are a number of herbs used to celebrate Imbolc. The following are some herbs that are readily available in this part of the world and can be used to celebrate Imbolc.
Bay (Lauris nobilis) leaves have been used for centuries as a medicinal ingredient. The leaves can be infused to relieve indigestion, colic, and to stimulate appetite. The essential oil can be used to relieve muscular and rheumatic pains and when added to a bath, it stimulates the circulatory system. Bay leaves are associated with the sun, and are used for renewal, intuition, and protection. You can write down some intentions and place them in a jar with bay leaves as a reminder of what you want to manifest.
Blackberry (Rubus spp.) is best known for its sweet, black berries which are produced in summer however the plant has other uses as well. In spring, the roots and baby leaves are cleansing, nutritive and gently astringent. The leaves are high in tannins which tighten and soothe inflamed tissues. They can be combined with other antimicrobial herbs such as thyme or sage and used in a gargle for sore throats and bleeding gums. Frozen blackberries can be incorporated into an Imbolc feast by using them in recipes such blackberry and apple crumble or blackberry cheesecake.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is warming herb lending its heating qualities to cold conditions. In colds, flu, and sinus infections, it aids in the clearance of phlegm and induces sweating to clear a fever. Ginger stimulates digestion and the circulation, improving the supply of blood to the extremities, warming cold hands and feet and arthritic conditions. It can be used internally as a tea or externally as an infused oil.
Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) is commonly associated with Imbolc celebrations. Rosemary has long been regarded as a longevity herb, thought to strengthen the mind and body. Rosemary is a warming, tonic remedy that stimulates blood flow throughout the body, especially in those with low blood pressure. The main qualities of rosemary are stimulating and warming, with the aroma being uplifting to the mood. Rosemary is associated with fire and creativity. It is an excellent herb to use for cleansing, protection, or purification purposes. Add rosemary to your bath for renewal or incorporate rosemary into an Imbolc feast by adding it into recipes such as breads and scones. To improve concentration, burn several drops of rosemary essential oil in an oil burner.
Sweet violet (Viola odorata) has a long history of traditional medicinal use for both internal and external applications. The leaves contain soothing mucilage and have antiseptic properties. The leaves can be made into tea or syrup and used for treating coughs, colds, and sore throats. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, filled with vitamins and make a nutritious and colorful addition to spring salads. Sweet violets are commonly associated with love and rebirth.
Final thoughts on Imbolc
Regardless of your own spiritual practice, make sure to honour yourself and natures awakening by incorporating herbs into your life. Herbs can be infused for a warming and relaxing tea, burned as incense for their calming scent, added to a ritual cleansing bath or incorporated into recipes for their nutritional benefits. Herbs are uplifting for the body and soul.
Enjoy the return of the light!
