Imbolc, the re-awakening of spring, is celebrated on the night of February 1 to February 2.

This festival marks the awakening of nature in winter. The unseen seeds under the white layers of snow are waiting to be finally greeted by the light and warmth of the Sun.

And just like the seeds that are waiting to break through the still frozen soil of the earth to greet us in spring with beautiful colors, we are waiting to greet these fragile little buds and sprouts, too. Because they mark a fresh new start. They mark the time of spending more time outside again rather than staying inside. Just like the flowers and the animals, we are called outside once again.

The days are getting noticeably longer. And even though it is still cold, the sky shows itself in the most magnificent blue more often now. So this festival really is all about the returning of the light and cleansing old energies. This festival is inviting us to cleanse and clear our homes and our minds.

Our ancestors (when there was no artificial light) were spending most of winter in darkness inside their homes and I’m sure they could not wait to let the darkness behind them and invite the sunlight back into their lifes in spring, spending their days outside while listening to the sounds of nature.

So Imbolc was marking the light at the end of the tunnel. It was a turning point. On this day, Winter has been driven out of the houses and Spring was finally invited.

Simple Ritual & DIY Ideas to celebrate Imbolc

Give your home a good cleanse
Make an Imbolc Altar
Dress a candle
Work with the Goddess Brigid
Cleansing Ritual Bath

Cleansing your home

Ever heard of the spring cleansing (in German Frühlingsputz)? When you know about the history of Imbolc it makes sense that many cultures have traditional cleansing rituals of the home around that time of the year. Getting rid of everything that no longer serves you and that is just sitting around, collecting dust and therefore represents stuck energy. Now is the time for a fresh wind that is sweeping through your house, making space for all the new ideas and all the new beginnings in your life. Declutter and give away things that you no longer need! Clean every corner of your rooms, under your sofas or any other furniture. While cleaning - open all of your windows to really let the wind swirl everything up and take it out through your windows. If it is too cold or you cannot do so, you can also simply open one of your windows but you want that energy to swirl up and get out of your home.

I also love to use essential oils for my cleaning because I love to surround myself with the enchanting smell of lavender, rosmary or peppermint in my home (be careful as they can cause allergic reactions).

You could also make a natural cleansing product (watch my YouTube video to find out how). The best part about that is that you can infuse it with your intentions like new ideas & opportunities, a fresh new start in any area of your life or anything you connect to Imbolc can be put into your cleansing product. You can also make a spell that you speak while making the cleansing product to give it even more power.

Now your home is ready to welcome the fresh new energies of Spring.

Make an Imbolc Altar

The festivals of the wheel of the year always mark the perfect time to redecorate your Altars and to invite the current energy that is present in nature into your life. That means putting away any old Yule decorations and everything that is symbolizing stagnation and withdrawal and winter in general. Dried flowers, pine cones and dried oranges can go. ;)

Fresh flowers, colors of spring, a colorful candle and everything that symbolizes blossoming and awakening for you may be on your Imbolc Altar.

Imbolc is not only representing the awakening of the light in nature, but also in ourselves. The awakening of new ideas, new intentions and new creativity for the upcoming months.

Dress a candle

Imbolc is the perfect day to do some candle magic using organic candles that are dressed in oils. For colors think of spring and use candles that represent the fresh colors of flowers and sprouts. To me these colors are a soft Green, White, Purple, a bright Yellow or a soft Blue.

How to dress your candle

First clean your candle with salt water. For this you can use any soft cloth made from a natural material, such as linen, wool or cotton. Sweep the energies away from you by cleaning your candle towards the wick. By that, you make sure that all clinging energies are being removed. This is especially important if you bought the candle.
Engrave your candle with your intention - the purpose of the ritual.
You can engrave short sentences (if possible), words, symbols or sigils into your candle. Symbols for Imbolc could be spring flowers, a fire that could symbolize your inner passion ready to be awakened, seeds, a broom, chalice or cauldron, the Brigid Cross or the Triscel, or whatever is calling out to you. To give your candle ritual even more magick, let the fire help you burn your intention. So you want to write from the wick towards the bottom of the candle (write downwards to release & upwards to attract). The fire then writes your letters word for word.
Now dress your candle in oil (I usually love to use lavender oil). You can use a cloth or your fingers to rub the oil from the end of the candle towards the wick.
Now your candle is ready to be used. Sit with your candle as long as possible. I love to use small candles because that way I make sure to sit with the candle until it is completely burned. And after that, know that your intention was sent out.

Work with the Goddess Brigid

If you like to work with deities on these festivals you can call upon Brigid, a powerful Goddess. She is connected to Imbolc and also known as the Goddess of Light. Light, fire and blacksmith art are associated with Brigid. She will be delighted by the flame of a candle, as she is closely connected to fire. You can invite her and work with her in your practice or set up an Altar for her if you feel called to do so. Tell Brigid about all the things you are ready to receive and ask her for her support for your plans. Do more research about Brigid, if you feel this nudge inside of you. If this is not calling out to you, you of course don’t have to work with this deity.

Make a cleansing bath ritual

After cleansing your home you can make some time for yourself to do a cleansing ritual bath on Imbolc. Use candles, crystals and herbs to bring this magical day to an end.

⬇️ Watch my full Witch’s Guide on YouTube ⬇️

I hope you enjoyed this witchy guide to Samhain! I hope it can help you to understand the energy behind this Sabbath a little bit more.

And let me know which idea you liked the most and how you will celebrate Imbolc this year!

All my love,
Bebea

How to Celebrate Imbolc