I chose to launch Lunar Cove at the first stirrings of Spring- partly for the reason that it’s Imbolc here in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time of fresh energy, new beginnings, rising energy and signals the days are getting longer. The first festival of the Gregorian new year, it’s a time to get outside, as the agricultural year starts a fresh. The Goddess that’s associated the most with this festival- Brighid, or Brigantia, is close to my heart. Inspiration given by her meant it seemed apt to launch on Imbolc too!
Below you’ll find a brief overview of Imbolc, what the festival is, more detail on who Brigantia is, as well as easy way that you can celebrate the festival and honour the Goddess!
What is Imbolc?
Imbolc is a Celtic festival to honour the first stirrings of Spring- it can be translated literally as “Ewe’s Milk” or “In the belly” referring to the start of the lambing season. It’s a time of quickening- life is returning to the trees and fields around us after the stillness of Winter, and with it the promise of life. It’s also one of the fire festivals that are spread out across the year. For me personally, it’s when I celebrate the quickening of life around me- welcoming light, warmth and life once more. I kickstart my Spring clean (which lasts until the Spring Equniox), set intentions for the year ahead, embrace my inner child and enjoy getting outside more frequently!
Imbolc is celebrated on the 1st February- which is also a day dedicated to St Brigid. It’s a time of renewal, of cleansing, of gratitude, of fire, of promise, of seeding our intentions and of planning.
Who is Brigantia?
Brigantia goes by many names. Brighid, Bridie, St Brigit, Bride are but a few. She is a Maiden Goddess of Fire, Creativity, Inspiration, Poetry, Healing and Smithwork. Her sacred animals are those we associate with Spring- ewes and their lambs, cows, swans, snakes.
Before the Roman occupation of Britain, the area of Yorkshire was home to the largest tribe in Britain- the Brigantes. Brigantia was the titular Goddess of this region and tribe. Not much is known about her- and what we have written down is the inscriptions on altar’s made when Septimus Severus- a Roman Emperor, made roots in Eboracum (now known as York) at a time when the influence of other cultures were also strong- figurines and shrines have been found for both Athena (Greek) and Minerva (Roman) within York- Brigantia can be equated to these other Goddesses for the themes that she carries.
Brigantia, in any form you choose to work with, is strongly connected with Imbolc, so now is the perfect time to honour her. Call on your maiden qualities to embody her and celebrate Imbolc!
Ways to Celebrate Imbolc.
If you’re looking for ways that you can celebrate the first stirrings of Spring, here are some ideas for you!
- Spring Cleaning – there’s no better way to bring in the Spring energies than having a Spring Clean- Lunar Cove is hosting it’s first 30 Day Free Spring Reset Challenge- if you’re wanting to dive deep into the themes of Spring Cleaning, you can find out more about that here.
- Dedication – you may want to dedicate your time, energy or self to the Goddess- but if this isn’t your cup of tea, you can instead dedicate yourself to set your intentions- now is the perfect time for goal setting and making an action plan.
- Spring Walks – take time to be out in nature and enjoy the subtle changes that are happening all around us- take a walk by yourself, with friends or your family, and seek out the signs of the first stirrings of Spring! Take your journal with you, or capture images to reflect on later.
- Visit a stream or water- Imbolc is traditionally a time for visiting sacred water sites, to both purify us and to wash us in creativity. Splash your face as you set your intentions whilst cleansing yourself with water.
- Sacred Bathing- as water is sacred to this festival (and Brigantia) you may also want to take a sacred bath- use bath milks, bath bombs or make your own to create a sacred space. Focus on your experiences over the darker months, shedding away the old to make room to grow- the water will carry away the old so you can step forward into Spring when the time is right.
- Spring Crafts- there are so many Spring crafts that you can do- try making a bridie doll, or Brighid’s cross, and if you’re looking for a craft to do with your little ones, try paper flower making or finger painting flower designs. Embrace your inner child and enjoy crafting for this season!
- Baking & Cooking – milk is key to this festival- so include it in your cooking and baking in all its forms! Buttermilk bread, baked brie, cheesecake and creamy based pasta are all great food ideas. Add a little spice to honour the firey aspect- think nutmeg on rice pudding, a bowl of chilli, and herbs like tumeric and ginger.
- Planting Seeds – with life returning outside, now may be the time to start sewing your seeds for the coming year- although it may need to be indoors if it’s still a little chilly where you live. Set your own intentions for the year to come, or dedicate your seeds to the Goddess. Watch your intentions flourish as you care for the seeds and watch them grow.
- Lighting Candles – Imbolc is a festival of lights and of fire- so when the sun sets, light some candles to welcome the light!
- Read or write poetry- do this in honour of Brigantia- she is the Goddess of poetry, afterall. Let those creative juices flow and see what comes out- you may just suprise yourself! It doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be beautiful.
Is there a specific way that you celebrate Imbolc? Let me know in the comments. Even if you just take a moment to see the sunlight and notice the green shoots around you, enjoy this sacred day!