Imbolc, February 2
Celebrate Imbolc on February 2 with crafts, feasting and rituals honoring the goddesses of hearth and home.
All About Imbolc
Here's where you'll find links to all kinds of articles on Imbolc -- rituals, history, crafts, recipes, and more!
Here's where you'll find links to all kinds of articles on Imbolc -- rituals, history, crafts, recipes, and more!
History of Imbolc
Imbolc is a celebration of many things to many people, but one thing is clear -- for folks in the Northern Hemisphere, it's the halfway point between the dark of winter and the beginning of spring. The Roman celebration of Lupercalia, which takes place around this same time, brings with it a purification theme, as does the Christian celebration of Candlemas. This festival of light is the perfect time to honor the gods or goddesses of your hearth and home.
Imbolc is a celebration of many things to many people, but one thing is clear -- for folks in the Northern Hemisphere, it's the halfway point between the dark of winter and the beginning of spring. The Roman celebration of Lupercalia, which takes place around this same time, brings with it a purification theme, as does the Christian celebration of Candlemas. This festival of light is the perfect time to honor the gods or goddesses of your hearth and home.
Setting Up Your Imbolc Altar
Okay, so you know that Imbolc is the time of year that honors the goddess Brighid, but how does that translate into altar decor? Here are some suggestions for how you can set up your altar for Imbolc.
Okay, so you know that Imbolc is the time of year that honors the goddess Brighid, but how does that translate into altar decor? Here are some suggestions for how you can set up your altar for Imbolc.
Imbolc Altar Gallery
Want to see what some of our readers have put on their Imbolc altars? Check out this photo gallery for some great ideas!
Want to see what some of our readers have put on their Imbolc altars? Check out this photo gallery for some great ideas!
Honor Brighid at Imbolc -- Group Ritual
Imbolc is a time to celebrate Brighid, the goddess of hearth and home. Celebrate her many aspects with this ritual, suitable for any size group.
Imbolc is a time to celebrate Brighid, the goddess of hearth and home. Celebrate her many aspects with this ritual, suitable for any size group.
Hold a Farewell to Winter Ritual
Tired of the snow and cold weather yet? At Imbolc, you and your family can do this simple rite to say goodbye to old man winter, and encourage the spring thaw to come along a bit sooner.
Tired of the snow and cold weather yet? At Imbolc, you and your family can do this simple rite to say goodbye to old man winter, and encourage the spring thaw to come along a bit sooner.
Hold an Imbolc Candle Ritual (for Solitaries)
Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, and is considered a festival of fire. If you practice as a solitary, this ritual is a good one to do if you want to honor the aspects of fire and light that are observed on this day. Celebrate Imbolc with this fiery (yet simple) ritual.
Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, and is considered a festival of fire. If you practice as a solitary, this ritual is a good one to do if you want to honor the aspects of fire and light that are observed on this day. Celebrate Imbolc with this fiery (yet simple) ritual.
Imbolc House Cleansing Ceremony
Many people have gotten into the habit of doing a spring cleaning, and it's a good way to get yourself inspired. Once you've done a physical cleaning, invite your loved ones to join you in a spiritual cleansing as well.
Many people have gotten into the habit of doing a spring cleaning, and it's a good way to get yourself inspired. Once you've done a physical cleaning, invite your loved ones to join you in a spiritual cleansing as well.
Brighid's Crossroads Divination
Not sure where you're going these days? Let Brighid, the goddess of the crossroads, guide you and inspire you during this Imbolc divination ritual.
Not sure where you're going these days? Let Brighid, the goddess of the crossroads, guide you and inspire you during this Imbolc divination ritual.
Imbolc Meal Blessings
Imbolc is the celebration of the hearth goddess Brighid. Use one of these meal blessings as part of your Imbolc celebrations.
Imbolc is the celebration of the hearth goddess Brighid. Use one of these meal blessings as part of your Imbolc celebrations.
Deities of Imbolc
Although the Pagan holiday of Imbolc is traditionally associated with the goddess Brighid, there are a number of other deities who have a connection to the onset of Spring. Find out who they are, and how they correspond to this time of year.
Although the Pagan holiday of Imbolc is traditionally associated with the goddess Brighid, there are a number of other deities who have a connection to the onset of Spring. Find out who they are, and how they correspond to this time of year.
Februalia: A Time of Purification
As times and spiritual needs changed, a number of different gods and goddesses were honored during the celebration of Februalia. This is a time of purification and cleansing, as well as of making offerings to the divine.
As times and spiritual needs changed, a number of different gods and goddesses were honored during the celebration of Februalia. This is a time of purification and cleansing, as well as of making offerings to the divine.
Groundhog Day
If you live in North America, chances are you're familiar with Punxatawney Phil and the legend of the groundhog. Where did this idea even come from? You might be surprised to learn it has roots in ancient European folklore!
If you live in North America, chances are you're familiar with Punxatawney Phil and the legend of the groundhog. Where did this idea even come from? You might be surprised to learn it has roots in ancient European folklore!
Lupercalia: Celebrate the Coming of Spring
The ancient Romans celebrated the festival of Lupercalia in the middle of February. Learn how this Pagan celebration was an early version of Valentine's Day.
The ancient Romans celebrated the festival of Lupercalia in the middle of February. Learn how this Pagan celebration was an early version of Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day
Sure, Valentine's Day was named for a martyred saint, but its roots actually go back to Pagan festivals in early Rome. Learn about how this love-themed holiday evolved from a sexual lottery to the big business it is today.
Sure, Valentine's Day was named for a martyred saint, but its roots actually go back to Pagan festivals in early Rome. Learn about how this love-themed holiday evolved from a sexual lottery to the big business it is today.