Tag: Imbolc

  • Imbolc!

    Imbolc

    As the days gradually lengthen and the first hints of spring whisper through the cold air, we arrive at Imbolc, the sacred midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, Imbolc marks the turning of the wheel from the stillness of winter toward the renewal of life. It is a time of awakening, purification, inspiration, and preparation—both in the natural world and within our own spirits.

    Deeply rooted in Celtic and pagan traditions, Imbolc is associated with Brigid, the beloved goddess (and later saint) of poetry, healing, fertility, and the sacred flame. It is a festival of hope and rebirth, a time to clear away stagnation and prepare for the growth and new beginnings that spring will bring.

    The Light Returns: Imbolc as a Festival of Fire

    One of the most significant spiritual aspects of Imbolc is its connection to light and fire. It is a celebration of the returning sun, a beacon of warmth and promise after the long, dark nights of winter. Many traditions involve candle lighting, hearth fires, and flame rituals, all honoring the growing power of the sun and the inner fire within us.

    Spiritually, fire represents illumination, inspiration, and transformation. Imbolc is the perfect time to light a candle with intention, focusing on the changes you wish to manifest. The flickering flame serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and warmth will return.

    Ways to work with fire during Imbolc:

    • Light candles throughout your home or on your altar, especially white, red, or yellow ones to symbolize purity, passion, and the returning sun.
    • Keep your hearth warm, if you have one, or symbolically tend a flame (even a small tealight) to honor the hearth fire of Brigid.
    • Write your intentions for the coming season and safely burn them as an offering to Brigid, asking for her blessings.

    Brigid: The Goddess of Imbolc and Keeper of the Flame

    At the heart of Imbolc is Brigid, a powerful goddess who embodies healing, creativity, fertility, and protection. She is the keeper of sacred wells and holy flames, a patroness of poets, midwives, and smiths. Many who celebrate Imbolc honor Brigid by invoking her blessings, crafting offerings, and performing rituals in her name.

    Brigid’s energy during this time is nurturing yet strong, encouraging us to shake off the stillness of winter and step into our power. She is a bridge between the old and the new, guiding us from dormancy into action.

    Ways to connect with Brigid during Imbolc:

    • Create an altar for her, incorporating candles, flowers, milk, honey, and symbols of fire and water.
    • Recite poetry or write your own, as Brigid is a goddess of inspiration and the spoken word.
    • Bless your home with a simple ritual using fire and water (candles and a small bowl of spring water) to invite her protection and renewal.

    Purification and Cleansing: Preparing for New Growth

    Imbolc is also a time of purification, a chance to clear away the stagnant energy of winter and make room for new beginnings. Traditionally, this was done through ritual baths, house blessings, and decluttering—both physically and spiritually.

    Spiritually, purification allows us to shed old patterns, negative energy, and emotional weight, so we can move forward with clarity and purpose. Think of this time as a deep energetic cleansing, much like the first warm rains washing away the ice of winter.

    Ways to cleanse and purify during Imbolc:

    • Take a ritual bath with herbs like rosemary, lavender, or chamomile to cleanse your energy and invite renewal.
    • Sweep your home with intention, removing dust and negativity while welcoming fresh, vibrant energy.
    • Burn incense or herbs like sage, frankincense, or cedar to purify your space and prepare for new blessings.

    Planting the Seeds of New Intentions

    With the earth beginning to stir beneath the frost, Imbolc is an ideal time to plant the seeds of your intentions—literally and figuratively. It is a time to dream, plan, and prepare for growth, much like a farmer preparing the land before planting.

    Spiritually, Imbolc asks us to reflect on our desires, set goals, and take the first small steps toward change. What do you wish to cultivate in the coming months? What ideas or projects are ready to take root? Now is the time to nurture them.

    Ways to work with intention-setting during Imbolc:

    • Write down your goals for the next season, focusing on areas of growth, creativity, and renewal.
    • Create a vision board to visually represent what you wish to manifest in your life.
    • Perform a simple candle ritual, setting an intention and focusing on it as the candle burns.

    Honoring the Land and the Cycle of Nature

    Imbolc is a sacred reminder that nature moves in cycles, and so do we. The land, though still cold, is waking up, and soon new life will emerge. Spiritually, this is a time to attune ourselves to the rhythms of nature, recognizing that growth takes time and that we, too, are emerging from our own winter slumber.

    Ways to honor nature during Imbolc:

    • Go for a mindful walk, noticing signs of early spring, like buds on trees or the first stirring of animals.
    • Leave an offering to the earth, such as milk, honey, or bread, as a way of giving thanks and showing respect.
    • Start indoor planting, symbolizing the new beginnings you are nurturing within yourself.

    Embracing the Spiritual Lessons of Imbolc

    At its core, Imbolc is a festival of hope, renewal, and quiet transformation. It reminds us that even in the coldest, darkest times, change is coming. It invites us to release what no longer serves us, nurture our inner fire, and step forward into the light.

    As you celebrate Imbolc, take time to honor the goddess Brigid, cleanse your space, set intentions, and embrace the promise of new beginnings. The seeds you plant now—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—will blossom in the months ahead.

    May the warmth of the returning sun, the inspiration of Brigid, and the cleansing energy of Imbolc guide you toward a season of growth, creativity, and renewal.

    Love, 

    Mambo Sam

  • Preparing for Imbolc!

    Imbolc

    Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Rooted in Celtic traditions, it honors Brigid, the goddess of fertility, poetry, healing, and smithcraft. Imbolc is a time of renewal, inspiration, and preparation, as the light begins to grow stronger and the earth stirs with the promise of spring. The celebration often includes rituals, offerings, and symbolic actions to honor Brigid and welcome the turning of the seasons. While the day itself is significant, preparing for Imbolc allows you to fully embrace its energy and symbolism.

    One of the foundational steps to prepare for Imbolc is to cleanse your living space. As this festival represents renewal, cleansing helps release stagnant energy and make room for fresh, vibrant intentions. Physically clean your home by dusting, sweeping, and organizing. Spiritually cleanse by using tools like sage, palo santo, or incense. Focus on corners and entryways to clear out old energy and invite blessings. Consider incorporating salt or water blessed under the moon to further purify your space.

    Imbolc is associated with light, warmth, and fertility, so decorating your space with these themes can help align your environment with the energy of the season. Light white or yellow candles to symbolize the growing sun and Brigid’s flame. Add elements like fresh flowers, greenery, or woven Brigid’s crosses made from straw or reeds. Colors associated with Imbolc include white, gold, green, and red, so use these in your decorations, altar cloths, or personal attire.

    Create or refresh an altar dedicated to Imbolc and Brigid. Include items such as candles, a small cauldron, crystals like amethyst or citrine, and offerings of milk, honey, or bread. You can also place representations of Brigid, such as statues or symbols of her crafts, like tools for writing or weaving. Leave space for any intentions, wishes, or affirmations you want to focus on during the celebration.

    Rituals are a key part of Imbolc, and planning them in advance ensures you can gather everything you need. Consider incorporating meditation, candle-lighting, or fire rituals to honor Brigid’s light and transformative power. If you’re part of a group or coven, coordinate a group ceremony to share the energy and intentions of the day. Prepare written intentions, poetry, or prayers to recite as part of your rituals to bring clarity and focus.

    Offerings to Brigid are an important aspect of Imbolc, as they show gratitude and invite her blessings. Traditional offerings include dairy products, bread, seeds, or spring water. Prepare these in advance by baking bread, setting aside milk, or finding a local spring. You can also craft handmade items, such as candles or woven crafts, to offer as a symbol of your effort and devotion.

    Imbolc is a time of personal renewal, so take time to reflect on your goals and dreams for the year ahead. Journaling or meditation can help clarify your intentions and identify areas of your life where you seek growth or transformation. Think about the seeds you want to metaphorically plant this spring and what steps you can take now to nurture them.

    Prepare foods that align with Imbolc’s themes of fertility and renewal. Dairy products, breads, soups, and root vegetables are traditional choices. Cooking these foods with intention—thinking of the warmth and nourishment they bring—adds an extra layer of meaning to your celebration. Share your meal with loved ones or enjoy it in quiet reflection as part of your ritual.

    Even in the chill of winter, nature offers signs of the coming spring. Take a walk outdoors to observe the first hints of new life, such as budding trees or the return of birdsong. Collect natural items like twigs, stones, or dried flowers to incorporate into your decorations or rituals. Connecting with the earth during this time helps ground your intentions and align with the rhythms of the season.

    Preparing for Imbolc is an opportunity to align your spirit, space, and intentions with the energy of renewal and growth. By cleansing your home, setting up an altar, planning rituals, and reflecting on your goals, you’ll enter this sacred time with clarity and purpose. Imbolc invites us to celebrate the light returning to the world and the seeds of possibility within ourselves—a beautiful reminder that even in the stillness of winter, the promise of spring is ever-present.

    Love, 

    Mambo Sam

  • Imbolc Candle Blessing for you!

    Imbolccandleprayer

  • Imbolc Blessings!

    Imbolc

    "Blessed be the earth, and all who dwell upon it.

    We give thanks for the season now departing from us,
    For the blessings it has bestowed upon us,
    And upon those with whom we share this world.

    Blessed be the new season.
    We pray that it will be a time filled with peace,
    With abundance, with prosperity,
    With wisdom,
    With love."

  • Maman Brigitte and St. Brigid!

    Greetings one and all!

    As many of you may already know -  February 1, is St. Brigid's day, Imbolc, Candlemas,
    and the Feast of St. Brigid.  To Vodouisants, Catholics, Pagans, and more, this is a wonderful day anticipating spring, looking for new love, and being ready to shed off the cold of winter.

    A popular prayer for this day is:

    "Blessed be the earth, and all who dwell upon it.

    We give thanks for the season now departing from us,
    For the blessings it has bestowed upon us,
    And upon those with whom we share this world.

    Blessed be the new season.
    We pray that it will be a time filled with peace,
    With abundance, with prosperity,
    With wisdom,
    With love."

    For Vodouisants, tonight, the eve of  St. Brigid's Day, is when we put a piece of clothing outside for Maman Brigitte to bless with her healing powers.  Take any piece of clothing, or even a scarf to tie your head with, and put it outside tonight.  Ask Maman Brigitte to walk your way tonight and bless that piece of clothing.  Light a small fire outside for a little while, even if you just burn a candle. Before you go to bed, burn the veve of Maman Brigitte in the fire. Then put that fire or candle out.  Make sure the wax is smoothed down  or that the ashes are smoothed down if you lit a small fire.  Any kind of mark or disturbance of the wax or ashes the next day is considered a sign that Maman was there and blessed your piece of clothing!

    Now you can wear that piece of clothing any time you aren't feeling well or you doing healing work or healing prayers for someone else.

    Veve for Maman BrigitteVevemamanbrigitte

    Brigitimbolc

    There is a LOT more to this holiday/feast day!  It is well worth looking up more information.

    Love, light, and peace,

    Mambo Samantha Corfield

    www.spellmaker.com

  • Fire in the Belly – Talk of Imbolc… and thriftiness?? By: Khouzhan Morgan

    Imbolc

    Fire in the Belly

    Talk of Imbolc… and thriftiness??

    By: Khouzhan Morgan

    Hello readers and welcome! One of the 8 traditional Pagan sabbats of the year is almost upon us and during my reading in preparation to write for you fine folks I stumbled upon the most intriguing concept for Imbolc, which will be upon us on February 2nd-the concept of thriftiness!

    Now stay with me…as we are just coming off of our latest fireside chat with our beloved Mambo Sam where the focus was letting go of a whole lot of icky stuff like resentments, insecurities and old ideas that no longer serve us, I thought the topic of household thriftiness felt like a great closer-after all, rearranging some furniture or organizing the closets helps clear our minds and can help give us a happier healthier environment to partner with our new freedom from the shackles of negativity!

    Minimalism is all the rage these days, but the concept is really not new. Any of us with depression era grandparents can attest that there was a time when people used simply whatever they had on hand for whatever they needed. Coffee cans were used to hold old screws and buttons “just in case” we needed them, old blankets were cut into quilting squares, clothing patches or cleaning rags, and any jar, carton or container might be used to hold leftovers in the refrigerator.

    After you do some housecleaning on your mind, body and spirit, it is a great idea to use this time indoors to inventory your immediate environment.

    Sure, it’s great to purge and give some unused clothes, household items, etc. to charity so they can be a blessing for someone else but how can we make the most of what we keep?

    Imbolc loosely translates as “fire in the belly” or the place on your body where the most creative chakra  resides-the sacral or orange hued chakra. This chakra is strengthened by allowing our self expression to run free and by doing things that give us pleasure.  And what is more fun than to channel your inner domestic Goddess (or God, respectively) than to create something fun and beautiful?

    Maybe it is using old teacups and bowls to start seedlings to plant later in the spring, or to feed your cat, Whiskers.  Maybe it involves cleaning and rearranging a shelf to be a little altar space to a lwa you feel connected to, a cherished ancestor, or for a meditation place. Old mirrors, picture frames or small tables are great projects to repaint or bedazzle. And speaking of bedazzling-why not use some old costume jewelry to make some new and interesting creations?

    Do you have a really cool candle you’ve been saving to burn? Build a little sacred space around the theme of that candle and spark it up! I know-some will say you are waiting for a special occasion. But if the past 2 years have taught us anything, perhaps the takeaway can be that the here and now is a special occasion!

    Maybe you have some old oils or incense that have been tossed in a drawer or closet? Bust them out and use them now! Oils can be worn as a perfume (with a bonus of course) , used in your bath or shower or to dress candles or even used in a simmer pot to fill your home with a magical scent that is sure to bless your abode with good mojo! Incense can be burned to help foster a calm environment or help you keep a goal in mind to make change as we enter this first sabbat of the awakening springtime. Chango’s Mystic Chrysalis incense is a great choice to use the creative force of fire to transform your wintertime plans into burgeoning reality!

    Each January, a friend of mine takes the decorations off of her tabletop Christmas tree, keeping the lights intact, and fills that tree with little pink and red  hearts and upcycled valentines cards – essentially rebranding it a St. Valentine’s tree! Our inimitable spirit of love, Erzulie Freda would surely approve! 😉

     If you have bought products in the past and not used them, use them now! Mambo Sam has a wonderful and easy  reconsecration ritual for spell kits and products that have been unused for more than a year. Reconsecration is not mandatory but it can really punch up the potency of your items.

    Of course it is always a great time to go with the Imbolc theme of emerging new born from the blanket of cold and snow with some  figure candles or 7 knob wishing candles. After all- the full name of the day is Imbolc Brigantia and honors St. Brigid’s sacred flame.

    Just as the phoenix rises from the ashes of the old to burn as bright as the sun, now is the time to utilize what you have and make it into a space, an experience or a thing of beauty that stokes your inner fire so you can let your little light shine!

    We love to see your awesome ideas and creativity at work and you can send pictures to customerservice@spellmaker.com.

    “From ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadow shall spring. “-JRR Tolkien; The Lord of the Rings

    Love, 

    Khouzhan Morgan

  • Stirring up Springtime! Blessed Imbolc!

    Stirring up Springtime!

    Dreamstime_l_144122705

    Hi there Spellmaker readers and welcome to Imbolc season!

    In the pagan journey of the year, as the days grow longer at a glacial pace, we invite you to celebrate Imbolc Brigantia. The first of the spring festivals reminds us that after winter's period of preparation, all that is green and good in this world will return in just a little while. In JRR Tolkien's elven calendar, which had six seasons, this time of year between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox was known as the season of “stirring”.

    All those little seeds that have been germinating in the dark ground begin to awaken now.

    In modern day applications, I feel like these fits right in with making new goals at the new year. Ideas both large and small come to us, and now is the time to get those things underway.

    It may be a promise you made to yourself to journal, or learn a new skill, or take up a new hobby. It may be to start working on putting away some savings, bring new love into your life, or even to break a bad habit.

    Whatever your personal goals are, the energy all around us right now favors taking the first step.

    Many of our clients who have been with us for years likely know that we carry a variety of spell kits that can place you firmly on the path to whatever aims your sweet little heart may desire.

    Our customer service desk and caseworkers are available to help you with product recommendations to light up (in the grand tradition of St. Bridget’s sacred flame) your world!

    My wish for this season is that you are blessed with health, happiness and boundless inspiration!

    “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”~Lao Tzu

    In Service,

    Khouzhan Morgan

  • Blessed Imbolc!

    Imbolccandleprayer

  • Imbolc – Embracing the Awakening

    Conclusion: Embracing the Awakening

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 13.16.27 - A serene image symbolizing the conclusion of the Imbolc celebration featuring a glowing candle to represent the returning light fresh snowdrops symb

    As the final candle flickers in the quiet of a completed Imbolc celebration, we reflect on the journey we've taken through this sacred time of renewal and rebirth. For the Green Witch, Imbolc is not merely a date on the calendar but a profound moment of alignment with the rhythms of nature, a time to cleanse, to set intentions, and to prepare for the abundance that the coming seasons promise.

    Through rituals that honor the returning light, we have invited the warmth and clarity of the sun back into our lives. We have woven Brigid's symbols into our practices, seeking her blessings of protection, fertility, and inspiration. We've cleansed our spaces and our spirits, making room for the new growth that the gentle stirrings of spring herald. We've engaged in spells and enjoyed treats that resonate with the nurturing energies of Imbolc, setting our intentions and aligning our energies with the transformative power of this time.

    As the Green Witch moves forward from Imbolc, the energies of renewal and rebirth are carried in the heart, infused in the daily practices, and reflected in the continuous alignment with the natural world. The light that has been welcomed back into the world is also a light within, a beacon guiding us through the cycles of the year with wisdom, insight, and an ever-deepening connection to the magic all around us.

    Let the lessons and blessings of Imbolc be seeds that you nurture in the coming months. May your path be one of growth, abundance, and harmony, guided by the wisdom of the earth and the light of your own inner fire.

    Thank you for joining in this celebration of Imbolc. May the spirit of renewal and the warmth of the community accompany you as you navigate the path ahead.

    Love, 

    Sister Bridget

  • Spells and Treats: Magickal Imbolc Celebrations

    Spells and Treats: Magickal Imbolc Celebrations

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 13.15.55 - A magical and cozy indoor setting for an Imbolc celebration featuring a steaming cup of hot chocolate a spellbook or grimoire and symbols of Imbolc

    Imbolc is a time steeped in magic and transformation, offering the Green Witch an opportunity to engage in spellwork that aligns with the themes of renewal, purification, and preparing for the abundance of spring. This section of our journey delves into the magical practices that enrich the Imbolc celebration, including spellwork and the creation of enchanting treats that honor the festival's connection to milk and nourishment.

    Imbolc Spellwork for Wishes and Blessings: Imbolc is an auspicious time for spellwork focused on setting intentions and seeking blessings for the year ahead. A traditional spell involves honoring the Triple Goddess, particularly Brigid, by placing spring flowers in your home and lighting a white candle in her honor. Dedicate the flowers and the candle to Brigid, and she will grant you three wishes—one for the good of others, one for a friend or partner, and one for yourself. As you light a candle for each wish, focus on your intention and let the candle burn down completely, releasing your wishes to the universe​​.

    Magickal Hot Chocolate: Celebrate the nurturing aspect of Imbolc with a luxurious hot chocolate, a treat that honors the festival's theme of milk and abundance. Create a rich and indulgent hot chocolate using real milk, cream, and high-quality chocolate. Enhance it with a shot of Baileys or another whiskey cream liqueur for an extra layer of warmth and celebration. As you savor this treat, reflect on the richness and fullness of life, and the abundance that the coming spring promises​​.

    Gathering Magickal Stones and Crystals: Imbolc is also a time for collecting stones and crystals that resonate with the festival's energy. Choose crystals like Amethyst for spiritual growth, or Quartz for clarity and amplification of your intentions. Place these stones on your altar, carry them with you, or incorporate them into your jewelry to harness their protective and empowering energies throughout the year​​.

    As you engage in these spells and savor the treats of Imbolc, you weave the magic of renewal and abundance into your life. These practices not only honor the traditions of Imbolc but also align your personal journey with the cycles of nature, inviting growth, transformation, and the nurturing energy of Brigid into your space.

    Nect time, we'll weave together the themes explored in this guide, offering a reflective closing that invites you to embrace the magic of Imbolc fully.

    Love, 

    Sister Bridget