Imbolc: A Portal or Renewal, Rebirth & Awakening

We turn the Wheel of the Year to Imbolc, a time of awakening, inspiration, and the promise of new life. The word Imbolc translates to “in the belly,” signifying the stirring of life deep within the womb of the Earth. Though winter still lingers, we sense the subtle shift toward renewal, the first whispers of the returning light.

This year, the Imbolc portal opens on January 29, 2025 (Lunar Imbolc), and closes on February 3, 2025 (Solar Imbolc).

Imbolc is a threshold—a sacred moment of re-emergence and rebirth. Here, we honor the divine spark of inspiration that guides us forward. Like the first seeds beneath the soil, we begin to imagine what is possible, dream of what is to come, and prepare to step into the light once more.

Brigid: Keeper of the Sacred Flame

At Imbolc, we honor the goddess Brigid, she who tends the eternal flame and blesses poets, healers, midwives, and artisans. Brigid is the guardian of inspiration, creativity, and renewal—a guiding force for all who seek to create, heal, and restore.

She is Brigid of the wells and the eternal flame, a protector of sacred spaces and weary souls. She weaves ancient wisdom into new forms, teaching us the power of resilience, transformation, and devotion. Even when the world has changed around her, she remains—a beacon of strength, a keeper of stories, a protector of the sacred feminine.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Imbolc aligns with the transition from Water to Wood, a time when the deep wisdom of winter’s Water element begins to nourish new life. Water, the dominant force of winter, represents the unconscious, ancestral memory, and the still power of potential, held in our bones and DNA. It is the resting phase before transformation. But now, as the season turns, Water gives rise to Wood, just as melting ice and flowing rivers awaken the seeds beneath the soil, preparing them to grow. Our own inner waters—our dreams, emotions, and intuition—feed the vision of what is ready to emerge in our lives.

This beautifully mirrors the Celtic reverence for Brigid, a goddess of both Fire and Water, embodying the balance of deep wisdom and creative action. She is the keeper of Sacred Wells, Rivers, and Snow, representing a trinity of water’s power—the hidden realm of underground springs, the flowing waters of rivers and streams, and the celestial realm of snow and rain. Just as Water in TCM nourishes the growth of spring, Brigid’s sacred waters offer healing, purification, and the inspiration needed for new beginnings. The alignment of these traditions reminds us that before we bloom, we must be nourished; before we rise, we must be rooted.

To honor this sacred time, take a moment to sit with water, whether by a river, a well, or simply with a bowl of water before you. Reflect on what within you is ready to flow, grow, and take shape. Write down your intentions for the coming season—dream seeds waiting to be planted—and place them on your altar or bury them with physical seeds to grow alongside them. Then, light three candles: one for a wish for the world, one for a wish for your loved ones, and one for a wish for yourself. Finally, light a fourth candle to honor the returning sun and growing light.

As the flames burn and the waters flow, may you feel the power of Brigid’s fire and wells, the wisdom of Water, and the renewal of the Earth, guiding you forward with clarity, strength, and inspiration.

Weather Divination at Imbolc

Imbolc has long been a time for weather divination, as our ancestors looked to the natural world for signs of the coming seasons. Traditionally, it was believed that the weather on Imbolc could offer clues about the rest of the year, particularly regarding the coming spring and summer. In some Celtic traditions, it was thought that if the weather was clear and bright on Imbolc, the rest of winter would be mild, while if the day was cloudy or stormy, the remainder of the winter would be harsher.

Another popular weather omen associated with Imbolc is the behavior of animals—specifically the groundhog or hedgehog, who, upon emerging from their burrows, would provide a sign of whether or not there would be an early spring.

This is why Imbolc is sometimes connected to Groundhog Day, a day known for its weather predictions in modern times. This practice of weather divination ties in beautifully with the season of Imbolc, as it marks a moment when the Earth is stirring and the potential for new growth is on the horizon, a time when nature herself offers us glimpses of what’s to come.

You can honor this tradition by observing the weather and any signs in nature around you—whether it's the presence of certain animals, the flow of water, or the state of the sky—to connect more deeply with the rhythms of the Earth and align yourself with the energies of renewal.

Navigating the Energy of Imbolc

Imbolc invites us to:
 Reignite the spark of inspiration within
 Feel deeply into the belly of possibility, the dreams yet to come
 Set intentions that will grow with the returning light
 Embrace creativity, prophecy, and the magic of new beginnings

Now is the time to gather your inner seeds—the dreams, visions, and sacred work that are waiting to take root.

The ancient Celts knew this was not only a time for personal renewal but also for the collective—for the land, the animals, the community, and the Earth itself. Every intention we set now ripples outward, shaping the world we wish to create.

How to Work With This Energy

1. Enter the Belly of Creation
Imbolc invites us to sit in the space between what was and what will be. Before we leap forward, we must tend to the dreams still forming in the dark.
 Take time to listen—through meditation, journaling, or quiet reflection.
 Light a candle for inspiration—call in Brigid’s guidance as you prepare for the next cycle.
 Write down your emerging visions—what seeds of possibility are stirring within you?

2. Honor Brigid & The Sacred Feminine
Brigid reminds us that daily devotion is sacred work. She teaches us that to tend the holy, we must show up for it—again and again.
 Offer flame or water—light a candle, bless your drinking water, or visit a well or stream.
 Write, sing, or create—Brigid is the muse of poets, artists, and storytellers.
 Call upon her protection—especially if you are in a period of transition, healing, or renewal.

3. Plant the Seeds of Your Future
The Earth is stirring, and so are you. Now is the time to:
 Set your intentions for the coming seasons
 Purify your space & energy—clear out what no longer aligns
 Dream beyond limitations—honor the deep wisdom that lives within you

4. Prepare for Emergence
Though we are still in the belly of winter, we are beginning to remember the light. The frost will soften. The snow will melt. The cold will ease. And we will rise.

The question now is: What will you carry forward into the light?

Imbolc is calling. The fire is lit. The journey begins again.

What seeds of possibility are waiting within you?

Imbolc Journal Prompts

Take time to sit with your thoughts, light a candle, and reflect on the energy of this sacred season with these journal prompts:

1. Seeds of Intention:

• What dreams or ideas have been quietly growing within me?

• What seeds of possibility do I want to plant this season?

• How can I nurture these seeds with love and patience?

2. The Spark of Inspiration:

• What ignites my passion and creativity?

• In what ways can I rekindle my inner fire?

• How does inspiration show up in my life, and how can I cultivate more of it?

3. Releasing the Old:

• What parts of my life need cleansing or renewal?

• Are there beliefs, habits, or fears I am ready to release?

• How can I create space for new beginnings?

4. The Sacred Feminine & Brigid’s Wisdom:

• What aspects of the divine feminine am I being called to embrace?

• How can I honor Brigid’s energy in my daily life?

• What creative or healing gifts am I ready to share with the world?

5. Connecting with Nature:

• What signs of renewal do I notice around me?

• How does the Earth’s awakening mirror my own inner transformation?

• What simple rituals can I practice to align with nature’s rhythms?

The Sacred Invitation of Imbolc

Imbolc is a threshold—a time to step out of the winter’s stillness and embrace the becoming of who you truly are. It is a season of re-emergence and renewal, where the first light of spring calls us forward.

The serpent stirs from its slumber, the sap rises in the trees, and the energy of awakening begins to pulse beneath the surface. Like the flame of Brigid’s sacred fire, our own inner light is reigniting.

 Now is the time to:

• Speak your dreams into reality

• Embody your truth with courage

• Clear space for the new cycle ahead

• Align your life with your highest vision

Imbolc Cleansing Bath Ritual with Juniper & Crystals

Imbolc is a time of cleansing, renewal, and fresh beginnings, and what better way to honor this sacred season than with a ritual bath that purifies the body, mind, and spirit? Set the mood by dimming the lights, lighting candles, and playing soft, calming music. As you prepare for this ritual, create your Imbolc essential oil blend using a base oil such as almond, coconut or jojoba oil, infused with the energizing and cleansing scents of the season. Choose from juniper, cinnamon, cedarwood, lavender, lemon, rosemary, or rose. Combine 10 ml of your chosen base oil with 5 drops each of 4 of your favorite essential oils, and have it ready to add to the bath.

Once your bath is drawn, and the water is at the perfect temperature, pour in your essential oil mix. Add a generous handful of sea salt, known for its powerful purification properties, to draw out negative energy and toxins from your body. The salt is a natural conductor, amplifying the cleansing energy of the water.

To further enhance the ritual, place cleansing crystals around the edge of your bath—clear quartz to amplify your intentions and purify your aura, amethyst for spiritual cleansing and protection, or black tourmaline to absorb negativity. If you have juniper berries or juniper essential oil, add them to the bath as well—juniper is a sacred herb connected to purification, protection, and spiritual awakening, aligning perfectly with the Imbolc season.

As you sink into the water, close your eyes and allow the water to embrace you. Visualize the water washing away any negative energy, old patterns, or emotional blockages. With every breath, feel yourself become lighter and more in tune with the new possibilities Imbolc brings. Focus on cleansing the areas of your body that hold onto tension—your hands, your feet, your scalp, behind your ears—and imagine the water carrying away anything that no longer serves you.

As the bath drains, visualize the water sweeping away the negativity, leaving you renewed and fully aligned with the natural rhythm of rebirth and renewal. Sit for a moment in silence, honoring the fresh energy you’ve called in, and express gratitude for this sacred cleansing and renewal.