As the daylight lasts longer and longer each day, signs of spring start to show themselves as the sabbat Imbolc approaches.  Also referred to as Candlemas, Imbolc signals the beginning of new life. It also coincides with Groundhog day.

   Aside from the rebirth of the land that the spring brings with it. It also symbolizes a rebirth of hope, letting go of the past and looking forward to the future. It is during this time that “spring cleaning” not only refers to tending to the dusting of forgotten shelves, but also clearing the mind and heart.

  Traditionally, a festival would be held in honor of the Goddess Brigid the Pagan Goddess of fire, sun, and earth, she is also the Goddess of healing, poetry, and fertility. Some traditions for Imbolc include:

~Making a Brigid doll, which can be made of straw or corn and filled with herbs, flowers, and stones, each specific to its creator. The purpose of the Brigid is to symbolize your wishes/intent for the coming year, bring fertility when placed at the head of a couple’s bed, and draw good fortune.

~The Brigid cross is also a symbol woven from straw and represents fertility, prosperity, and protection.

~Burning your evergreens from Yule. This symbolizes letting go of the old year and moving on to what is to come.

 ~Burning candles in place of leaving the “hearth fire” going. Red represents the hearth fire (power of the sun) and white for healing/cleansing.

~You can also leave out a food offering for Brigid, bring in the first flowers or greens of the year, and of course…spring cleaning.

~ Decorate your altar with things that symbolize Imbolc and welcoming the new such as…

Herbs/Flowers: Angelica, Basil, Blackberry, Coltsfoot, Ginger, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, Cinnamon. White flowers, yellow flowers, snowdrops, daffodils.

Incense: Myrrh, Frankincense, Jasmine, Cinnamon, Vanilla.

Crystals: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise.

Spells for prosperity and fertility will do particularly well on this sabbat.

Of course, these are only a few ways to celebrate Imbolc and your magick, is indeed, your own, to craft how you wish.