Winter's End, Spring's Beginning
Imbolc
Imbolc, celebrated on or near 1 February, marks the end of Winter and beginning of Spring. This cross-quarter holiday marks the end of a period of hibernation and death. This holiday represents hope, renewal, regeneration, fertility, and new beginnings.
The Horned God is growing from infancy, and the Earth Goddess steps into her form as Maiden. In the endless battle between the Oak King and the Holly King, this is the beginning of the end for the time of dominance of the Holly King. This early spring holiday is a time for anticipation, hope, healing, purification, and preparing for spring. It’s the season for honoring the Earth Goddess and planning what seeds will go into the field at the spring equinox.
Imbolc is the time of awakening as the Wheel turns toward spring. Out with the old and in with the new. Cleansing magic, home blessings, divination, initiation rituals, fertility magic, and self-discovery rituals are appropriate.
Metals and Stones
- Amethyst
- Garnet
- Onyx
- Turquoise
Herbs and Plants
- Jasmine
- Musk
- Rosemary
- Olive
- Sweet Pea
- Basil
- Myrrh
- Wisteria
- Apricot
Imbolc: From Winter to Spring
altar decorations and seasonal correspondences
Celebrate by decorating your altar with the plants and colors of the season: use pastel colors, pink, lavender, pale green and pale yellow. Include basil, clover, heather and willow. Candles, snowdrops and crocuses, and a Brigid cross are appropriate to the season.
This is a time of renewal, so include eggs and milk to represent the new life quickening. Also include sesame & sunflower seeds, poppyseed bread or cake, honey cake, herbal tea and muffins.
