Honoring the Goddess Brigid
Written by Guest User
Imbolc is also known as Brigid’s Day. Brigid is the goddess of spring.
Imbolc: Brigid’s Flame and the First Signs of Spring
Imbolc is here: the spark of hope that came with the sun’s return at the Winter Solstice is now held in Brigid’s flame. With this, the fire of life begins to stir again in the world around us.
Held on February 1st, Imbolc marks a shift in the earth’s energy. The grit needed to make it through the depths of winter begins to soften into anticipation for the abundance spring has to offer.
Brigid, Goddess of Spring, Fertility, and Life
Soon, the first blooms will break through the earth, and with them comes a changing landscape to behold. There is no doubt why this midway point was so significant to the ancient people of Ireland.
At Imbolc, people looked to the goddess Brigid to carry them through the rest of the cold months, and later to St. Bridget to watch over them and protect the home and hearth.
Brigid is the Irish goddess of spring, fertility, and life. Beloved by poets, she is also associated with healing and smithing, carrying both creative inspiration and practical strength.
She can be seen as a wise woman figure, one we can look to for guidance, inspiration, and the courage to keep moving forward as the light slowly returns.
Photo by @emmastonerphoto. Model: @libbyangove wearing the Pagan Queen handfasting wedding dress.
Ways to Honour Imbolc
There are many different ways to honour this day. Historically, people gathered reeds and bound them together to make a Brigid’s Cross.
These crosses were hung on the western wall of the home and were believed to protect the household. This is still a common tradition today, with many homes placing fresh Brigid’s Crosses on the wall each Imbolc.
You can find a tutorial on how to make your own Brigid’s Cross here .
Photo by @myriam_delirium.
What Fuels Your Inner Fire?
Imbolc is also an opportunity to think about what fuels your own inner fire. Now that the inner season of winter is showing its first signs of fading, it is time to shift our focus outward.
What brings you joy, even in dark times? What creative goals do you have for yourself as spring brings new energy?
This is a time to make moves and begin bringing those goals to life.
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