What happens at Imbolc?
As with any good festival, Imbolc involves feasting, particularly of home-and-hearth edibles stored over the winter, such as breads, grains, onions, and potatoes. Leading up to the holiday, people make Brigid’s crosses that can be hung up around their houses in celebration of Imbolc.
What is the goddess Brigid known for?
She is associated with wisdom, poetry, healing, protection, blacksmithing and domesticated animals. Cormac’s Glossary, written in the 9th century by Christian monks, says that Brigid was “the goddess whom poets adored” and that she had two sisters: Brigid the healer and Brigid the smith.
Who celebrates Imbolc?
Wiccans and Neo-Druids celebrate Imbolc as one of the eight Sabbats in their Wheel of the Year, following Midwinter and preceding Ostara. In Wicca, Imbolc is commonly associated with the goddess Brigid and as such it is sometimes seen as a “women’s holiday” with specific rites only for female members of a coven.
What should I do for imbolc?
Six ways to celebrate Imbolc
- The Celtic Goddess Brigid. Cows’ udders begin to engorge with milk at this time of year, ready for the first births of spring.
- Make a Brigid straw doll (Brideog)
- Make a Brigid cross.
- Feasts and fire.
- Spring clean your home.
- Visit a stream, river or well.
What does Brigid mean?
Bridget, Bridgit, Briget or Brigid is a Gaelic/Irish female name derived from the noun brígh, meaning “power, strength, vigor, virtue”. This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire.
Why is Imbolc important?
Imbolc is traditionally the great festival and honouring of Brigid – a pagan Goddess so beloved that the Christian church knows her as St Bridget. She brings fertility to the land and its people and is closely associated with midwives and new-borns.
Can Christians celebrate Imbolc?
Although many of its customs died out in the 20th century, it is still observed by Christians and non-Christians in its Christian and neo-pagan forms respectively, and its customs have been revived in some places. Since the latter 20th century, Celtic neopagans and Wiccans have observed Imbolc as a religious holiday.
What is Brigid saying in Valhalla?
At the end of their meeting she says “Diolch” which translates into Welsh as “Thank you.” I also recognized a lot of English loan words. “Brigid is an interesting case, she speaks in a very informal style mixed with English words.
What was the significance of Imbolc in Greek mythology?
Imbolc (February 2) marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God. The lengthening periods of light awaken Her. The God is a young, lusty boy, but His power is felt in the longer days. The warmth fertilizes the Earth (the Goddess), and causes seeds to germinate and sprout.
Why was Brigid the goddess associated with Imbolc?
In Celtic mythology Brigid was associated with an awakening hibernating serpent which emerged from its lair at Imbolc. Traditionally serpents were associated with creativity and inspiration – the powerful Kundalini energy of the Eastern Mysteries. Paths of earth energy were called serpent paths and at Imbolc they are stirred from their slumber.
What are the herbs of the goddess Imbolc?
Herbs of Imbolc. A Goddess plant, belonging to the planetary sphere of Venus. Coltsfoot: Coltsfoot or ‘sponnc’ (Gaelic) is a herb associated with Brigid. A herb of Venus, moves emotional and physical stagnation and is used magically to engender love and to bring peace.
Why is Imbolc the wheel of the year important?
It is the day we honour the rebirth of the Sun and we may visualize the baby sun nursing from the Goddess’s breast. It is also a day of celebrating the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Brigid is the Goddess of Poetry, Healing, Smithcraft, and Midwifery. If you can make it with your hands, Brigid rules it.