Imbolc: The Goddess Awakens
We’ve created a simple ritual to help you with your own Imbolc observance, whether in circle or on your own.
In the wheel of the year's sacred turning, Imbolc emerges as a profound moment of awakening, when the first whispers of Spring stir beneath winter's blanket. This holy day, sacred to the beloved goddess Brigid, keeper of the Eternal Flame and guardian of hearth, healing, and poetry, marks the quickening of life force within the Earth and the return of Light.
Imbolc is celebrated in early February - February 2nd in 2025 - and is the second sabbat of the Wheel. The word Imbolc comes from the Old Irish i mbolc, or “in the belly,” as this is when ewes would become pregnant. Like the Bees, the ancient Celts understood that this liminal time between Winter's depth and Spring's emergence calls us to kindle our own Inner Flames, just as our ancestors lit candles and hearth fires in devotion. It is a time of deep purification and renewal, when we are invited to weave Brigid's crosses as acts of meditation and protection, to pour milk offerings in recognition of the sacred milk that flows from ewes to nourish new life, and to anoint ourselves with sacred Honey. This is the time to clean and purify your home, and to plant the seeds of your goals and intentions for the coming year.
The very air holds Magic during Imbolc, as the Veil thins and Wisdom flows through age-old customs like weather divination—when the emergence of serpent or hedgehog from their Winter rest carries messages about Spring's arrival, reminding us of our eternal connection to the Earth’s rhythms and mysteries.
We’ve created a simple ritual to help you with your own Imbolc observance, whether in circle or on your own. And if you’re interested in the tradition of weaving a cross for Brigid, Witch and Wand has a lovely adaptation using lavender and other materials for anyone who doesn’t have reeds at their disposal.
Starting with your current altar, or building a new one just for today, create sacred space and energy for Brigid and Imbolc. Use what you have and what calls to you; below are some ideas to get you started. Only the Ritual Items are needed.
Set Up Your Altar
Ritual Items
Honey
The Queen card from the Bee Sisterhood Oracle, or another representation of Brigid/The Queen
Beeswax or other candle
Journal or notebook if desired
Traditional Items
A cup of milk
A woven or other equal sided cross
Unsprouted seeds
A veil to wear - your bee veil, a silk scarf draped over your head, or anything that serves
Crystals
Amethyst
Moonstone
Garnet
Quartz Citrine
Herbs
Bay
Basil
Sage
Lavender
Rosemary
Related Bee Oracle Cards
01. Queen: To welcome fertility; the Queen carries the Divine Spark of the Hive
18. Lemniscate Dance: To ground us in our understanding that the cycle of Life has no beginning and no end
44. The Sun: To hail the return of the Light, the warming of the Earth, and the surging of Life Force
Set Intentions
Setting one or more intentions will help you to focus on the Magic energy you’re creating with this act of observance. What do you want to grow this year? Believing in the vast possibilities of the Universe, what do you desire to manifest?
Cast the Circle
Calling in the directions is a personal preference. If you would like to try it, but aren’t sure how, start in the East, origin of all Beginnings. Below is a simple overview but you should follow your own traditions and instincts if something different calls to you.
Facing East, call in Air: Welcome Air and the direction of sunrise, bringing fresh breezes, new beginnings, and clarity of thought. Let the winds of dawn sweep through, awakening mind and spirit.
Turning to the South, call in Fire: Welcome Fire and the direction of noon sun, bringing passion, transformation, and creative energy. Let your sacred flames illuminate our path and spark our inspiration.
Turning to the West, call in Water: Welcome Water and the direction of sunset, bringing emotional depth, intuition, and healing flow. Let your sacred waters wash through us, cleansing and renewing.
Turning to the North, call in Earth: Welcome Earth and the direction of midnight, bringing grounding, stability, and ancient wisdom. Let your sacred soil anchor us in strength and nurture our roots.
Once all directions are called, name the Circle as cast. Use the language below, or your own.
The circle is cast, the sacred space is held. We stand in the center where all elements meet, surrounded by the powers of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.
Sit or stand before your altar, drop your veil to cover your face, (literally or figuratively). Light the candle with deep intention. Watch the flame grow from its wick. Set your Queen so that it receives the candle’s light, then visualize her arrival at your altar. She is honored to be honored.
Take a moment to breathe in the scent of beeswax (if present) with deep respect and appreciation, knowing that it was made with the blood and essence of our Little Sisters. Do the same with your honey, respecting and appreciating the love and work that went into its creation.
Commune with Brigid, Reflections
When you are ready say:
Oh Blessed Queen, beloved Brigid, She who is full of potential, She who carries the fire and the Divine Spirit of the Hive within, I greet you and bid you welcome. Please bless me with your energies of healing and renewal. Bless me with your spirit of devotion and love, bless me with your fertility and purpose.
Listen to her response. Receive her Love, and the healing energies of renewal and spirit.
With your fingers in the honey, bless your third eye, the space where the Queen’s three eyes that perceive and connect to Light reside. As you move down your body, anoint each part with honey as you speak. Don’t rush, and feel free to stay longer at any step that calls to you.
Third Eye
Dear Mother of the Hive, bless my thoughts and my reception of the light
Lips
Bless my words
Heart
Bless my intentions
Hands
Bless my actions
Womb/Belly
Bless my creations
Soles of the Feet
Bless my path
Pause for reflection, empty your mind of any clamour that tries to rise now. It is not time for planning; this is your space to dream, desire, and visualize.
Once you feel complete, stand up and face your altar. Then, with arms outstretched….
Bless my presence here on Earth
Take a few moments and reflect and take in the blessing from the Queen. This is a perfect place for songs, stories, or poems honoring Brigid and the return of Light. Here is a poem for you:
Thank the Queen/Brigid for her blessings
Release the Directions
To close, thank each direction in reverse order (North, West, South, East), acknowledging their presence and blessing before bidding them farewell. In your own words, announce that the Circle is open.
Suggested Bee Sisterhood Oracle Imbolc Readings:
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