Imbolc is steeped in reverence for the land, and all that exists on it. It marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox and is personified in the form of the Irish goddess Brigid who descends to earth as the sun.
This important day shifts each year according to celestial alignments. It is manifested on earth by a shaft of light that illuminates the depths of the megalithic chambers of the Irish Hill of Tara and the Passage Tomb Dowth, located in the Bend of The Boyne, where a cluster of sacred sites were constructed, including Newgrange.
We visited Dowth in March of 2023, (go to my Instagram to see our video of the site.) Like so many ancient sacred sites in Ireland, Dowth sits unassumingly off to the side of a quiet road, easily missed, unless you know what you're looking for. Parking the car and walking into the field reveals a ring of giant stones carved with petroglyphs (including spirals) from 5000 years ago. The stones encircle a massive mound - a cairn. Beneath this mound is a passageway, lined with more gigantic stones, and more petroglyphs.
Ancient Passage tombs are scattered across the landscape, aligning with the rising sun on auspicious days. In this case, Imbolc. Light from the rising sun, shines into the passageway and the depths of the mound, illuminating its interior. A sacred union of sky and earth. The warmth of the sun awakens the depths of the earth.
Imbolc is an opportunity to reflect on the wisdom of our ancestors and their relationship to the landscape. This day heralds the beginning of spring and is associated with Brigid, a goddess of the Tuatha de Dannon, a group of supernatural beings that dwell in the Otherworld, beneath the surface of the earth but interact with humans. This structure sends light into her realm.
In ancient times bonfires were lit on this day to symbolize the lengthening of days and the return of light. If you live in the city, candles are a lovely alternative. The flame is a needed reminder of the interconnectedness of the earth's cycles and the human spirit.
At this time of year, sheep and other herd animals give birth to their first offspring of the year or are heavily pregnant. As a result, they are producing milk. This creation of life’s milk is a symbol of hope for spring. Imbolc comes from an old Irish word that means "in the belly", referring to the pregnant sheep. The ewes began to provide the first of the seasons’ milk, known as “Oilmec” or “new milk”. Symbolizing rebirth, and renewal, this first milk was offered to Brigid by pouring it onto the earth, nourishing it, and preparing it for the new cycle of rebirth.
Food was a reason for gathering during this time and Imbolc is also called Brigid's Feast of Fire. This first milk was made into special cheeses and featured in milk dishes and drinks. Bees were sacred to Brigid. Honey is golden and embued with the power of the sun. Bees also act as messengers between realms of existence, forming a link between those who have passed and those who remain in this realm. Honey was included with fresh bread and butter on the Imbolc table.
Engaging with herbal remedies and traditional healing practices can bring a sense of continuity and grounding. Traditional herbs for Imbolc include:
Rosemary is for blood flow and is associated with fire. "Rosemary for Remembrance", is a Shakespearean quote that refers to its use in improving cognitive function. It is an important herb for reconnecting with our past.
Bay leaves are also associated with fire. Carrying bay leaves around is said to bring prosperity for the upcoming season.
Heather is a feminine herb that evokes fertility and the divine feminine. It can be used for fertility spells and cleansing.
Dandelion has bright yellow blossoms, symbolizing Brigit's fire.
For fresh herbs, you might dig up the roots of dandelion, burdock, or yellow dock for their
cleansing properties. These herbs have been used traditionally to stimulate the liver, our detoxifying/cleansing organ. Many indigenous traditions include a cleanse with each changing season for both the body and the home - a clearing and resetting.
Bringing these practices into our lives helps cultivate community and tunes us into the values, lessons, and gifts of the landscape. Here’s to the coming of the light, the sun, and the arrival of the Goddess of Spring! Here's to Rebirth.
Donna Troy Cleary
Use the Discount Code IMBOLC for 10% off your next order from Spiral Herbal Remedies, now through February 8th.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more ancient wisdom and knowledge sharing about herbalism.
Check out Spiral Herbal Remedies for Plant-Based Healing that links Ancient Wisdom with Modern Knowledge. Clinical Herbalist and Former Registered Nurse, our founder and owner, Donna Troy Cleary makes all of our products. Stop by our shop located at 810 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn, NY
Use the Discount Code IMBOLC for 10% off your next order from Spiral Herbal Remedies, now through February 8th.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more ancient wisdom and knowledge sharing about herbalism.
Check out Spiral Herbal Remedies for Plant-Based Healing that creates a link between Ancient Wisdom and Modern Knowledge. All of our products are made by Clinical Herbalist and Former Registered Nurse, founder and owner Donna Troy Cleary. Stop by our shop located at 810 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn, NY
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