The Magical Energy of the Great Celtic Festival of Imbolc

Snow arrived at Bealtaine Cottage just as the first month of the year was showing signs of the coming Imbolc! The supply of logs harvested from the woodland during the previous Spring were brought in by the basket load to keep the cottage warm and snug…and it was!

It was amazing to appreciate the sheer volume of wood that was coppiced and pollarded from the growing woodland…and there was much more that we didn’t get round to cutting. The energy supplies grow year on year, giving yet more abundance in the form of fuel for the stoves. There are three stoves in the cottage. One in the Lodge/Studio, one in the sitting room and the main stove in the kitchen. The Stanley stove in the kitchen is the one used daily, whereas the small wood stoves are lit as and when needed, which is occasionally.

The stove in the sitting room is lit for extra comfort during the long, dark evenings. During this time the fire in the Stanley in the kitchen is left to die down.

As I’m writing this blog I am sat in the sitting room in front of the warm stove on a very cold night. On these cold nights I often go to bed early as a way of keeping warm, making the most of the dark evenings before the Spring Equinox. In 2021, the spring equinox occurs on Saturday, March 20. This event marks the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. I follow the Celtic calendar, which marks the first day of February, Imbolc, as the first day of Spring.

Imbolc also called Brigid’s Day, is a traditional Celtic festival marking the beginning of Spring. It is traditionally held on 1 February, though it lands about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

There is much magical energy around at Imbolc, as it marks the great rising of energy from Mother Earth. Therefore, this is a time of magical energy related to the Divine Feminine, the Great Goddess Mother, the bringer of live and new beginnings.

At Imbolc, in celebrating the rise of the sun, foods including pancakes, cakes, and crepes are usually served. As this is also a tribute to the Goddess Brigid, home-baked breads are brought to the feast to honour Brigid as the Goddess of the hearth and of fertility.

As is my own path, I prepare for each Celtic festival with a Juice Fast, lasting as long as I feel is necessary. This clears my body of built-up excess consumed in the winter months of comfort eating, but, more importantly, aids in re-energising both body and mind, ensuring good health in readiness for the beautiful days ahead. It works remarkably well for me.

Blessings of the coming Imbolc to you XXX Colette