Imbolc is considered the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It is recognized from February 1 – 2 and is also known as, Imbolg, Brigid’s Day, Oimelc or Candlemas. It’s a time to celebrate the recovery of the Goddess Brigid (It's pronounced “Breej,” or in some parts of Ireland, closer to “Breeds.”). Brigid is the daughter of Dagda and is one of the most well-known Goddesses in Irish Lore. Brigid is a Goddess that is usually celebrated and honored during Imbolc. She is a Goddess of the hearth, home, and inspiration. A protector of women and children and she is also associated with midwifery. The Goddess Brigid is well-connected to fire and encompasses all things to do with poetry, healing, and blacksmithing.
Imbolc is the first Fire Festival in the dark half of the wheel. This is a festival where we begin to see light and life returning to the earth. The Earth is being reborn with new life! 
A Celtic originated holiday that is meant to focus on brushing off the cold and dark of winter days and welcoming the life-giving light and fertility of the sun. The celts celebrated around this time, the birth of new sheep and goats. In fact, Oimelc literally means “ewe’s milk”.
Imbolc is associated with fire and sun and also with divination, water, and life. Imbolc is the perfect opportunity to renew your devotion to your craft and/or to any deities. It’s a time of purification and of appreciation for the revitalization of the Earth.
Symbols of Imbolc
Food: Beer, cake, honey, seeds, dairy, garlic, onion, raisins, mulled wine, and breads
Colors: Red, white, pink, yellow, light green, and brown
Crystals: Amethyst, garnet, bloodstone, onyx, turquoise, and ruby
Herbs: Rosemary, lavender, jasmine, chamomile, bay leaf
Incense: Cinnamon, vanilla, jasmine, camphor, frankincense, and myrrh
Animals: Sheep, cows, goats, snakes, and swans
Here are a few ideas you can utilize to celebrate Imbolc:
Honor Goddess Brigid – Bonfires may be lit to honor the Goddess.
Set intentions with candle magick – invoke the energy of the fire elemental.
Make a Brigid’s Cross or Corn Husk Doll.
Explore and connect with nature – go outside and breathe in the fresh air, observe any signs of spring you might find.
Perform a cleansing ritual bath – using lavender and rosemary.
Use cinnamon; as this is the perfect, fiery spice to work with to connect with the energy of Imbolc. You could light a cinnamon incense or do some kitchen witchery to incorporate cinnamon!
Spells can include: Cleansing, growth, new starts and wishes.
Cleanse and adorn your altar using natural elements such as branches, antlers, white flowers, and acorns.
However, you choose to celebrate Imbolc, may it be filled with happiness and feelings of renewal and fresh beginnings.
Until next time, Live, Love, & Magick!
-Laurie Gouley, The Eclectic Green Witch
Try this recipe for Imbolc, it’s all done in one pan, so clean up is so easy!
Imbolc Ritual Cake
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (you can use gluten-free)
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup grapeseed oil
2 tbs. poppyseeds
1 tbs. zested lemon
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tbs. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
Powdered sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking soda, and salt with a fork in an ungreased 9x9x2 baking pan.
Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the powdered sugar.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.
Remove from oven and cool.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Makes 8 servings. Enjoy! Happy Imbolc!
Laurie Gouley
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As we prepare to say farewell to 2022, we welcome December, a month of change and renewal to send us off with flying colors into the new year. As the last month of the calendar year, December is likely to bring some closure to the events going on in our lives and present the signs with the opportunity to sit down, reflect, and plan out their future. As such, this is likely to give us a chance to get our life together more, slow down, and enjoy the moment with loved ones.
Aside from the general vibe of the month, December is likely to be quite an active month for the planets, with key influences coming from Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter. To start, we will kick off the month with Neptune going direct in Pisces in the first week of the month, stirring up a dreamy and imaginative aura that is likely to help us find better clarity in our lives. Mercury will then move into the sign of the Capricorn on the 6th of the month, boosting our communication and pushing us to speak more freely about the things on our minds. A few days later, Venus will move into Capricorn, which is likely to put a focus on our relationships for the next several weeks and help us find more stable ground within them. On the 20th, Jupiter will enter the Aries sign, encouraging expansion, new energy, and passion in our lives.
Then, on the 21st, we enter the season of the Capricorn, which is likely to push the signs to become more serious about the path ahead and work to start planning out their future better. This is also the same day that Yule begins, bringing with it a powerful period of restrospection, transformation, and rebirth. To end the month, Mercury retrograde will begin in Capricorn on the 29th, ushering us to reflect and slow down as we move into the new year with a steadier and calmer pace. And, with Mars retrograde still actively going on until January, this is likely to slow our energy even more so.
As you can see, December is likely to be full of many unique energies that are likely to inspire many changes within us as well. But, to give you a better idea of some energies that may be present around you this month, today, we're going to go over what energies and changes each Zodiac sign can expect throughout November and how you can adjust your life to make the most of them.
There’s no doubt about it; 2022 was quite a year for us all, and it’s hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner as we bridge the gap between 2022 and 2023. While the year may have brought its fair share of challenges, let’s all end the year on a positive note and focus more on celebrating the warm moments and loving people we have around us. And what better way to do that than to give a thoughtful gift before the year’s end?
Giving gifts has a way of instantly bringing a smile to your face and on the face of the receiver. Bought or handmade, gifts are magical in the way they don’t have to be expensive in order to be special when there’s love behind it. Truly, receiving a gift always brings us back to a simpler time and reminds us of all the love and kindness we have around us, even in difficult times.
So, if you’re looking to spoil yourself with a gift you deserve this season or shop something special for someone close to you, here are the best-of-the-nest gift ideas for 2022, featuring 22 enchanting ideas to help you find a gift full of love that is sure to put a smile on someone’s face.
If you have a friend or family member who has recently shared their interest in the occult or witchcraft with you, you may be wondering what items you should shop for them this holiday season. While they are sure to enjoy the usual beauty kit or bath bomb, you may be looking to get something a little more personal that aligns more with their witchy interest but may not really know where to begin (and that’s okay).
Shopping for a witchy friend or family member can be tough, and you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed with where to start. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. This year, we’ve made it easy for you and have put together a unique gift guide of our top 20 favorite and witchy items for $20 or under to help you find a unique gift for that special someone. Let’s get started.