How do you celebrate Imbolc?

by Michelle Lasley

Michelle Lasley is a mother, wife in Pacific Northwest learning to balance green dreams with budget realities.

February 3, 2020

Introduction to Episode

How do you celebrate Imbolc? First, what is it? Second, how did it come about? In this bonus episode, Michelle briefly talks about the history and what we can learn from this first spring holiday.

Podcast Episode Summary

Happy Imbolc! In today’s episode, Michelle briefly goes over Imbolc, its history, and she offers a continued invitation to renew and change up your rituals. 

When the Catholic Church spread its mission, it needed many ways to convert non-Christians to this way of thinking. In the move from polytheism to monotheism, one strategy the church uses was to adopt goddesses and patronize them as saints. Their history and meaning was enveloped and evolved. So it was a way to honor (and subjugate) tradition and history.

Regardless, looking at these individuals who were celebrated, we can link them to what is going on in our observable world. What happens in early February in the northern hemisphere? Snow melts, flowers start to bloom, birds are out more singing their songs. We let go o winter and start to embrace rebirth. And that is what we begin celebrating as the wheel of the year turns to the time of dawning, letting go of shadow time.

Use these thoughts and tools as you consider how you honor the earth’s seasons, your rituals, and what you want to bring forth.

Recommended Resources

  • Alexander, Sky. The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens & Spells. © 2014, Adams Media an Imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc., Avon, MA. 
  • Boland, Yasmin, Moonology: Working with the Magic of Lunar Cycles. © 2016, Hay House. 
  • Conway, D.M. Celtic Magic. © 1990. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN. 
  • Fontes, Dianna. https://www.astroartistry.com/astro-resources 
  • Lister, Lisa. Witch: Unleashed. Untamed. Unapologetic. © 2017. Hay House, London, UK. 
  • Llewellyn’s 2020 Sabbats Almanac. © 2019. Llewellyn’s Worldwide Ltd., Woodbury, MN.
  • Lunaf http://lunaf.com/lunar-calendar/2019/06/
  • NicGrioghair, Branfionn. Mythical Ireland & Anthony Murphy. “BRIGID, BRIGHT GODDESS OF THE GAEL.” https://www.mythicalireland.com/myths-and-legends/brigid-bright-goddess-of-the-gael/ © 2019.
  • Starhawk, Diane Baker, and Anne Hill. Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions. © 1998, Bantam Books, New York, NY. 
  • Wolf, Rhea, The Light that Changes. © 2013 Inner Fire Press, Portland, OR.

For more information about Michelle, Balance Shared, events, and projects, please visit www.michellelasley.com

z

Listen here

Listen next to…