Imbolc and Spring Cleaning

Imbolc and Spring Cleaning

On the Witch's Calendar Imbolc falls between Yule (Winter Solstice) and Ostara (Spring Equinox).  Also known as St. Bridgid's Day, Candlemas, and Day of the Bride, Imbolc celebrates the beginning of Spring and the end of Winter.  The marriage of the Earth Goddess to the Sun God.

In honor of the Celtic Goddess, Bridgid, who is Goddess of the Sacred Flame and the Holy Well, an Imbolc fire is lit on Bridgid's Eve (Jan 31) to symbolize the coming light of Spring. People also journey to holy wells and other healing waters to receive Bridgid's blessing and healing.  She is also Goddess of the hearth, home, and children.  Imbolc literally translates to mean "in the belly", referring to pregnancy.  We can think of the pregnancy of our animal friends at this time, the pregnancy of the Earth with budding plants, or the pregnancy of our own new ideas and projects.   A perpetual flame burns for Bridgid at Her shrine in Kildare, where those tending it make sure it never goes out, and we can connect to this flame with a fire in our own hearth or by the lighting of candles.  Hence the name, Candlemas.

Traditions hold that during Imbolc (Feb 1-2), we are to leave articles of clothes and shoes by our front door for the Spirit of Bridgid to bless.  Which is one way, for me, Imbolc ties into good ol' Spring Cleaning! In addition to that, Imbolc is a holiday of purification and making space.

It is known that when we ask for a blessing in any form there must be space to receive it.  Sometimes, for example, we may give an offering in exchange for a blessing.  We give away one thing to receive another.  Think of all of the things we clean out and get rid of during Spring Cleaning as offerings to Bridgid!  In honor of Her sacred Flame.  In asking for her purification and healing.  So we may enter the new season refreshed and ready for what lies ahead. Leave some clothes and shoes outside of your door (in a bag which you are planning to give away or take to resale store) for Her to bless.

I have always had a tough time with Spring Cleaning because I tend to attach deep sentimental value to my belongings, seeing them all as sacred.  Even old dishes and Christmas cards!  One Imbolc, a few years ago while living in Portland, I held a releasing  ritual and filled the garage with 90% of everything I owned and had a "free sale".  I gave everything away for free.  It was the ultimate Spring Cleaning and while it was challenging, it felt SO good!  Since then, it's been a bit easier to cleanse and purge my space of the years' build up.

I'm not saying give all of your possessions away, but we do need to make space in our lives for new blessings, new healings, and new beginnings by releasing old energy. If our room, home, body/mind/spirit is full of clutter it stagnates our channels and we can not receive.

A few ways you can honor Bridgid this Imbolc in addition to your Spring Cleaning are:

Light a candle on Bridgid's Eve to honor the coming warmth of Spring and the return of the Sun God to his Bride.  Cast the word spell, "Mother and Maiden, was never none but She, in the sacred Flame may such a Lady, God's perfect Bride be." Let the flame burn through the night and into the next day.

Fill a pretty bowl with water and add oils of jasmine or sprigs of rosemary.  Place it in a central location in your home.  On the morning of Imbolc (Jan 1) rise to greet the sun while lightly baptizing yourself in Bridgid's sacred Water asking Her to purify and heal your body, mind and soul.

Create an Imbolc Altar.  Traditionally Imbolc altars are covered in white - for the melting snow, green -  for the budding plants, blue - for Bridgid's Water, and red -  for Her hair and Flame.  Place flower bulbs, healing herbs such as clover and basil, add Celtic crosses or knots and send St. Bridgid your gratitude and blessing.

Blessed Imbolc and Happy Spring Cleaning!  

Magikally,

Trendy Witch