Imbolc is the Sabbat at the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and is celebrated from sundown on February 1 through February 2. Imbolc is a Gaelic term meaning "in the belly" referring to a new upcoming livestock breeding season and when seedlings look for the warmth of the sun to begin to sprout again.
This holiday centers around the home and hearth, so organizing, cleaning and any purification rituals are appropriate. Imbolc is a festival of light, warmth, fire and fertility. Celebrate Imbolc by lighting a fire (or candle) to celebrate the return of the sun, engaging in cleansing and purification rituals and preparing for the return of Spring.
Imbolc is closely associated with the Goddess Brigid, the Celtic Goddess of fertility, blacksmithing, wells, healing, poetry, inspiration and druidic knowledge who is associated with cattle, livestock, sacred wells, serpents and Spring. Rather than being associated with the Moon, this Goddess is associated with the Sun, fire, the forge, and hearth and home. Christianity adopted and modified many Pagan Deities, stories, and places, and Brigid is no exception - being transformed into St. Brigid (a Catholic nun who lived in Kildare) although Brigid was said to have originally been a member of the magical race of beings known as the Tuatha De Danann.
Imbolc oil is hand blended with neroli and lavender essential oils with heather flower buds in a base of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and can be used to dress your Imbolc candles, in a bath, applied directly to the body, in aromatherapy, at your Imbolc celebrations and rituals celebrating the coming of Spring, fertility, purification, cleansing, rebirth and renewal, or in whatever way best suits your practices, preferences and intentions.
All oil blends are diluted to 5%, which means they are safe to use directly on the skin and in the bath. However, it is advisable to dab a small amount of the oil on the inside of your arm where your elbow bends to test for any reaction or sensitivity first.
