Imbolc

Imbolc is a cross quarter day, between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara).  At Imbolc, the Earth is seemingly in slumber. But far beneath the frozen ground, nestled in their warm beds, are the seeds that will bloom in spring.  Imbolc is a festival of light, a time of preparation for the coming season, a gestation period for the plans and dreams that we will manifest in the coming months.

*note: Candlemas is *not* the same as Imbolc.  Candlemas is a Catholic observance.

Colors

white and silver, green (like fresh growth) pink

Symbols & Themes

snakes (serpents), swans, candle flame, silver spiral, silver wheel,  "potential", un-manifested energy, the wheel of fortune

Deities & Archetypes

Arianrhod, Brigid, Hestia, Vesta, Bast, Cerridwen, Gaia

Imbolc Activities

Make Your Own Candles Learn More

Make Your Own Candles

Making candles are a perfect way to celebrate Imbolc.  They're fun, pretty easy, and you can use many different kinds of containers for your candles…
For the Birds Learn More

For the Birds

It may be cold outside, but why not bring some nature to you?  Make this bird feeder and hang it out side near a window. …
Self Dedication Ritual Learn More

Self Dedication Ritual

Imbolc is a time of new beginnings, and is the perfect time for initiations and dedication rituals. Immersion in water has always been a sacred act, as cleansing to the soul as to the body.

Imbolc Recipes

Imbolc Tea

This “tea” is actually warm milk, but it is an appropriate toast to the Goddess on the Sabbat (and a pretty good drink, too!)  The honey adds a nod to the Sun, to help coax his return.
Print Recipe
Course Drinks

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a ceramic or glass mug, combine the milk, honey and vanilla. Microwave on HIGH for about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir.
  • Feeling frisky?   Add a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Keyword Imbolc

Tair Cacen Lleath

…means “Three Milk Cake”.  Nurturing Mother’s Milk is a symbol of Imbolc, and this recipe is perfect for an Imbolc offering
Print Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine Welsh

Ingredients
  

  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 12 fluid ounce can evaporated milk
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Grease and flour a 8 x 12 inch pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Separate 5 eggs, and beat the egg whites in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup sugar slowly to the egg whites, beating constantly. Add    the yolks one by one, beating well after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla. Sift the flour, and stir it into the egg mixture.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake for 20 minutes, or until done. Cool.
  • Blend the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, milk, and 1 tablespoon vanilla. Pour this syrup over the cooled cake.

To make Meringue Frosting:

  • Beat 3 egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, and beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Frost the cake.
  • Cool and store the cake in the refrigerator. Serve cold.
Keyword Imbolc