Imbolc/Winter Thermstice Altar 2023

Imbolc or the Winter Themstice, whose history is sketchy at best, is and was a celebration of light. It marks the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, meaning that its exact date of celebration changes each year as the solstice and equinox change. Many witches, however, choose to celebrate the Winter Themstice (Imbolc) on February 1st, while astrologically it fell on February 3rd this year (2023). During this time, sympathetic magic is worked to coax the Sun to return and with Him the return of life on Earth. Candles were lit in mass as a result, bread was baked, and houses were cleaned to prepare for the return of Spring. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love celebrations of light. I love lighting candles, cozying up to a warm fire, enjoying the crisp, cold air, the return of the cardinals and robins, and even the little bit of snow we sometimes receive here in Georgia. You can feel the Earth breathe a sigh as the days slowly lengthen, but Cailleach still rears her head, blasting the new buds with frost and chilling rain storms. To celebrate and honor this symbolism, I put together a simple, yet effective altar.

1. Six Pink and White Candles- Imbolc, the Winter Themstice, or Candlemas is a celebration of sympathetic magic to coax the return of the Sun. The candles on my altar are for just that purpose, to sympathetically call back the Sun and to aid in His return. They also represent the inner flame that burns even during the darkest and coldest of times. Here in Georgia, we are coming to the coldest time of the year, yet life is still found all around us. I picked white candles to represent snow and renewal while the pink candles represent love, harmony, and self-care. The center candle, which is placed in faux snow and surrounded by rose buds represents the living flame of life that preserves even in the cold and dark of winter and the love between the Earth and Sun that results in said life. Finally, six candles were chosen as six is a solar number, thus increasing the sympathetic magic to coax the Sun back to full strength. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017 & 2019; Cost: $7)

2. Roses- Roses are one of my favorite flowers, representing love, passion, and unity, three characteristics or acts that bring forth new life. I placed one dried rose on my altar to represent the relationship between the Sun and Earth, whose love results in new life. This is also a time of lambing, which again comes from the unity of two individuals. (Where did I get it: My Garden; Cost: Free)

3. Sowilo Rune- Sowilo is the rune of the Sun, life energy, success, expansion, vitality, health, and wholeness. It is placed front and center to represent these characteristics and draw them to my home while empowering the Sun with strength. (Where did I get it: Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $30 for set)

4. Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Mangano Calcite, and Moss Agate- Mangano calcite and rose quartz both represent love, health, wellness, family, and friendship. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I felt it appropriate to add some crystals to honor the season. It is also through 'love' that the Earth is reborn and the fields are renewed with bountiful harvests. Furthermore, this is a time to lean on family and friends and was historically required for villages to make it through the winter months. The moss agate, on the other hand, represents fertility, its white representing snow, and the green swirls representing the plants peaking out of it. Finally, the moonstone represents vitality, strength, self-love, balance, peace, harmony, transformation, and hope. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Subscription Boxes and Stores; Cost: $10)

TOTAL COST: ~$17

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

I hope each of you had a fantastic Winter Thermstice this year and may the rest of the year be just as bright.

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