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.

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Honoring the Return of Light: An Imbolc Candle Making Ritual for Nurturing Your Inner Light

The Winter Thermstice, also known as Imbolc, is a celebration of the returning light and the coming of spring. It should come as no surprise then that candles play a central part in celebrating this sabbat. I have created a variety of Imbolc decorations over the years, including a candle wheel and paper lanterns, and this year I wanted to make my own candles specifically for a Winter Thermstice candle ritual. I know that many of us are currently struggling financially, myself included, so I went into this project with a budget. Most of the supplies I used for this project came from Dollar Tree while others I had lying around the house, items you likely have around your home. This ritual, which incorporates the making of the candle, is designed to awaken your inner light and welcome the coming spring. Of course, you do not have to make a candle to complete this ritual, especially if you don't have some flexible cardboard around to make a mold. I wanted to test it out as I wanted a white, lavender-scented candle for this ritual.

What You'll Need

• 1 white prayer candle
• 30 drops of lavender fragrance oil
• Paper towel roll
• Wax paper
• Tape
• Candle holder
• Toothpick or another tool to etch the candle
• Anointing oil such as olive oil or lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender, lightly crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried calendula
• 6 tea candles
• Lighter or matches
  
  

What to Do

Begin by cleansing your space using your preferred method. If you feel inclined, invite any deities or spirits you wish to observe or assist in your candle-making. I would not, however, create a magical circle at this time, as you will be moving about quite a bit during the candle-making process. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, releasing any tension upon your exhale. Repeat this process until you are fully relaxed and focused on the task at hand. Shift your focus to your intention and the task at hand, creating a magical Imbolc candle. If you are not making your own candle, skip the next few steps, instead focusing your intention on awakening your inner light.

To create the candle, begin by melting the wax inside the white prayer candle and removing the wick, which will be used to create our new pillar candle. I did this by partially submerging the candle in boiling water. You want to be careful not to do this too quickly as you could shatter the glass. I ended up pulling the wick, along with some candle wax out of the glass and breaking it apart to help it melt faster. While the wax is melting, create your candle mold using a paper towel roll, wax paper, and tape. I measured out the size of the wick on the paper towel roll and cut about one inch below the top of it. Once the roll has been cut to the size of your wick, cut the roll vertically so that you can open the roll to line it with wax paper and conform it to the size of your candle holder. Line the inside of the paper towel roll with wax paper and roll the cardboard tightly to create a mold the size of your candle holder. Tape the mold several times using strong packing tape. With an additional piece of wax paper, cover the bottom of the mold and tape it tightly. This will prevent your wax from running everywhere but know it will not stop all the wax from leaving the mold.

Once the wax is melted, add 30 drops of lavender fragrance oil to it. Place your mold in your candle holder and pour the hot wax into it, being sure to handle the hot glass with care. Place your wick in the center and secure it to the center using tape or a paperclip so it cools in the center of your candle. Allow the candle to cool completely before removing the mold. If you called any deities or spirits to work with you during the candle-making process, thank them for their assistance.

When your candle is ready or if you are using a store-bought candle, it's time to set up for the ritual. Once again, cleanse your working space using your preferred method. At this time, feel free to cast a circle and invite any deities or spirits you wish to work with you. I suggest inviting any deities or spirits associated with Imbolc, such as Brigid, Aenghus Og, Gaia, or your local land spirits if you are inviting anyone to join you.

Next, use a toothpick or other carving tool to carve the Sowilo rune into the center of your candle. Lightly anoint the carved rune and the rest of your candle with lavender essential oil or fragrance oil and sprinkle/roll the candle in the lightly crushed lavender flowers and dried calendula. Place the candle in the candle holder and place it in the center of your workspace.

Around the central candle, place your six tealight candles. Sprinkle a pinch of dried calendula in each one. Be careful not to over-dress the candle as it could quickly become a fire hazard. All of these candles can also be placed in a large, shallow bowl filled with salt or sand and bay leaves. Around the candles, sprinkle the remaining lavender and calendula to form a circle. Feel free to add any crystals associated with the sun, light, strength, or Imbolc, such as citrine, if you feel inclined.

Light the first tea candle, starting at the topmost candle and say, "In the dark of winter, I seek the light; In the cold of winter, I seek new life."

Light the next candle, working clockwise, and say, "I call upon fire to light the way, to melt the snow and drive the chill away."

Light the third candle and say, "With fire and flame I call upon the light, fill me now on this chilly night."

Light the fourth candle and say, "With this candle, the inner flame is lit; the darkness within shall submit."

Light the fifth candle and say, "Empower my light and help it grow; with fire and flame to help it glow."

Light the sixth candle and say, "I nurture my light with candle bright, the warmth of spring I now invite."

Finally, light the seventh central candle and say. "Flame of inner light, blazing like the sun, fill me now in your shining light. Awash me in your healing glow, bringing peace and love so I may grow. I open the doors and invite you in, to warm the heart, kith and kin. I release the winter's chill and rejoice in the flame's thrill. With nurturing warmth to guide you home, come with me now wherever I may roam. By candle and flame, I proclaim it so."

Take a deep breath, breathing in the warmth of the flames. Feel the warmth filling you, sparking to life the flame within you. Spend the next several minutes meditating, visualizing your inner flame growing in strength until the candles no longer shine.

Once the flames have burnt out, close your ritual, being sure to thank any deities or spirits you invited. Dispose of any eco-friendly spell remains near your front door or compost them. Anything that isn't biodegradable and eco-friendly should be disposed of in the trash, such as the tins from the tea candles.

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a spell are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

This ritual begins with the creation of a white candle (if you decided to make your own), which deepens the connection between you and the flame you later use to awaken and nurture your inner flame. Creating our own supplies better connects us to the item and ensures the ritual's success. Even if you skipped this step and went with a candle you already had on hand, you still created a connection with it through the carving of the Sowilo rune and dressing. Candles were chosen for this ritual because they are associated with the element Fire, life, and our inner flame, working to sympathetically nurture your inner flame and symbolically burn away the chill of winter or the ice covering our heart and soul. White was chosen to symbolize the sabbat, which is characterized by snow and ice, as well as the white snowdrops that begin to blossom this time of year and the milk ewes begin producing in preparation for their little lambs.

Next, the candle was adorned with a Sowilo rune, which represents the sun and inner flame, working to sympathetically draw the sun's warming rays back to the earth and help awake and nurture the flame within you. It was dressed in both lavender and calendula which represent peace, balance, strength, and success, thus aiding you in nurturing your inner flame by bringing strength, balance, and peace.

The larger candle was placed in the center of six tea lights to represent your inner flame being nurtured and strengthen by the candles around it, which were also dressed in calendula for strength. Seven total candles were used as the number seven is associated with fullness in life, completeness, awakening, and enlightenment.

Finally, the ritual ends with a visualization of your inner flame growing in strength. This visualization and breathwork help you center, focus on your intention, and nurture the flame within you.

Wish to break this spell? Unfortunately, this is not a spell that can be "broken" in any traditional way. If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of energy you have called back to yourself, simply release it back into the Universe or snuff out the candles before the ritual is complete.

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet or in your Book of Shadows for reference later.

***

I hope everyone has a wonderful Winter Thermstice full of warmth, good food, and light! I am sad to see the cold go, but know, as with all things, winter must come to an end.

Interested in learning more about the Winter Thermstice/Imbolc? Below are some resources to get you started.

DIY Imbolc Paper Lanterns

DIY Candle Wheel

Honey & Lavender Imbolc Posset Ritual
Self-Love Witch Ball

Rose & Chocolate Love Potion

Imbolc, History and Lore

Imbolc Correspondenceses

Spirit Work for Imbolc

Imbolc Altars (master post)

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Imbolc/Winter Thermstice Altar 2022

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 4th this year (2022). 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. 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 black candle represents the darkness. The black candle is lower than the white candles, showing that light triumphs over the darkness this time of year. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017 & 2019; Cost: $5)

2. Money Seeds- Money seeds, or Lunaria seeds, represent prosperity, wealth, and abundance. This time of year, winter stores were often running low and rationed accordingly. Not only did our ancestors wish to coax back the Sun, but with him bountiful crops. About this time, ewes start to lamb, providing life-saving nourishment through milk. The money seeds are meant to draw prosperity and wealth and ensure the pantry is always full, despite the sharp chill of winter still rapping at the door. (Where did I get it: Gift; Cost: Free)

3. Mangano Calcite, Moss Agate, and Rose Quartz- 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. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Subscription Boxes and Stores; Cost: $7)

4. Berkano Rune- Berkano is the rune of new beginnings, rebirth, new life, plant life, wisdom, and sanctuary, all of which are characteristics of Imbolc thus making it the perfect addition to such an altar. It is placed front and center to represent these characteristics and draw them to my home. (Where did I get it: Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $30 for set)

5. 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)

TOTAL COST: ~$13

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.

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

DIY Imbolc Paper Lanterns

Imbolc is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate the sabbat of light than with lanterns. Usually, I see people making ice lanterns during this time, which are great and reflective of the season but don't work out so well if you live in a Southern state like Georgia. That's where paper lanterns come in. These globe paper lanterns are made using glue, white tissue paper, and fresh and dried plant material to create a snowy look-alike that will cast a soft glow over your Imbolc or Winter Thermistice altar.

Supplies

     White Tissue Paper, torn into small, irregular pieces
     Dried and fresh plant material such as leaves and flowers
     Glue+Water or Mod Podge
     Old Paintbrush

     Balloons
     Scissors

Directions

Begin by blowing up the balloon to the size you want your lantern to be. Working in sections, brush the glue mixture onto the balloon and place the white tissue paper over top. Seal the tissue paper with a layer of glue, ensuring the entire balloon is covered in at least a single layer of tissue paper with no loose ends. Be sure to leave an open at the base of the balloon so you can later remove the balloon.

Once the balloon is completely covered in tissue paper, begin gluing down your plant material. I used leaves from an evergreen bush to symbolize eternal life, growth, and fertility, rose petals for love and friendship, and white orchid blooms for love, fertility, and purity. Cover all leaves and flowers with a layer of tissue paper and completely seal the lantern with another layer of glue, making sure there are no loose ends or gaps. Use a cup, paper towel roll, or another support to prop up the balloon and allow the lantern to completely dry. The lanterns using dry within 2 hours.

Once dry, pop the balloon and remove it. Cut an opening in the bottom large enough to place a battery-operated candle or fairy lights. While you can use tea lights, I would strongly advise against it because the tissue paper is highly flammable. The last thing you want to do is burn down your house!

This activity is perfect for all ages and a great way to connect with the season. The white tissue paper creates an icy look that will last for many seasons if you wish to keep them, or the entire lantern can be given as an offering since all the materials are completely biodegradable. These are perfect for indoor or outdoor use, but, again, I advise against real flame lest you catch the lantern on fire. These lanterns can also be made later in the year using orange, red, and yellow tissue paper to represent the Sun and yellow flowers and plants for Beltane or Midsummer. The possibilities are endless!

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Imbolc/Winter Thermstice Altar 2021

This year you may notice some new names for the sabbats as well as some new holiday altars on the blog. Inspired by Alden's book, Year of the Witch, I am trying to rewrite my Wheel of the Year to be more in line with my beliefs and ancestry. The Wheel of the Year is largely a Wiccan construct and was not celebrated in its current form anywhere in the world. This doesn't mean that it's bad, it just means it's difficult for people outside of Europe, Canada, and the Northern United States (which have roughly the same climate being in the same biome and all) and of different ancestry to really connect with it. Furthermore, not all of us connect with the Celts, which is where many of these celebrations originated from, Imbolc included. I am currently writing a blog post that goes into more detail about how I am reconstructing my Wheel of the Year that will delve into this in more detail, so keep an eye out on that post to learn more about my reconstruction.

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. Many witches, however, choose to celebrate the Winter Themstice (Imbolc) on February 1st. 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. With these themes in mind, I created a simple, yet effective, Winter Themstice altar.

1. 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. There is white sand in the bottom of the lantern to also represent snow. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017 & 2019; Cost: $5)

2. Tangerine Quartz and Green Aventurine- Being a time of hope, rebirth, and the return of the Sun, I decided to go with tangerine quartz and green aventurine on my altar. Tangerine quartz is a mixture of quartz and hematite which results in the rust color seen in the crystal. The union represents the unity of the Sun and Earth who together create life. Furthermore, being orange in color, tangerine quartz is considered a solar crystal, symbolizing the energies of the Sun. Green aventurine represents prosperity, balance, and the return of green sprouts. It is also a potent garden protector, making it the perfect addition to any Imbolc altar that includes seeds. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Subscription Boxes; Cost: ~$6)

3. Bell- Bells are used for cleansing as well as to 'ring' in your desires. Being a time of spiritual and space cleansing as well as a time to call back the Sun, I felt the bell was the perfect addition to cover both of these aspects of Imbolc.  (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Subscription Boxes; Cost: $2)

4. Roses- Roses are one of my favorite flowers, representing love, passion, and unity, three characteristics or acts that bring forth new life. I placed two, small roses 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)

TOTAL COST: ~$13

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 break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

What are your plans for Imbolc this year? Let me know in the comments below!

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Honey & Lavender Imbolc Posset Ritual

At Imbolc, we celebrate the slow return of the Sun and Spring. It marks the mid-way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and is deeply associated with the lambing season, which is where the name Imbolc may originate. Depending on the source, Imbolc may be from the Old Irish for "in the belly" which refers to the pregnancy of ewes and as such the production of milk, from Old Irish imb-fholc which means "to wash or cleanse oneself," or from the folk oimelc meaning "ewe milk." No matter the actual etymology of the word, Imbolc is known as both a celebration of lambing season and milk and ritual cleansing. This honey and lavender posset combines both of these celebrations into one delightful dessert recipe.

What You'll Need

• 4 cups heavy or regular whipping cream (I am using Silk Heavy Cream to make this vegan which did not sit up very well)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lavender + 1 teaspoon for garnish

What to Do

Bring the cream and honey to a boil over medium heat. Stir continuously for 3 full minutes in a clockwise direction. As you stir, visualize the milk and honey mixture filling with purifying golden light while chanting, 

"With golden honey, shining like the Sun,

This spell of cleansing and celebration is begun.

Milk so white and pure,

Cleanse my soul so I am no longer unsure.

Bring me serenity and clarity,

Your warmth soothing all insecurities.

Honey and milk combine,

To honor the union of the divine.

May the Sun return and heat the Earth,

And from His rays, we shall witness rebirth."

Remove from the heat and add the lemon and lime juice. Stir to combine. Place the 1 tablespoon of lavender into a tea ball and submerge it in the mixture. Stir clockwise while saying,

"With citrus and lavender purple,

Awaken dear Sun so life may come full circle."

Allow the lavender to steep for between 10 and 20 minutes string occasionally. The longer the lavender is allowed to steep, the stronger the flavor. When it's time, remove the tea ball of lavender and pour the mixture into small ramekins or custard dishes. Top with the remaining lavender and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge or in the freezer for 30-40 minutes until it sets. When it's ready, enjoy by yourself or with friends. Remember to leave some for the Earth and genius loci as an offering.

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a ritual are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own.

For this spell, we only used a couple of simple ingredients to make a fantastic cleansing dessert in honor of the season. First, honey, being golden in color, is associated with masculine solar energies and warmth. By combining with milk, traditionally associated with Earth and feminine energies, we are creating a union between two heavenly bodies or divine beings, depending on your beliefs, to represent rebirth and renewal. Both rebirth, renewal, milk, and honey are central themes and feast foods of Imbolc. Furthermore, milk and honey are known for their healing properties. Honey is naturally antibacterial and aids in treating bacterial infections. Milk, vegan or otherwise, is full of vital nutrients that help stave off infections and prevent brittle bones. Together they help cleanse the body and prevent illness as well as boosts your stamina, which is needed after a long rest, and reduces insomnia.

Lemon, like milk and honey, is also antimicrobial thus increasing the healing and cleansing properties of the dessert. The bright yellow color is also associated with the Sun, adding additional solar energies to the spell as a way to encourage the Sun's return through sympathetic magic. Furthermore, lemon is associated with purification and rejuvenation, making it the perfect addition to an Imbolc spell. The lime, being green, is representative of Earth, which is just beginning to wake during Imbolc, hence the lesser amount. 

Finally, we have lavender. Lavender is the culmination of the fruits of the Sun and Earth's labors, the rebirth of life. While it's not the first flower to bloom in the Spring, it does bloom earlier than many, dotting the landscape with beautiful purple hues. Lavender is also associated with love, being used by prostitutes to attract customers or by young women to attract a future husband. Because Imbolc is lambing season and the beginning of the union between Sun and Earth, it seems only fitting to use lavender in this spell to represent the love that creates new life.

Wish to break this spell? There is nothing to break in this spell, so just leave it be. You can always throw the posset out instead of eating it if you decide you don't want to cleanse yourself and celebrate the season.

Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet and have a wonderful Imbolc! How do you plan to celebrate this year?

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Imbolc Altar 2020

Imbolc, also referred to as Candlemas or St. Brigid's Day, is the first of the fire festivals, with candles being used as sympathetic magic to hurry the Sun's return. This is the final yawn before Spring returns and with it plentiful gardens, full bellies, and warmer temperatures. Imbolc is a time of reflection, transformation, and new beginnings, and symbolizes the light at the end of the tunnel. As the Wheel turns, we continue to see the days becoming longer and the nights shorter, while the first buds of spring pepper the trees and flowers began to peek through the snow. For this year's Imbolc altar, I wanted to represent these themes with candles, crystals, and herbs.

1. White Candles- As I mentioned in the introduction above, candles are traditionally used on Imbolc to coax the Sun to return sooner. This is a form of sympathetic magic where like attracts light. The white represents purity and new beginnings, as Imbolc is a symbol that new life is right around the corner and that changes are on the way. The white also symbolizes milk, the staple food of this sabbat. Ewes begin lactating during this time, providing a much-needed protein source for our ancestors. In fact, this celebration of ewe's milk was so important that Imbolc was named after it, coming from the Gaelic word "oimelc" meaning "ewe's milk." (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree (2018-2020); Cost: $1 for each candle holder and $1 for all the candles)

2. Rose- Roses are a symbol of love and devotion. If you follow the Wheel of the Year as a love story between the God and the Goddess, you are aware that their love brings about the rebirth of the Sun, the ultimate symbol of love. The Goddess begins to wake after having given birth to the Sun, the rays warming the Earth and fertilizing it so that seeds may grow. I placed the roses on my altar, not for the God and Goddess, but to represent the love between the Earth and the Sun. Without the Sun, the Earth would not grow and without the Earth, there would be no seeds to germinate.  (Where did I get it: My Garden; Cost: Free)

3. Fulgurite, Amazonite pyramid, and Mangano Calcite:  Fulgurite looks a little weird on this altar, but I promise you it fits right in. Fulgurite is lightning fused sand and represents transformations and changes. Furthermore, fulgurite of purification, release, intuition, creativity, sexuality, and inner power. It is a powerful representation of Imbolc, although not necessarily the pretties. In the middle of an Amazonite pyramid with the elements written on each of its sides. I turned it so that Fire faced forward, a nod to Imbolc being a fire festival and as a form of sympathetic magic, calling upon Fire to bring the Sun's warming energy. Amazonite also represents healing and balance, as the Sun and Earth heal and grow into their power and the days and nights become more equal. Finally, one of my favorite crystals of all time, mangano calcite. I don't know about you, but this crystal's magic is so potent. Every time I see it my heart is filled with peace and joy. It vibrates with a soft, soothing love, one that last's for an eternity, the perfect crystal to symbolize the loving relationship between Sun and Earth.  (Where did I get it: Fulgurite from Of Moth and Moon (Etsy), Amazonite and Mangano from a subscription box; Cost: $6)

4. Snakeskin- Wrapped around the candles is a park of a snakeskin I found last summer in my yard. Snakeskins represent transformations and new beginnings, that we are able to shed old habits and form new ones. What better item to place on an Imbolc altar than a snakeskin? (Where did I get it: My Yard; Cost: Free)

5. White Sand and Bay Leaves- Bay leaves in salt or sand is a popular way to represent Imbolc as it symbolizes the first leaves popping up through the snow. This year I used white sand, which can be reused year and year instead of salt. The white sand represents both the Earth and the snow that is covering it, while the bay leaf represents the first plants emerging for the soil. Bay leaves are also used to carry wishes, and in this case, they are carrying the wish that Spring will arrive quickly. In front of the bay leaves is a candle, again working as a form of sympathetic magic. I placed two on my altar this year for balance and used these beautiful iridescent candle holders I purchased over the weekend from the Dollar Tree. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $1 for sand, candle holders $1 each)

TOTAL COST: ~$13-15

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost may be higher. I hope you find this sort of break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget! There is no reason your altars have to cost a fortune, so why not save some money and use what you may already have?

Do you have any plans for Imbolc? What about a favorite Imbolc food? Let me know in the comments below! I plan to enjoy the weekend cozied up with a good book, hot tea, and lots of candles.

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Imbolc Altar 2019

Imbolc is the first of the fire festivals symbolizing the gradual rebirth of Spring. The cold winter months are behind us and there is a ting of warm weather in the air. If you live in the South, it is already beginning to look and feel like Spring. For Imbolc, I kept my altar simple and elegant, welcoming the Maiden and the Sun back from their long slumber.

1. White Candles with candlesticks- The white candles represent the Sun who is continuing to grow in strength during Imbolc. Furthermore, the candles act as sympathetic magic to quickly usher the Sun's return to power and the end of long, dark winter months. With the Sun comes sources of food and milder weather and the end of sickness, something our ancestors relied heavily upon. White also represents the purity of the Maiden who is replacing the Crone as the dominant female aspect. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1 for 4 votive candles, candlesticks $1 each)

2. Mangano (Pink) Calcite and Moonstone- Mangano Calcite is one of my favorite crystals. In fact, I loved it so much I went out and purchased more recently. The beautiful pink and white swirls are commonly associated with birth and healing, common themes as the Earth is reborn during Spring as the Sun regains his power. Mangano Calcite is also associated with self-love, inspiring us to take time to care for ourselves as we too shed our winter blues. Like Mangano Calcite, Moonstone also represents rebirth and transitions, as Winter slowly fades to Spring. (Where did I get it: Purchased at a metaphysical store; Cost: $5 for all three)

3. Salt and Bay Leaves- I loved The Witch of Lupine Hollow's mini Imbolc altar and its representation of Spring, so I decided to include one in this altar. The glass candle holder is gold at the bottom, representing prosperity and the Sun. The salt symbolizes snow while the bay leaves represent the plants that are determined to break through the snow and ice to reach the Sun. "Life finds a way." The candle again symbolizes the Sun the plants are desperately trying to reach (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1 for a set of two pillar candles, $1 for a candle holder, $1 for a jar of bay leaves, $1 for salt)

4. Roses- The roses represent the love between the Earth and the Sun. Without the Sun, our Earth wouldn't have any life to be reborn with each turning of the Wheel of the Year. Furthermore, they represent the love among living creatures, that contributes to the rebirth of Spring. These same roses were on the Imbolc altar last year as well. I love roses and all they represent, so any excuse to pull them out is a good one. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: $0) 

TOTAL COST: ~$13

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found 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 break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

How did you celebrate Imbolc this year?