Dreaming the New Year.

Imbolc is an ancient Celtic festival celebrating the start of Spring on the eve of February 1st/2nd. It is long associated with Brigid, now the patroness saint of Ireland. Imbolc marks the lengthening of days and the beginning of growth and readying for the farming year ahead.

This is the time of preparing for the birth of lambs when the ewes are swelling with milk in their bellies. Spring flowers are starting to emerge and snowdrops are commonly associated with the festival. There is weather lore saying that if Imbolc is fair and sunny then a heavier winter will follow.

Traditionally Brigid is associated with healing, blacksmithing, wisdom, poetry, protection and domestic animals. There are many references to historic celebrations and customs. A popular day of celebration for neo-pagans, wiccans, and and druids, it is still celebrated traditionally in Gaelic countries. The day became Candlemass in the Christian calendar on February 2nd, as well as becoming formally St Brigid’s Day, now a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland.

However the day is celebrated, it is the start of the voyage into the new year. This is the time of sowing the dreams in readiness for the great adventures ahead. I wish you all Imbolc blessings.