Imbolc, also called Brigid’s Day, is a Gaelic traditional festival, traditionally held on 1 February,  marking the beginning of spring.

Since the late twentieth century, Celtic neopagansand Wiccans observe Imbolc as a celebration of purity and rebirth. It is a celebration of the Sun King waking up and the light beginning to return after the winter months. Imbolc is a time to light fires to celebrate the warmth returning and it’s a time to let go of things that are holding us back – whether that thing is emotional or physical.

The altar at this Greater Sabbat is decorated with white swan feathers; candles in colours of green, gold, white and yellow; snow drop flowers; Brigids doll, Brigids cross; orange and red ribbons. Incense burnt at this sabbat are smells such as; vanilla, myrrh, basil, carnation and spring flower. Kitchen magic can be carried out, baking cakes such as lemon and poppy seed cakes; lemon is for purity and poppy seeds represent new growth. Many begin planting the seeds in their herb garden or even in wild places.

Words and Images by Olivia Davies