An Imbolc Ritual for Purification & Manifestation

Winter has felt long and cold here.  Freezing temperatures, snow that lingers, grey days that melt into cold nights and six inches of ice in all the shady parts of the street.  Pots of simmering vegetable soups have been made in copious amounts and friends and clients have been in the midst of some deep, hard transformations.

Imbolc arrives none too soon.  The half way point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. I often feel a sense of relief and anticipation at this time. Soon the brighter and warmer days of spring will arrive.

Spring Nettles

Yes, Imbolc marks the beginning of spring and yet we know that winter still has us in her grasp. Delightfully, we have a little bit longer to daydream and plan, to tend the growing seeds inside and to make note of our shifts and movements towards the ever ripening sun.

Historically, there is evidence that this time of year has been observed since the Neolithic period, with celebrations in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

There are many customs and traditions for the festival of Imbolc, many revolve around fire and purification, the goddess Brigid, fertility, special foods, divinations, purification and candles.

Imbolc Altar from 2015

I find this time of year extremely potent.  Year after year I am moved by the power available for manifestation and magic in the year to come.

~It is a time to let go of and release old ways of thinking about ourselves and our environment. 

~It is a time to purify our spaces at home and at our offices. A time to sweep away the cobwebs and dust of the year before and to begin afresh.

~It is a time to get really specific about what you want to call in and what you want to manifest. 

~It is a time to get real with yourself and your dreams and goals.  Where do you want to be by this time next year?

~Imbolc is a time for divination and oracles.  What wisdom do your helpers or guides have to offer?

The portal is open, the magic is available...What will you do, wise soul, with all that is possible, free, majestic, growing and special, inside you?

An Imbolc Ritual
for
Purification and Manifestation

That which takes us from the dark and into the light.

You will need:
~Candles
~Sage or lavender
~Matches
~Journal and Pen
~Bowl of Milk (dairy or non dairy)
~A white cloth, scarf or ribbon
~Oracle or tarot cards

• On the evening of Imbolc gather your supplies and find a comfortable and quiet place to sit.
• Let your eyes softly close.
• Take three deep breaths.
• Ask your guides, ancestors and helpers to come and be with you.
• Then ask Brigid the goddess to come be a part of your sacred time.
• Feel her presence with you and light your candles in her honor.
• Let your gaze be soft upon the candle flame. Breathe as you stare into the flame, Brigid's flame and know she is with you to assist in your ritual and divinations.
  
• After some time, take up your journal and pen and write down all that you wish to manifest for the coming year. Be intentional and specific.
• When you are done, draw one card from your oracle deck. Study it and meditate on it. Make connections between it and what you have already written.
• Write your new observations in your journal.
• When you are complete, pick up the bowl of milk and ask Brigid to bless the contents. Whisper your wishes over the milk.
• Set the bowl down and dip two fingers into the milk. Raise the fingers to your third eye and draw a circle. Do this again at your throat and heart. Finish by asking Brigid to bless your body and your health.
• Pick up your journal and do the same on the pages you have written your manifestations. Ask Brigid to bless your manifestations and your creative life.
• When this is done, set the journal aside and pick up your candle and the sage or lavender
• Light the herbs and proceed to purify your space.  This can be a single room or your entire house.
• When you are done find your quiet spot and write any further contemplation in your journal.
• Take the white cloth and the bowl of milk outside.
• Tie the cloth on a door, a branch, or fence and place the milk nearby. Ask that Brigid bless the cloth and accept the milk as an offering.
• If there is snow on the ground draw a symbol of the sun with your hand in the snow.
• Thank the helping guides, spirits and Brigid for their work with you and release the energies.
• Go inside and have some lavender tea and honey toast and rest.
• Let the candle burn as long as is safely possible.
• The next day retrieve the white cloth and use it through the year for healing and manifestation. Pour what is left of the milk onto the earth as an offering to Brigid.  Whisper gratitude and blessings.
  

May your Imbolc be beautiful and bright!

~If you would like a free short guided Imbolc meditation that connects you to Brigid, her sacred flame and her wisdom, please sign up for our newsletter below. ~

All my love,
Lark