Imbolc: Welcoming the Light with Rituals, Cleansing & Renewal
- Rachel Howarth
- Feb 2
- 3 min read
As the wheel of the year turns, Imbolc arrives, bringing with it the first whispers of spring. Celebrated on the 1st into 2nd of February, this sacred festival marks the halfway point between winter and spring, honouring the return of the light and the goddess Brigid. It’s a time of purification, renewal, and setting intentions for the year ahead.
In our little cottage on Cow Lane, Imbolc is woven into our home and heart through simple rituals that honour both nature and the nurturing of a peaceful, healthy space.
Imbolc Rituals to Welcome the Light
Spring Cleaning for a Fresh Start
Imbolc is the perfect time to sweep away stagnant energy and refresh your home. Open the windows, let in the crisp February air, and cleanse your space with natural, non-toxic solutions. My Pure Sparkle glass and surface cleaner is a favourite in our home, leaving everything gleaming with a fresh citrus scent. (I’ll pop a link in here if you’d like to make your own!)
Get Creative: Honouring Brigid Through Art
Brigid is a goddess of poetry, creativity, and craftsmanship. Celebrate her by weaving a Brigid’s Cross, painting, drawing, or journaling your intentions for the months ahead.
How to Make a Brigid’s Cross:
• You’ll need rushes, straw, or even strips of paper.
• Fold one in half and place a second through the loop at a right angle.
• Keep folding and layering, securing the ends with twine.
• Hang above doorways for protection and blessings.
Kitchen Witchery: Brigid’s Bread Pudding
Dairy foods are a traditional way to honour Brigid, and this simple bread pudding is a warm, comforting treat for Imbolc, using milk and honey which are both symbols for the celebration.
Ingredients:
4 slices of bread (stale works best)
500ml milk
2 eggs
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
A handful of raisins (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Tear the bread into chunks and place in a baking dish.
3. Whisk the milk, eggs, honey, and spices together, then pour over the bread.
4. Let it soak for 10 minutes, then bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
5. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or cream.
Nature Walk: Looking for Signs of Life
Even in the coldest months, nature is quietly waking up. Wrap up warm and take a mindful walk, looking for the first signs of spring—snowdrops pushing through the earth, buds on the trees, or the return of birdsong. Take a deep breath and welcome the shift in energy.
Wash Away Winter: An Imbolc Bath Ritual
This is one of my favourite ways to honour Imbolc—a bath infused with herbs and nourishing ingredients to cleanse and refresh.
Imbolc Bath Recipe:
• 2 cups Epsom salts
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based I use coconut)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 5 drops bergamot essential oil
• 5 drops sweet orange essential oil
Light a white candle, let the steam rise, and whisper:
“I release the past, I welcome the new. May the light of Brigid shine bright and true.”
Bringing Imbolc into Everyday Life
Light a candle at sunrise or sunset to honour the return of the light.
Start seeds indoors and set intentions as you plant them.
Declutter your home and donate what no longer serves you.
Write down goals for the coming months and place them on your altar.
However you choose to celebrate, Imbolc is a time to clear out the old, make space for the new, and welcome the returning light with open arms.
How are you celebrating this year? Let me know in the comments!
Blessed Imbolc!
— Rachel x
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