Imbolc: sowing the seeds of revolution
Fire destroys—but it also brings life.
Hello friends,
I hope that, like me, you’ve resisted the pressure to make New Year’s resolutions and are enjoying a blissful hibernation, just as nature intended. After all, Imbolc is just around the corner, heralding a much more supportive time for seed planting and intention-setting.
“Imbolc” is said to translate roughly as “in the belly of the ewe”, referring to the new life stirring within the wombs of sheep and many other animals at this time of year, and is a cross-quarter festival marking the halfway point between Yule and Ostara. Following the Aquarius new moon and lunar new year on January 29th, Imbolc, which falls on February 1st, is an ideal time to plant both literal and figurative seeds.
As witches, we believe the cycles of nature are reflected in microcosm and macrocosm throughout the universe, and as we in the northern hemisphere travel through the literally darkest and bleakest time of year, our socio-political climate seems to be going through a winter of its own.
There may finally be a ceasefire in Gaza, but the unspeakable horror and trauma will likely leave deep psychological scars for generations (and there are already indications it won’t last). Meanwhile, over in the circus US, we’re about to witness the collapse of the world’s “greatest democracy” into a technocratic oligarchy that some are describing as “neo-feudalist”. And as the fires in LA have raged throughout January, the world has watched in horror, starkly aware of the existential threat posed by climate change and the unsettling knowledge that if Paris Hilton’s house can burn down, ours can, too.
Fire destroys—but it also brings life.
By razing old trees and rapidly returning nutrients to the soil, fire creates fertile ground for new growth. In its wake, seedlings sprout quickly, and the blackened earth transforms into lush green in a matter of months.
In much the same way, the fire of collective anger at injustice can be purifying. It burns away the rotting power structures at the heart of society and clears space for revolution. A potent symbol of this is the outpouring of support for Luigi Mangione in the wake of his alleged murder of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione, a young tech bro with a big grudge, has become an unlikely folk hero—a modern Robin Hood for a world on the brink.
So, what does all of this have to do with Imbolc?
Imbolc is a fire festival, also known as Candlemas, when candles and fires are lit to symbolise the returning of the light and the first signs of spring. Its themes include renewal, new life, and new beginnings. For many, Imbolc is the feast day of Brigid—both the goddess and the saint—who symbolises fire, water, poetry, healing, blacksmiths, bread, beer, birth, death—and justice.
As one of the oldest and most revered deities in the British-Irish pagan pantheon, Brigid is a healer, creatrix, and champion of justice and transformation, embodying the fierce yet nurturing power needed to forge new beginnings from the flames of change. She reminds us that we are all creators of change—as you honor Imbolc, consider which of her qualities you wish to embody and what intention seeds you can plant accordingly.
Like seeds, revolutions often start small. What ideas, movements, or actions can you plant now to sow the seeds of change? How might those small actions grow into something transformative?
Imbolc reminds us that every fire starts with a spark, every revolution with an idea, and every garden with a single seed. As we honour the returning light, let’s reflect on how we can nurture the seeds of change in ourselves and in the world. Take a moment this Imbolc to light a candle, set an intention, and envision the brighter future you want to create—not just for yourself, but for the collective.
May Brigid’s wisdom and the energy of this season inspire you to embrace renewal, justice, and growth.
Imbolc correspondences
Use these correspondences to create a personal and meaningful Imbolc ritual for yourself.
themes
Renewal and rebirth
New beginnings
Purification and cleansing
Fertility and creativity
Hope and light returning
Planting seeds (literal and figurative)
Transformation and healing
symbols
Candles and fire (light returning)
Seeds and bulbs (growth and potential)
Lambs and sheep (fertility and nurturing)
Springs and wells (healing and purification)
The Brigid's Cross (protection and blessings)
Anvil or forge (transformation and creation)
colours
White (purity, cleansing, light)
Red (fire, life force, vitality)
Green (growth, fertility, nature)
Gold (sunlight, abundance, inspiration)
elements
Fire: Symbolizing inspiration, warmth, and transformation.
Water: Associated with purification, intuition, and Brigid’s sacred wells.
herbs and plants
Snowdrops and crocuses (early spring flowers, renewal)
Heather (healing and protection)
Lavender (calm and clarity)
Angelica (blessings and protection)
crystals
Clear quartz (clarity and purification)
Carnelian (creativity and courage)
Citrine (abundance and warmth)
Garnet (strength and passion)
Amethyst (spiritual growth and intuition)
food and drinks
Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter – honoring the ewe’s milk)
Bread, particularly oatcakes or soda bread
Seeds and nuts (symbolizing potential)
Honey (sweetness and blessings)
Herbal teas, especially chamomile or mint
animals
Lambs and sheep (fertility, nurturing)
Swans (grace and transformation)
Cows (nourishment and abundance)
Serpents (awakening and renewal)
activities
Lighting candles to symbolize the returning light
Planting seeds (physical or symbolic intentions)
Creating or blessing a Brigid’s Cross for protection
Cleansing your home or sacred space (physically and energetically)
Taking a ritual bath with herbs and salts for purification
Visiting a spring or well to honor Brigid and seek blessings
Writing poetry or journaling to tap into creative inspiration
Making offerings to Brigid, such as milk, bread, or flowers
Meditating on your intentions for the year ahead
deities
Brigid: Goddess of fire, poetry, healing, the forge, and fertility
Cernunnos: Linked to the awakening earth