Imbolc: In the Belly with Brigid
- Jessica Clark
- Jan 31
- 2 min read
Working with the triple goddess Brigid during Imbolc is a powerful tool to support you in nurturing your dreams and visions.
In- bolg in old Irish means "in the belly". This time of year marks the halfway point between winter solstice and the spring equinox. In Ireland, it is the lambing time and the mother's milk coming in to mark the end of winter scarcity. Bulbs and seeds begin to gather and synthesize their life force to break through the surface.
Brigid who goes by many names Brigit, Brig, Bree, Brighid, Brid holds the wheel at this time. She embodies the maiden, mother and crone. She is associated with poetry, healing, smithcraft, fertility, livestock, motherhood, fire, water. Some also believe she was the first to keen or cry out upon the death of her son.
Below are a few offerings to work with this time of the Wheel and the Brigid within you.
Imbolc Eve
On Imbolc Eve, place your scarf or shawl outside for Brigid to bless. It is said it will have healing properties throughout the next year.
Every year I make a Brigid's cross to hang above the door to cleanse, protect, and remind me about the great turning of the wheel. Here is a tutorial to make your own Brigid's cross.
Dandelion is associated with Brigid - maybe the bright yellow flower helps us connect with the growing sunlight! Create a cup of herbal dandelion tea and sip in honor of Brigid. Dandelion is also a great detoxifier and used to help cleanse the liver.
Sacred Flame & Healing Waters
Brigid is associated with many healing wells in Ireland. The most well known is in Kildare. She is also keeper of the hearth and the sacred flame. Now is a great time to delve into the realm of the fire and water elements. I invite you to sit with the following questions and if called record them in your journal to reflect on this year. Your answers will become sacred gifts at Samhain.
Is there anything your life that needs to be cleansed or cleared to make room for the new?
Where in your life could you use more fire? More passion?
What new wants to be born at this time?
What seeds of creativity want to come forth? Do they need water or warmth?
What stage are in you with each of your seeds? Maiden, Mother, Crone?
What does each face (maiden, mother, crone) of the the Triple Goddess want to share with you at this time?
Saint Brigid's Blessing
May Brigid bless the house wherein you dwell
Bless every fireside every wall and door
Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof
Bless every hand that toils to bring it joy
Bless every foot that walks its portals through
May Brigid bless the house that shelters you.
Eden Energy Medicine Exercise: Heaven Rushing In
Use this exercise to inspire, water and bring warmth to any seeds you are nurturing!
Much love to you,
Jess
Works Cited
Daimler, Morgan. Gods and Goddesses of Ireland. Moon Books. 2016.
Murphy, Amantha. The Way of the Seabhean. Womancraft Publishing. 2022
National Bontanic Gardens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SjsAPLx0j Williams, Mark. Ireland's Immortals. Princeton University Press. 2016.
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