Today is Imbolc. It is a pagan festival with Northern roots, and this year I decided to formally celebrate it for the first time.

Having been on a spiritual journey for several years, I came to realise that I am pagan. Learning about the worship of gods and goddesses, and the power of our own inner strength and vitality, resonated with me deeply. So today I decided to honour those same gods and goddesses with my own personal celebration.

How to celebrate Imbolc as a pagan newbie

After speaking to other pagans with years of experience, and reading a lot about the subject in various places, the best way for me to celebrate Imbolc was quite a simple one. I lit a single white candle and stood it in a Himalayan rock salt holder. I love crystals, and they feature very prominently in my home. The candle has been burning all day (except when I went out – obviously I don’t want to burn the house down!) and the flame has been steady and strong throughout.

Alongside the lit candle I burned some incense. I chose aloe vera for its cleansing and rejuvenating properties. Imbolc is a festival of growth, fertility and rebirth. It represents the end of winter and the beginning of spring. This was all very relevant to me in my current situation in light of my recent landmark birthday, that of my daughter, and my husband and I both taking the next step on our respective career ladders. Sitting before the candle, which was placed on my altar among my crystals, power animals, and gifts, I meditated for a while.

A bracing canal walk for Imbolc

The weather today has been crisp, fresh and sunny. Although freezing cold, once you were out under the sun it didn’t feel so bad. I went out with my daughter and dog this morning, and took special notice of the bright blue sky above us, the fresh green grass on the verges, and the way the sunlight sparkled on frost particles in sheltered places. I was also very happy to see some fresh new blooms that looked like daffodils. It might be a little early in the season for them, but I always get excited when I see spring flowers growing.

As part of my meditation I drew out two Tarot cards and asked for a message for each that was relevant to Imbolc and my personal journey. The message is also for people who are on the same vibrational frequency as me at this time. That will be people who are discovering their own faith and spiritual paths, who are perhaps beginning a family, and those who are exploring their career options and trying something new and radical. To keep this post from rambling, you can see my Tarot reading separately.

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