Offerings #2: Imbolc '24
Five journalling prompts and a song
You’re reading This Might Resonate, a monthly-ish newsletter from me, Emily. Offerings is a series of journalling prompts and occasional rituals for the Wheel of the Year festivals (read more here). A favour: if you enjoy This Might Resonate, please forward it to a friend - they can subscribe right here.
Imbolc
Tomorrow is Imbolc (1st February), which marks the first day of Spring in the Celtic calendar, halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox (21st March). Imbolc is associated with St Brigid, the “mother saint” of Ireland (and an ancient pagan goddess). Ways to mark this period: light candles (to represent the return of the sun), eat dairy (see pesto reciple below), buy/ gather seeds, bring a bunch of snowdrops indoors.
The etymology of Imbolc may be “in the belly”, referring to the pregnancy of ewes at this time of year. It’s a festival associated with seeds of all kinds — quiet germinations progressing invisibly, ready to bloom. It’s a precious point in the year. I feel such tenderness towards the delicate, sturdy snowdrops pushing through the frozen earth, their drooping white petals like a flock of women in headdresses, heads bowed in contemplation.
Read, cook
Read: On the trail of a Celtic goddess: the Irish town celebrating St Brigid.
Cook:
’s foraged, Imbolc-inspired pesto.Five journalling prompts
Since the last Winter Solstice, on the 21st December 2023, what has changed for you and your communities?
What is illuminated that previously felt muddled? What wisdom has Winter brought you?
Inspired by the snowdrops, where are your tender spots? Where are you feeling fortified?
What seeds are germinating within you, ready for the Spring Equinox?
Following Brigid’s lead, how will you be in solidarity with the oppressed and the silenced?
Patron saint of babies; seafarers; children whose parents are unmarried or born into abusive unions; Ireland; the poor and more besides -she represents those voices that for centuries have been silenced.
She saw the darkness of the old ways and shone a light on them, showing strength, resilience and that unnamable thing that flows through the blood of a woman.
— Imbolc,
A song for Brigid
Something to journal to.
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