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Imbolc - Into the Belly of the Mother

Deborah Hollins

As winter begins to loosen its grip and the first hints of spring stir beneath the frozen ground, Imbolc emerges as a day of sacred renewal. Celebrated around February 1st or 2nd, this ancient festival marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Often associated with the Goddess Brigid, Imbolc is a time of light, fertility, and transformation, making it a perfect moment to reflect on the sacred feminine and Her connection to your journey through life.


The phrase “Into the Belly of the Mother” speaks to a deep well of meaning. The belly—often regarded as the source of life—symbolizes creation, of the sacred womb that nurtures new beginnings. For many, it is a day to honour the cyclical nature of life and reconnect with the forces of fertility, healing, and feminine power. But beyond the physical symbolism, this day invites all women to embrace their inner power, rise in solidarity with each other, and reclaim their role as creators—not just of life, but of the world around them.


A Modern Lens on Imbolc


While Imbolc has roots in ancient agricultural practices and spiritual traditions, its relevance for the modern woman is profound. The festival occurs at a time when the Earth is stirring with potential, even if it’s not yet visible on the surface. In this way, it reflects the potential of all women—whether they’re mothers, activists, creators, healers, or leaders. Even when we feel hidden, or when our contributions are unacknowledged, there is power at work beneath the surface, quietly building toward transformation.


Imbolc is a reminder that growth often begins in the unseen, and much like how seeds wait for the right moment to sprout, women often find their most transformative power when they are patient with themselves and honour the slow, deliberate work of personal and collective change. This is a day to reclaim the wisdom of the body and the Earth, to celebrate women’s strength in both traditional roles and in roles that expand our impact out into the world.


Honouring Brigid and the Sacred Feminine


At the heart of Imbolc is the goddess Brigid, a powerful and multifaceted figure in Celtic mythology. She represents fire, poetry, fertility, healing, and artistry. Brigid is a guardian of the hearth and a symbol of women's inner power and creative force. In many ways, she serves as an archetype of women’s values—embracing both nurturing qualities and the fierceness required to fight for justice, equality, and change.


Brigid is also a Goddess of transformation. She is the flame that sustains life, the fire that sparks creativity, and the light that brings warmth to the darkest days of winter. Her energy can be a powerful ally in our work, inspiring women to reclaim their voices, to resist oppression, and to manifest their visions for a better world. As Imbolc marks the return of the light, it also encourages us to rise with that light, to reclaim our power, and to step into the fullness of who we are, unapologetically and fearlessly.


A Day of Solidarity


Imbolc also holds a unique opportunity for solidarity with our sisters across the world. The belly of the mother is not just a symbol of individual motherhood, but of collective sisterhood. Women, throughout history and in the present day, have faced immense challenges—be it in the fight for rights, equality, or safety. But just as the Earth heals in its own time, so too do we rise, together, each of us playing a part in the greater tapestry of progress and evolution.


On Imbolc, we can honour not only the personal transformation that women undergo but also the collective transformation of women everywhere. This day invites us to come together, share our stories, and celebrate how far we’ve come while looking forward to the work that still lies ahead. It is a day to express gratitude for the foremothers who paved the way for change and to honour the daughters who will continue that work.


Rituals for Empowerment on Imbolc


If you're looking to celebrate Imbolc in a way that connects with empowerment principles, here are a few ideas for rituals or practices that might resonate:


1.       Honouring the Womb: Whether or not you are a mother, the womb is a symbol of creation and transformation. You can honour your own inner creativity and power by lighting a candle (a symbol of Brigid’s fire) and meditating on your own potential. What new life are you ready to create—whether in the form of a project, a relationship, or personal growth?

2.       Create with Purpose: Brigid is a Goddess of creativity, so take time to engage in a craft or artistic expression that feels meaningful to you. Whether you write, paint, sew, or build something, use this time to honour the creative power that flows through you as a woman. Let your art be a declaration of your power.

3.       Take a walk alone, preferably in a place in nature where you can connect with Her and all of Her creation.  Find a tree and greet it as a trusted friend.  Now continue to walk, and reflect upon the first signs of spring and of life returning.  What do you see?  What has changed in nature since Yule?  How has your life changed or how is your life changing?  Can you connect the changes you see around you in nature to the changes in your life?

4.       Fire Ceremony: Imbolc is traditionally a time to light a fire to welcome the return of the light. Gather with friends or family, light a candle or small bonfire, and offer your intentions for the coming year. Ask for strength, creativity, and solidarity as you progress in your work as a woman.

5.       Honour the Sacred Feminine: Whether you work with the archetype of Brigid or another Goddess that resonates with you, take time to honour the feminine divine. Set up an altar, offer flowers, light a candle, or simply sit in meditation and feel the presence of the sacred feminine guiding you.


Conclusion


Imbolc is a celebration of the subtle yet powerful energy of new beginnings. As we journey into the belly of the Mother, we tap into an ancient well of strength, wisdom, and creativity that has always been within us. For women, this day serves as both a personal and collective reminder: we are the creators of change, the bearers of light, and the ones who will continue to transform the world in the image of equality, justice, and love.


On Imbolc, may we honour our roots, nurture our growth, and rise together as we step into the future we are destined to create.


Art by Dasha Bobkova
Art by Dasha Bobkova

Grandmother Wisdom: Return to the belly of your beginnings…the belly of the Mother who Creates All.  She Who Gives Birth to the Universe.  Return to the dark warmth of floating in the waters of creation, waters that carry the wisdom of antiquity.  From here, what is it you know about your desire?  From here, what is it you know about your yearning?  From the belly of the Great Mother what will you bring forth once pushed into the light of life?  What initiations await you as you rise toward the light?  Consider the path you are on.  Will you move quietly along this path, or will you sing, dance, scream your wild soul into your journey through purposefully initiating your Spirit to the sacred calling echoing around you?


Bíodh sé amhlaidh!






With love,

Wren!






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