With 2026 in full swing, I knew I had to work on at least one of my resolutions. As a Pagan and someone fresh out of the broom closet, I really wanted to explore my beliefs, practices, and most importantly, the Sabbats.
The first Sabbat of 2026 is called Imbolc, where we watch as winter fades and we say hello to spring.
Our ancestors were resourceful and resilient. Without them and their developments, we wouldn't be here. Imbolc has existed long before the common era, sparking hope in our ancestors that better days are ahead. [1] As a result, our connection with the land is fleeting unless we are more intentional about our way of life.
For me, becoming more intentional means educating myself on what we are truly celebrating, why we celebrate, and how we celebrate. So, let's dive in!
What is Imbolc?
As stated earlier, Imbolc is a midwinter celebration, observed most commonly on February 1. The dates for some practices may vary, as there are many different paths. Imbolc represents the reawakening of life as we move into the warmer and longer days ahead. Imbolc is different than the Christian holiday, Candlemas, held on February 2. [1]
Imbolc is an ancient Celtic holiday and was "a feast of purification" for farmers. [2] The celebration is associated with Goddess Brigid, the ancient goddess of arts and crafts, prophecy, and divination. [3]
Why do we celebrate Imbolc?
Originally, Imbolc was observed when the first milk of the ewes (female sheep) came in. The timing of the sheep's milk is in sync with the natural cycles of the world and the seasons, and in this case, it marked winter's transition into spring. This included longer days, warmer weather, and little lambs! [2]
In more modern celebrations however, as most of us are not sheep farmers, we focus more so on the changing of the season, observing the shifts in energy, and paying our respects to our ancestors.
The winter can feel like a pit of isolating darkness, even more so for those farther from the equator. The nights feel endless, there is no warmth to be felt, and we feel depleted and weak, powered by caffeine and artificial light. I speak from experience, as I used to live in Alaska prior to coming back to the south. Alaska is one of the most beautiful places I have experienced, but the winters are not for the faint of heart.
Around the time of Imbolc, hope can be felt again. We remember that light has not abandoned us forever, and the warmth is coming back. Our days grow brighter, warmer, and filled with a little more promise.
How do we celebrate Imbolc?
Since Imbolc originated as a Celtic festival, there was always a feast to mark the celebration. We can continue this tradition in our modern celebrations by feasting with our loved ones. [4]
We can also honor the goddess, Brigid, by way of arts and crafts.
Imbolc's Craft of 2026: Brigid's Crosses out of recycled paper
I was so excited when I found this tutorial by Gluetube Craft that I just had to share it with you! [5] In the tutorial she comments about how it is traditionally made with rushes; however, she does not have access to rushes and opts for using old magazines instead.
You're not just limited to magazines either, even though they are stunning with their colors. Any unused, old pieces of paper would do the trick.
In conclusion
Imbolc is an exciting and lively time. While some may mark new beginnings with the new year, I am learning to appreciate the natural cycles of life and that what is meant to come will come when it is ready.
As we prepare to emerge from our energetic "slumber", we look ahead to the growth and new experiences that await us in the spring.
Afterword
Thank you for reading. I hope to continue this journey and share it with everyone. My family does not have any pre-established beliefs or long-standing traditions, so as I learn and apply new practices to my life, maybe you'll find something to weave into yours as well.
Notes
[1] Carl F. Neal, Imbolc: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Brigid’s Day (Llewellyn Publications, 2015), Kindle ed., p. 17-18
[2] Encyclopaedia Britannica Editors, “Imbolc,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, accessed January 26, 2026, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Imbolc
[3] Encyclopaedia Britannica Editors, “Brigit,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Brigit
[4] Proinsias Mac Cana, “Celtic religion,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Celtic-religion
[5] Gluetube craft, “How to make a St Brigid’s cross #crafting #imbolc #artsandcrafts #papercraft #crafts #craftideas,” YouTube video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo5CLBp_KoU
Works Cited
Gluetube craft. “How to make a St Brigid’s cross #crafting #imbolc #artsandcrafts #papercraft #crafts #craftideas.” YouTube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo5CLBp_KoU
Encyclopaedia Britannica Editors. “Brigit.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Brigit
Encyclopaedia Britannica Editors. “Imbolc.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Imbolc
Mac Cana, Proinsias. “Celtic religion.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Celtic-religion
Neal, Carl F. Imbolc: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Brigid’s Day. Kindle ed. Llewellyn Publications, 2015.