The Beginning of Beginnings
- earthstarmagic
- Jul 30, 2025
- 6 min read
Here in the Southern Hemisphere we are at the very beginning of a new Earth Cycle, approaching Imbolc. Imbolc is an ancient Celtic festival, marking a cross-quarter point on the Wheel. The exact date between Winter Solstice (the longest night) and Spring Equinox (equal day and equal night).
Sometimes known as Candlemas, or St Brigid's Day, this is the time when we celebrate the return of the light and set our intentions for the year ahead. It is the beginning of beginnings, the time to consider carefully what you will do with the year stretching before you.
A time of birthing and sprouting, symbolising new beginnings and new potential for a life flourishing with abundance, creativity and renewed strength.
Are you feeling the shift? The days are lengthening; sunlight lingering slightly longer each day. Things are stirring deep in the belly of the Great Mother's womb.
The traditional date for Imbolc here in the Southern Hemisphere is August 1st. This year, the astrological date this year is August 7, 2025 at 3:57PM.
The word "Imbolc" means "in the belly of the Mother," because the seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of Mother Earth.
it is a time of stirring and shifting after the long winter months and marks the threshold of spring. Look around at the natural world, notice what you notice. The wattles are blooming, daffodils are shooting up. The sap is rising! We are waking from our winter slumber.
Energetically, this is the time when the seeds you planted or the intentions you set at Winter Solstice begin to take root, ready to sprout.
If you have not yet made any intentions for this year, don’t worry there’s still time. This is a very potent point in the wheel and is perfect for visioning what you want to call in - this is the time of metaphoric rebirth.
If you did set some intentions, what are you noticing? Are things beginning to shift or grow? Perhaps many things are growing and you need to do some ‘weeding’ to allow yourself to focus on just one or two things that you really want to call in this year? Perhaps things aren’t progressing as you’d hoped. Now is the time to realign to your true north and let go of anything that does not serve your highest good.
This is also the perfect time for spring cleaning. Moving out old stagnant energy after the winter months, making space for the new to come in.
Imbolc was traditionally a Celtic Fire Festival dedicated to the Goddess Brigid. She is the Celtic goddess of poetry, healing, fertility, domestic animals, and the forge. Daughter of the Dagda, the king of the otherworldly, Tuatha Dé Danann, Brigid was a powerful and beloved goddess. She is keeper of both the initiating spark and the sustaining warmth of the hearth.
Simple Rituals for Imbolc
Many Imbolc traditions center around dreaming, reflecting, celebrating, giving gratitude and sowing seeds of intention as we bid farewell to the winter weather, and the coldest part of the year. Here are a few simple ones you can try:
Lighting Candles – to symbolise the return of the light as we welcome back the warmth of the sun and the promise of brighter days ahead. These can be in a dedicated place, such as your altar, or around the home.
Create a seasonal altar – do you already have an altar set up in your home? This is a great time to clean and rearrange, placing symbols of renewal upon it to honor the energy of Imbolc and the goddess Brigid. Include symbols of the season, such as milk, bread, honey, white and green fabrics, and items representing growth and renewal. Add meaningful objects like Brigid crosses, and flowers like snowdrops or jonquil. If you don't have an altar, this is a great time to create one! It can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. A space dedicated to connecting to Spirit / The Goddess / The Divine which can grow and evolve with the seasons and your spiritual practice.
Purification Rites – Take some time to cleanse your home and begin 'Spring Cleaning'. Visualise sweeping old and stagnant energy out, creating space and preparing for the new. You could also take a ritual bath, water is cleansing, healing, renewing and refreshing. Infuse the water with seasonal herbs associated with this time such as Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Rosemary, Tansy, and Violets. These can be placed directly in the water (which always looks beautiful, but in reality can be uncomfortable and a pain to clean up), or infused as you would a put of herbal tea, and that infusion poured into the bath. always be sure to check for any skin irritation before submerging your whole body.
Seed planting / intention setting – this can be both a physical and a metaphorical. What is it that you wish to call in for this new earth cycle? The thing that you wish to see move through the stages of birth, growth, full bloom, harvest, and eventually decay and death. Try making 3 wishes – one for your community, one for the planet and one for your self. This is a great activity to do with children or even in Circle. Make sure you choose seeds which suit the climate at this time of year. Beans and legumes always work well, from my experience.
Make a fire - fire is one of the themes of Imbolc. If you can, gather your loved ones around a fire pit or bonfire to honor the season, or light candles indoors for a more intimate celebration. As you light each flame, focus on the themes of transformation and growth. You can also use the fire to release old fears or negativity by writing them down and burning them as an offering.
Seasonal feast - gather your friends or community for a shared meal. Include seasonal foods such as Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas. Take inspiration from your own garden, what is abundant? Here in Western Victoria I'll be using nettle, cleavers, rosemary and calendula. I love to work with lemons as symbols of the sun and the returning light.
Make a Brigid's Cross - these are ancient Celtic symbols which are woven at Imbolc and hung by the door as a symbol of protection. They are traditionally created using rushes (found near water, representing life and renewal) or straw (symbolising the harvest and the cyclical nature of agriculture) and are a great seasonal craft - one I love to share when sitting in Circle or gathering with community groups.
Making a Brigid's Cross
Follow my step by step instructions on how to create your own Brigid's Cross:
Gather rushes or straw, ensuring they are flexible and dry.
Cut the rushes into equal lengths, typically around 18-24 inches.
Hold one of the rushes vertically and fold a second reed in half.
Place the first vertical rush in the center of the folded second rush.
Hold the center overlap tightly between thumb and forefinger.
Turn the two reeds held together 90 degrees anticlockwise so that the open ends of the second reed are projecting vertically upwards.
Fold a third reed in half and over both parts of the second reed to lie horizontally from left to right against the first reed. While holding the center tightly, turn the three reeds 90 degrees anticlockwise so that the open ends of the third reed are pointing upwards.
Fold a new reed in half over and across all the reeds pointing upwards.
Repeat the process of rotating all the reeds 90 degrees anticlockwise, adding a new folded reed each time until all nine reeds have been used up to make the cross. (Add to the right, turn to the left)
Secure the arms of the cross with elastic bands. Trim the ends to make them all the same length. The St Brigid’s Cross is now ready to hang.
The weaving techniques used in making the Brigid’s Cross are rich in symbolism. The act of weaving itself is seen as a form of creating protection and blessings for the home, embodying the nurturing spirit of Brigid.
Finally, another great way to celebrate Imbolc is to gather with community and celebrate this significant point in the turning of the wheel.
Our seasonal gatherings create the opportunity to deepen your connection to the Earth, the cycles of life, and your spiritual path. Therefore, by observing the Wheel of the Year, we honour the ever-changing beauty of nature and embrace the lessons it teaches.
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