“This little flame holds the renewed hope of spring. It's barely anything at all, a minute firefly reflecting off the cutlery and plates, but when in darkness, we always look to the light. She is my small spark of Imbolc fire.”
– 'Imbolc', The Wheel: A Witch’s Path Back to the Ancient Self
Hello, everyone!
The snows have only just dissipated but Imbolc is already here to pave the way for spring.
And I am so excited for it 💚
Imbolc is the palest crescent moon. It is the flicker of green beneath the frost. It is the smallest spark of fire in the darkness.
Viewed as one of the ‘major’ dates in the Pagan calendar (opposed to the ‘minor’ solstice and equinox festival days) this fire festival is celebrated every year on 2nd February. I always think of Imbolc as a pseudo-spring festival, with its focus on buds, bulbs and the first baby animals of the year. Indeed, it is the first celebration of the calendar year to be associated with Brigid, the goddess of fertility, fire and spring. We’ll be looking at her story later on in this newsletter.
If Yule was the time of resting, then Imbolc is the time of planning. In February, we can start sowing seeds indoors such as sweet peas, kale and tomatoes. Internally, inside ourselves, we can begin planting the seeds of what we wish to nurture over the coming year.
Me? I am sowing the seeds of positive habits, including yoga every day and spending more quality time with those I love. Goalsetting doesn’t always sit well with me so I am using this Imbolc as an opportunity to begin welcoming good things into my life, rather than focusing on a strict outcome. This feels much more compassionate to the soul.
What seeds will you be sowing this Imbolc?
In this edition of The Green Witch Writer newsletter, you’ll find:
ways to celebrate the festival of Imbolc
the story of the goddess Brigid
exclusive info about my new book, The Second-Hand Boy
how to create your own magick wand.
I hope you enjoy this newsletter and blessed Imbolc to you!
Jennifer x
The Second-Hand Boy – 5 days to go
It’s very nearly here! My fourth book, The Second-Hand Boy, is out on Thursday 1st February (the day before Imbolc – what were the chances?).
Oh, wow. 21-year-old little me would be so proud of this day. I began writing this book as part of my MA Writing For Children back in 2012. Little did I know that, in 2018, The Second-Hand Boy would win a New Northern Writers Award for its “sensitive and timely” portrayal of mental health issues for younger children.
Now, here we are in 2023, and The Second-Hand Boy is about to hit the shelves. I’ve just got a little something in my eye…
What’s the book all about?
When his best friend leaves town, Billy finds himself all alone as his world comes crashing down around him. Between swerving the bullies and looking after Mum, there seems to be no escape from his problems.
However, when Mum gives him a second-hand book, everything changes. Billy finds himself drawn into an icy world of parallel universes where things aren't quite as they seem...
The Second-Hand Boy will be out with UCLan Publishing on Thursday 1st February 2024 💙
Pre-order The Second-Hand Boy below. Can you tell I’m excited?
Top 5 ways to celebrate Imbolc
Light a candle on your windowsill – See this as an offering to the goddess Brigid but also as a bright and dazzling “I’m here!” amongst the darkness. Stare into the flame of a white candle and visualise healing and positivity finding their way to you, lit by the candle’s light.
Honour Brigid by making a St Brigid's cross for your altar or baking a St Bride's bannock. Imbolc literally means “ewe’s milk” so be sure to cook with lots of cheese or cream!
Plant seeds – Whether that’s in your home or greenhouse, or in your mind. Journal around what it is you wish to welcome into your life this spring and write about the steps you will take to achieve it.
Feed the birds – And keep them watered too! Leave out seed, fat balls and rehydrated mealworms to help robins, blue tits and chaffinches replenish their energy and get ready for spring. Put out a bowl of water with a small stick inside it to prevent it from freezing over.
Go on a wild walk – Brave the weather and take note of where snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils and the leaves of lesser celandine (above) are starting to grow. Perhaps one of the things you want to nurture this year is your green witchery. Learning the first plants and flowers of spring is an excellent way to start 🌿
Who is the goddess Brigid?
I have always viewed Brigid (pronounced ‘breed’) as the primary goddess of the Celtic festival of Imbolc. She has appeared to me on many occasions and I look forward to catching a glimpse of her again this year.
Let’s take a closer look at the lore that surrounds her:
Emerging from the realms of Danú near the Danube in southern Germany, Brigid was a pan-European Celtic goddess, and was worshipped across Europe from Spain to Turkey before she ever reached Ireland.
Within Irish lore, Brigid was among the original goddesses of the Tuatha dé Danann – the faery race that once ruled the land. She is the daughter of Dagda (the ruler of the Tuatha dé Danann) and the ancient mother goddess, Danu.
Brigid is the embodiment of light and brightness. She is the ruler of many things, including healing, poetry, agriculture, cattle, fertility, spring, craftsmanship, and the alchemical power of fire. Brigid was also a protector of mothers and children; she was unable to save her own son Ruadan who died in a great war, so made it her mission to protect the children of others.
In modern Paganism, we often believe fire to be a masculine element, but the fire that Brigid embodies is the primal feminine energy of rebirth and inspiration. She is often depicted with flames emanating from her head. She is a goddess of creation.
In more modern times, Brigid has become St. Brigid, or Brigid of Kildare – one of the patron saints of Ireland. St. Brigid’s feast day is 1st February and people often turn to her for the protection of babies, mothers, and cattle, honouring her past as a goddess.
We can give thanks to Brigid by leaving her a thoughtful offering. Around the festival of Imbolc and into the burgeoning spring, we can leave offerings of candlelight, poetry, sunstone (or other fiery crystals), honey, milk and cheese. We can also perform acts of kindness that honour Brigid’s healing nature.
How will you be honouring Brigid this Imbolc?
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How to make and bless a wand
It’s one of my biggest beliefs in life that your spirituality shouldn’t cost the earth. For the vast majority of your witchcraft practice, you’ll be pleased to know that you won’t need anything except yourself, a quiet space and maybe a few matchsticks.
However, having physical tools to work with is an added bonus and can help to amplify our energies!
I have used the same wand for the past 20 years – a rowan wand taken from a tree in my grandparents’ vegetable patch. Yes, I might be a creature of habit but the longer we use a tool, the more we imbue it with our energy signature and the more loyal it will feel to you.
Wands are commonly associated with the element of Air and can focus our thoughts and intentions when pointed in a certain direction. The wand is an extension of our power and we can use it to channel our magick in our spells and rituals.
Some of the most popular wand woods include ash, alder and oak. I look at the significance of different trees in The Witch’s Survival Guide so have a read and find the tree that resonates with you and your needs.
Happy wand making!
You’ll need:
a small (roughly) 30cm branch from a tree of your choosing (see below)
secateurs
a small knife
ribbon or leather cord
a small length of copper wire OR natural glue
sandpaper
optional: varnish, wood stain, crystals
NOTE: Before you choose a piece of wood to work with, please note this should always be done with respect. To avoid taking from a tree unnecessarily, I would recommend using a fallen branch. But if you do need to take living wood from a tree, always ask permission. Ask the tree: “Will you allow me to take a branch from you for the greater good?” If you feel that the tree answers your plea with positive energy then thank them and gently take a small branch. If you feel that the tree does not want you to take from them, then say, “Thank you” and turn away. Listen to the tree and respect their answer, even if it isn’t one you want to hear.
Trim your selected branch to the desired length. You may wish to keep your wand in its natural state but to preserve it for as long as possible, I would recommend sanding away the top layer of bark. This also allows you to sand your wand into the shape that works for you.
Using your knife, carve any runes, sigils or symbols of power and protection into the wood. This is the point where you can varnish or stain your wand if you choose to do so.
Wrap the handle with leather cord or ribbon, securing this with wire or natural glue. You may wish to go one step further and decorate your wand with crystals, other ribbons or painted adornments. My advice: go for it! Where you can, use wire or natural glues and dyes to add things to your wand, making it as beautiful as you would like.
Now is the time to bless or consecrate your wand. Consecrating your tools is important as it elevates them from an everyday object to one of power, and can bind them to you and your practice. Of all the consecrations out there, this is the one that resonates with me the most and incorporates the Four Elements.
Add your wand to your altar and use it in your next ritual 🌄
Blessed Imbolc, everyone. I'll see you on the next turn of the Wheel: Ostara will be here on 19th March Watch out for your newsletter a few days before.
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This has motivated me to celebrate Imbolc and immerse myself in positivity and grace. X