Imbolc is celebrated on Feb. 1-2, and is the halfway point between the winter solstice (Yule) and spring equinox (Ostara). This sabbat is associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid. As with all sabbats, Imbolc marks another turn of the Wheel of the Year.

The name comes from a Celtic word meaning “ewe’s milk.” At this time of year, lambs will soon be born, as evidenced by the ewes’ teats filling with milk. The holiday is traditionally associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid, protectress of farm animals, and also goddess of fire, smith-crafting (ironwork, typically done on a forge), and fertility. Weaving a Brigid’s Cross from straw—a four-armed star, with a square in the middle—is a traditional Imbolc activity and decoration, as is anything honoring Brigid. Altars celebrating Brigid might include images of sheep, forging, and fire. Brigid is also associated with creativity and, in particular, poetry. She is amongst the Great Mother Goddesses.

In the non-Pagan secular world, February 2 is associated with Groundhog Day, which also proclaims that winter will be over in six weeks as long as that furry little feller doesn’t see his shadow. In Christian circles, this day is known as “Candlemas,” a day to celebrate Jesus, the light of the world. In Ireland, Imbolc is also known as St. Brigid’s Day or the Feast of St. Brigid. The goddess Brigid spans both pre and post Christian influence in Ireland, and she is Ireland’s matron saint. Celebrations are still held in her honor.

If you are just beginning on your Pagan path, find out more about Brigid today, and see how she resonates with you. If you’ve already met this amazing goddess, do something today to honor her. It can be something as simple as lighting a candle and speaking her name with love and honor. As long as it is genuine, and comes from your heart, Brigid will hear you.

For Pagans who use the Wheel of the Year to create and follow through on their intentions for the year, Imbolc is the time to make decisions. While Yule was all about imagining what you might want to accomplish, like a brainstorm of ideas, at Yule, you narrow it down. What exactly do you want to manifest in this new year? It’s time to put that seed into the ground so it can grow.

One way to recognize when the Wheel of the Year turns, and a sabbat has arrived, is by noticing what happens in your own natural surroundings. Where I live, lemons are at their peak at Imbolc, and the branches hang heavy with fruit. When the tree looks like this, I know Imbolc has arrived.

How about where you live? What is happening in your own surroundings that herald Imbolc’s arrival? Go outside, or if the weather won’t allow it, look out your window or take a drive. Look at the trees, plants, birds, or even where the sunlight falls at this time of year. Try and identify all the things that would say “Imbolc” without looking at the calendar.

Find out more about how to recognize the turn of the Wheel in “Pagan Curious – A Beginner’s Guide to Nature, Magic & Spirituality,” available on Amazon or Llewellyn.com.