Imbolc

Imbolc is a pagan celebration, the first of 8 seasonal celebrations over the course of the year, marking the beginning of spring and lambing season

The original word Imbolg means belly - everywhere life is expected. The passing of winter makes way for spring, with the promise of new crops and animals, more light, warmth, hope and fertility. In some places it is known as the snowdrop festival and some may know it as Candlemas.

The Goddess Brigid ( A triple Goddess)/ Earth mother awakens from her winter slumber, shoots of spring flowers start to emerge, the birds sing more urgently as they prepare for their own reproduction. Spring cleaning commences, clearing out what is no longer needed ( including letting go of negative thoughts and energy) and making way for new beginnings.

Snowdrops are one of the earliest flowers in the UK and have become linked with this celebration. There is even a snowdrop variety named after Imbolc. Snowdrops are supposed to symbolise hope, purity and innocence. There are several lovely stories/folklore/legends involving Snowdrops and Imbolc ( or whatever different cultures call their own beginning of spring celebrations).

In Romania there is a festival known to be celebrated over 8000 years apparently where men tie red and white entwined threads around snowdrops and give them to women in their lives, celebrating male and female strengths. There are many lovely tales in lots of cultures where drops of blood result in snowdrops emerging too.

My images are my interpretation of the Goddess Brigid, the Goddess of healing, poetry, crafts, metal smithing , fire and the sun, the triple Goddess in her maiden aspect.

I made the headwear specially for this photoshoot. Creating the central piece from clay, then painting it with snowdrops, a hare( there are other stories involving a hare), a tree of life and a symbol of the triple Goddess. It is adorned with flowers - some which I pressed last year, white feathers as swans are connected to Imbolc also) Leaves which I made out of clay then painted, a clay Celtic pendant which I made, other bird feathers and moss. I also made both headwear for the Green man. ( the models partner)

Part of celebrating Imbolc involves creating an alter compromising of various associated items such as Snowdrops or other early spring flowers. For me I will have my headwear to go with my snowdrops - not that I practice any ritual, I simply celebrate nature and the changing seasons.

The material seen tied around the tree in my image is called a Clootie and these are left as offerings to Brigid, along with coins.

The offerings of milk and oats to the soil are giving back to our earth. Milk is the traditional drink of this fire festival

Fire is an important aspect of Imbolc too - hence my mini fire on the altar.

 For the submerged flower images I chose Snowdrops, green, white and red for the drops of blood to reflect the above. 

I added photos of the headwear that I created for the photoshoot