A sacred convergence of ancient fire festivals and lunar power, inviting transformation as winter slowly yields to spring’s first whispers.
The Crossroads of Winter and Spring: Imbolc’s Meaning
Imbolc, celebrated February 1-2, marks the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox—a threshold moment when the wheel of the year turns toward light.
This ancient Celtic festival honors Brigid, the triple goddess of fire, fertility, healing, and poetry. Her presence symbolizes the awakening earth, the purification of winter’s stagnation, and the first stirrings of new life beneath the frozen ground.
The name “Imbolc” derives from “i mbolg,” meaning “in the belly”—referring to pregnant ewes and the promise of spring lambs soon to arrive.
The Snow Moon: February’s Full Moon in Leo
Lunar Timing
The Snow Moon arrives February 1, 2026, at 5:09 PM ET, illuminating the night sky with brilliant clarity.
Winter’s Endurance
Named for the heavy February snowfalls common across North America, this moon represents endurance through darkness and hidden growth beneath winter’s blanket.
Leo’s Fierce Heart
Shining in fiery Leo, this full moon brings confidence, creative power, and courage—urging us to roar our truth and step boldly into our authentic selves.
Rituals to Honor Imbolc & the Snow Moon
Light the Way
Place candles in each window at dusk to welcome Brigid’s fire into your home and shine hope into the lingering darkness.
Build Your Altar
Create a sacred space with white and yellow candles, early spring flowers like snowdrops, fresh milk, honey, and handmade Brigid crosses woven from rushes or straw.
Release & Renew
Write what no longer serves you on paper—old patterns, limiting beliefs, winter heaviness. Safely burn it in your cauldron or fireplace, releasing it to transformation.
Embracing Transformation: Journal Prompts for Reflection
Take time under the Snow Moon to write freely, letting your inner wisdom guide you toward clarity and truth.
The Magic of Candle and Fire Rituals
The Mythic Figures: Brigid and The Cailleach
Brigid: The Radiant One
The goddess of hearth, forge, and sacred flame. She brings inspiration to poets, healing to the sick, and warmth to the cold. Brigid embodies creative fire, transformation, and the return of light.
The Cailleach: Winter Crone
The keeper of winter, wielder of storms, and guardian of the frozen earth. Her reign brings necessary rest and the wisdom of darkness. As Brigid rises, the Cailleach’s power wanes until autumn returns.
Their eternal dance embodies the cycles of death and rebirth, darkness and light, endings and new beginnings—the great wheel forever turning.
Community and Online Celebrations in 2026
Join the Global Circle
Many spiritual communities and pagan groups offer virtual Imbolc rituals and gatherings in 2026, creating sacred space to share fire blessings and intentions together.
Online ceremonies allow practitioners worldwide to connect across distances, weaving a web of collective energy that honors this threshold moment.
Whether you join a Zoom ritual, participate in a Facebook live ceremony, or gather with local circles, sharing stories and lighting candles together amplifies the power of renewal and transformation.
The beauty of virtual celebration means no one need be alone in honoring the turning of the wheel.
Step Into the Fire
Your Invitation for Imbolc & Snow Moon 2026
This is your moment of awakening. Light your candle with intention. Release what weighs you down. Welcome the new life stirring within you.
Let Brigid’s eternal flame warm your spirit, melting fear and doubt. Let the Snow Moon’s luminous light in Leo reveal your truest path forward with clarity and courage.
This sacred threshold offers you permission to shine boldly, grow fiercely, and step confidently into spring’s promise. The fire is lit. The wheel turns. Your transformation begins now.