Imbolc – 1st February – 2nd February
Gaelic/Celtic celebration
1st February marks the start of Imbolc.
Halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox.
At Art for Wellness, we love the countdown to spring and celebrating the Celtic goddess Brigid.
Welcoming new beginnings in nature and warmer weather on the way
Awakening Creativity for Imbolc
As the days slowly stretch longer and the first whispers of spring stir beneath the frost, Imbolc arrives as a time of renewal and inspiration.
Celebrated from February 1st to sunset on February 2nd, this ancient festival marks the turning of the seasons, where winter begins to loosen its grip and nature awakens once more.
Traditionally honouring Brigid, the goddess of fertility, poetry, and craftsmanship, Imbolc is a time to ignite creativity and welcome fresh beginnings.
At Art For Wellness, we embrace this shift with open hearts and open sketchbooks. Just as Imbolc signifies light returning to the world, creativity flourishes when we allow ourselves to explore new ideas and artistic expressions.
It’s the perfect time to set creative intentions, experiment with new materials, and create artwork symbolising hope, growth, and transformation. Whether painting the first buds of spring, crafting candles to represent the returning light, or journaling aspirations for the season ahead, Imbolc is a powerful reminder that creativity and renewal go hand in hand.
Be creative and learn something new
Every year, we like to create something inspired by the Imbolc theme. This year, we’ve created a wreath featuring Brigid, celebrating renewal, creativity and the returning light.
Spring Into Art!
One of our seasonal art themes is Spring Into Art! At Art For Wellness, we love spring’s fresh energy and channel that into our creative sessions.
- Celebrating new beginnings through vibrant and uplifting artwork.
- Exploring themes of renewal, transformation, and growth.
- Using bright and fresh colour palettes inspired by nature’s awakening.
- Creating mixed media pieces that capture the essence of the season.
- Encouraging mindfulness through nature-based artistic exercises.
As we enter the light of a new season, we invite you to embrace the spirit of Imbolc and Spring Into Art!
Imbolc – 1st February – What its about?
Imbolc is an ancient pagan celebration held from 1st February until sunset on 2nd February, marking the gentle turning point where winter begins to loosen its grip. Sitting halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, Imbolc is a time of awakening — the return of light, warmth and the first stirrings of spring beneath the earth.
This festival carries a quiet yet powerful energy, often described as Earth’s wake-up call. It honours the lengthening days, the returning sun and the promise of new growth after winter’s darkness. It’s a time filled with hope, inspiration and creative possibility.
Imbolc is deeply connected to the ancient Celtic goddess Brigid — known by many names including Brigit, Brighid, Bride and Bríd. She was honoured as the goddess of fertility, healing, crafts, poetry, prophecy and smithcraft. Associated with fire, the hearth and sacred wells, Brigid’s energy was said to sparkle and dance, warming the land and breathing life back into it.
In early Celtic times, over 2,000 years ago, people celebrated Imbolc by lighting candles and fires to symbolise the growing strength of the sun. Brigid’s flame represented inspiration, creativity and renewal — a reminder that spring is on its way and that new ideas, growth and beauty are beginning to emerge.
Time to declutter and spring clean!
This can be done both physically and mindfully.
A perfect time for shedding heaviness and negativity seeing new beginnings filled with positivity!
Blessing the water
Tradition is on Imbolc Eve (1st Feb) to leave out a bowl of water for Brigid to bless, for health, fertility and beauty.
The next morning you drink or wash in the sacred water.
Making an altar
This festival is about igniting the senses! Make an altar, or scatter petals and fill your house with beautiful flowers and scented candles after deep cleaning and cleansing your home.
Crosses of straw
Another popular tradition is to make Brigid crosses out of straw.
You can also use other materials like paper. See the tutorial below for an easy-to-make cross.
Ways you can celebrate Imbolc.
Lighting the candles
Lighting scented candles to welcome the sun.
White or light-coloured candles to decorate your altar.
Flowers for celebration
To see the first snowdrops peeping through as it’s woken by Mother Nature.
Or fill your home with flowers.
Take the time to go outside and for a walk. What can you see?
Look out for spring returning to nature.
Or maybe plant a seed.
Other ideas………
- Baking bread cakes or other recipes using cinnamon (optional).
- Try something new and positive!
- Cleanse or organise your home
- Take a cleansing bath.
Be creative and learn something new
Here are some previous creative ideas…….
Simple paper crosses
Spring is on the way! – Can you “feel it”!
A Poem for Spring
The earth stirs beneath the sun’s warm light,
Soft buds bloom after winter’s night.
Golden rays dance upon the trees,
Whispering tales upon the breeze.
New life awakens in colours bright,
Petals unfurl, hearts feel light.
The song of birds, so sweet, so true,
Welcoming spring with skies so blue.
Step forward now, let art take flight,
Paint with joy, and embrace the light.
For in the season of renewal’s call,
Creativity blossoms for one and all.
Spring Into Art!
At Art For Wellness, we embrace this shift with open hearts and open sketchbooks. Just as Imbolc signifies light returning to the world, creativity flourishes when we allow ourselves to explore new ideas and artistic expressions.
It’s the perfect time to set creative intentions, experiment with new materials, and create artwork symbolising hope, growth, and transformation. Whether painting the first buds of spring, crafting candles to represent the returning light, or journaling aspirations for the season ahead, Imbolc is a powerful reminder that creativity and renewal go hand in hand.
One of our seasonal art themes is Spring Into Art! At Art For Wellness, we love spring’s fresh energy and channel that into our creative sessions.
- Celebrating new beginnings through vibrant and uplifting artwork.
- Exploring themes of renewal, transformation, and growth.
- Using bright and fresh colour palettes inspired by nature’s awakening.
- Creating mixed media pieces that capture the essence of the season.
- Encouraging mindfulness through nature-based artistic exercises.
As we enter the light of a new season, we invite you to embrace the spirit of Imbolc and Spring Into Art!
Let’s create, renew, and flourish together.
Copyright © 2026, Art for Wellness CIC
Debbie, Heather & Rosie A4W Team
Creative art for all ages and abilities. – Let’s share the beauty of creativity
