A Charm of Blessing for Imbolc

Imbolc is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. It is believed that it was originally a pagan festival associated with the goddess Brigid.

Most commonly it is held on 1/2 February, or about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

At Imbolc, Brigid's crosses were made and a doll-like figure of Brigid, called a Brídeóg, would be paraded from house-to-house. Brigid was said to visit one's home at Imbolc. To receive her blessings, people would make a bed for Brigid and leave her food and drink, while items of clothing would be left outside for her to bless. Brigid was also invoked to protect homes and livestock.

A Charm of Blessing for Imbolc

Blessed be Brigid, bless our home
Bless us now asleep in bed
Come and feast, and eat our bread
Bless the land, make fertile loam

Magic working where you roam
Livestock flourish where you tread
Blessed be Brigid, bless our home
Bless us now asleep in bed

Bless the ships, the sea, and foam
Bless the living, bless the dead
Bind our lives with sacred thread
At the night’s fall, evening's gloam
Blessed be Brigid, bless our home