Maybe it’s still bitter cold where you live. Or maybe the snow is starting to melt. Either way, February 1st marks the beginning of the end of Winter. As well as the Celtic sabbat Imbolc, also called Brigid’s Day. Take this time to reflect, cast spells and make potent magick with these Imbolc crystals and herbs.

First, What is Imbolc?

Our Celtic predecessors held sacred days in which they honored the cycles of the sun and earth. As well as celebrated certain gods and goddesses that were near and dear to their hearts and lives. Imbolc, pronounced “eem-bolg” (among a few other ways), is one of those sacred Celtic days particularly celebrated in Ireland and Scotland. It’s observed annually on February 1st and is also called Brigid’s Day or Saint Brigid’s Day. It’s widely accepted as a day linked to the ancient Celtic goddess of the poetry and smithing known as Brigid.

But there’s more to Imbolc, since the word itself translates to “ewes’ milk”, this is a time when animal babies are being born and their mothers are nursing. Grass might start to peek out of the snow and flowers that bloom early might emerge from their Winter slumber. It’s a time when we’re coming out of a long period of rest and inner reflection. A time of purification, new opportunities, and looking forward to warmer days.

10 Imbolc Crystals and Stones

These Imbolc crystals and stones are useful for this sabbat in many ways. Harness their energy for healing, enlightenment, spells, offerings and more.

1. Blue Lace Agate

Perhaps one of the gentlest and prettiest of the Imbolc crystals we’ll list here is blue lace agate. I’ve always been drawn to this stone. Blue lace agate is a beautiful light blue, one of the Imbolc colors, and helpful in refreshing one’s spirit. It’s a stone for starting over. And after a long Winter, when Spring is finally on its way, many of us feel we need something to get us moving again. Give us that energetic, fresh start. Lace agate is helpful in Imbolc spells for purification, peace, communication and new opportunities. And in healing spells to help break fevers, reduce inflammation, and aid in digestion. All things we tend to experience during the cold Winter months.

2. Clear Quartz

A stone that’s helpful for almost every sabbat, including Imbolc, is clear quartz. Truly this is an all-healing, all-intention stone that can be used in Imbolc spells and rituals for clearing one’s mind and aura. For focusing in on New Year’s goals and intentions. And, interestingly, the name quartz comes from the Greek word krystallos which means “ice”. The ice is beginning to melt on Imbolc, so why not use clear quartz in conjunction? Also a wonderful tool for scrying and other forms of divination.

3. Selenite

An extremely popular crystal in the spiritual community, selenite is frequently used in Imbolc rituals and spells for different purposes. The nights are getting shorter at Imbolc, but they do still feel long. Therefore, moon magick is common around this time. Selenite is connected to the moon, since its name is derived from the moon goddess’ name Selene. By placing in the home or on your altar, you bring loving, peaceful angelic energy into your space. It is a high-vibing energy healer at a tie of year when many of us are just knocking off the Winter cobwebs, so to speak.

4. Snowflake Obsidian

Obsidian is one of the most protective stones out there. Snowflake obsidian carries those shielding and warding vibrations. But it also reminds us that being alone, as many of us may feel during the colder months, isn’t a bad thing. It’s empowering and gives us a chance to care for ourselves on every level. Imbolc is a great time to cast protection and purification spells, and snowflake obsidian is in alignment with both intentions. Add to candle spells, spell bottles, jars, and more this Brigid’s Day.

5. Rose Quartz

We have Valentine’s Day in February, not long after Imbolc. Many folks are concentrated on impressing their romantic interests, while some of us just need to focus on ourselves. Rose quartz is known as the love stone for a reason. It not only emits loving vibes, it draws loving vibes towards us. Whether you’re loving someone else or need to spend time on yourself.

6. Lepidolite

Brigid is one of the Tuatha de Danann, or the people of Danu, who are also believed to be of elemental or faery origin. And, since lepidolite is a known fairy crystal, this is an especially potent Imbolc crystal. It also represents harmony, completion and unconditional love through its connection to number 6 in sacred geometry. If you plan to honor Brigid this Imbolc, lepidolite is appropriate as offering or as Imbolc decoration.

7. Amethyst

Amethyst is one of our favorite crystals because it is incredibly versatile. Most folks know it for its psychic and intuitive properties, but it’s also helpful with clearing energy, connection with the gods, self reflection and shadow work. All themes that come up during the Imbolc sabbat.

8. Carnelian

Since Imbolc is also a sacred day honoring the goddess Brigid, crystals and stones linked to the element fire are appropriate. Why? Because Brigid is a goddess of the smithing and the sacred flame. Priestesses were required to keep her sacred fire ablaze for centuries at Kildare in Ireland. The priestesses and people gathered at this hillside to ask Brigid to bless and protect their cattle and crops for the coming seasons.

9. Aventurine

The earth is emerging from its long sleep…green is popping up here and there on Imbolc. Any light green stone or crystal is in alignment with Brigid’s Day, as it represents new life and the coming of Spring. Aventurine is one of our favorite Imbolc crystals for this reason. And also because it assists in healing old emotional wounds from past romances, allowing us to open up to new love just in time for Lupercalia (pagan Valentine’s Day).

10. Sunstone

Brigid is linked to fire and fire is linked to the sun. And because the sun is slowly making its return to the sky at this time, sunstone is an appropriate Imbolc crystal. Connected to our solar plexus, sunstone aids in boosting our vitality, confidence and health. At a time when we likely need it most – during the cold and flu season. And during a time when we’ve been shut indoors avoiding the cold and harsh weather. Wear sunstone on Imbolc to brighten your day and amplify your rituals.

10 Imbolc Herbs for Rituals, Spells and Sabbat Gatherings

Maybe it’s just me, but I feel herbs are even more versatile than crystals. They’re not just magical but also medicinal and sometimes edible. For every sabbat, there are herbs that are in alignment and/or are traditionally linked. Here’s some of the Imbolc herbs, both traditional and modern, for you to use in your gatherings, rituals and sabbat spells.

1. Lavender

Lavender has to be included as an Imbolc herb, not because it’s prominent at this time, but because it represents Spring and all the good things to come. Burning lavender is purifying and also brings joy, stress relief, and beauty. Adding to a spell bag and placing under the pillow on Brigid’s Day will bring sweet, soothing sleep and dreams of new opportunities.

2. Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet is an herb in the rose family and is considered one of the traditional Imbolc herbs. Perhaps the clue for this is in its other names, Bridewort and Bride of the Meadow. You see, the goddess Brigid is often referred to as “Bride” in Scotland and Ireland. So this herb is under her domain. The druids considered meadowsweet sacred and it’s been worn in garlands and added to bouquets since ancient times, according to Percyisawitch on Tumblr.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary is an Imbolc herb because it’s literally an every-sabbat-herb. It’s an evergreen shrub that represents life through the Winter season and perfect for Brigid’s Day rituals and concoctions. Make rosemary crowns, wreaths, and altar decorations. Or add rosemary to your Imbolc purification bath, herb bundle for smoke cleansing, candle spells and much more.

4. Rowan

Rowan is a traditional Celtic tree and steeped in ancient lore. It’s also connected to the goddess Brigid, therefore making it an Imbolc herb. In fact, the full moon closest to Imbolc is called the Rowan Moon. And the rowan twig is said to have certain powers including protection and personal power. And according to writer Rebecca Kightlinger, rowan is planted in graveyards to prevent the dead from lingering too long.

5. Dandelion

I don’t know why people are so prone to pulling up or spraying dandelions these days. Dandelions are some of the first flowers to bloom in Spring and are quite prominent as flowers go. They represent courage, joy, vitality, and wish fulfillment. Think about all those times as a kid you blew the dandelion seed head and made a wish. Make dandelion wine for Imbolc or just use dandelions in your salads and potions.

6. Red Clover

Red clover, also called trefoil and three-leaves grass, has a long history of lore in Ireland. And is one of the goddess Brigid’s sacred plants. Its magical properties include money, love, protection, fidelity, exorcism and success. The red clover variety is specifically potent in love and lust potions. And therefore is appropriate for the month of February where there is such an emphasis on romantic and SELF love.

7. Crocus

The flower Crocus is one of the first to bloom in late Winter to early Spring. And when grown is said to attract love into your life. According to Scott Cunningham, burning crocus with alum in a censer will give you the identity of the thief who robbed you.

8. Oak leaf and acorns

“By Oak, Ash and Thorn”, is a well-known phrase in the Celtic shamanic tradition. Oak is probably the most honored of the Druid plants…the term druid might actually refer to the Oak tree. Druids were known to meet in sacred Oak groves, a practice that carried on for centuries in ancient times. Oak is connected to the goddess Brigid and therefore to Imbolc. Add three oak leaves to the ritual bath, acorns to the altar, and leave a branch outside your front door for protection and prosperity.

9. Corn

Corn, or truly any type of grain or wheat, is another traditional Imbolc herb. We see many pagans making corn dollies in Brigid’s name on Saint Brigid’s Day. There’s quite a few old customs around the Brigid corn doll including having young ladies adorn the doll and treat it as a friend on Brigid’s Eve. Following the night of staying up with the Brigid doll, it is paraded around the town and thought to be a representation of the goddess. Corn (wheat/grain) is a potent symbol of nourishment, life, prosperity and survival. All domains of the Celtic goddess.

10. Nettle

Nettle is a highly magical herb with multiple uses including purification, protection, healing, and ghost-exorcism. Wearing it in an amulet prevents from negative energy accumulation. It’s loaded with antioxidants and nutrients when added to Winter teas and stews.

How to Use Imbolc Crystals and Herbs in Spells, Rituals and Traditions

Whether you’re doing ritual or casting spells, or simply making an Imbolc meal, here are some ways to incorporate crystals on Brigid’s Day:

• Add Imbolc crystals and herbs to spell bottles, jars and bags
• Use Imbolc symbols in your rituals like the Triquetra, Brigid’s Cross, or bonfire
• Encircle candle spells with crystals and herbs to amplify your intentions
• Decorate the sabbat altar with crystals and herbs for the season and divinity
• Use as offerings to deities like Brigid, elementals and Mother Earth
• When cooking and baking for Imbolc, place crystals in the kitchen to empower the meals. Cook with Imbolc herbs when edible and appropriate
• Weave herbs and add crystals to your Brigid’s crosses and Spring wreaths
• Burn Imbolc herbs as incense and to purify your space
• After taking out your linens on Imbolc Eve for Brigid to bless, put them away with a sachet of blessed Imbolc herbs and crystals
• Add certain topically safe herbs and safe crystals to the ritual bath OR place near or around the tub
• Make Imbolc tea with edible herbs like lavender and rosemary