13 Herbs for Imbolc

Create your midwinter spells with these 13 herbs for Imbolc. Call in new life and future growth for this beautiful sabbat celebrating the return of light and life to the Earth.

Imbolc is one of my favorite sabbats, and not just because it celebrates cheese. Winter can be difficult to endure, so pausing to notice the small signs of life stirring beneath the Earth is so meaningful. It also gives me a little space from the New Year rush to reflect on the direction I want to set for myself in the season and year ahead.

While it's true that there's not much growing at Imbolc, there are still plenty of herbs, plants, and botanicals you can work with to honor this gorgeous Sabbat. Imbolc is also known as Brighid's day, so we'll look at any herbs that are sacred to this Irish goddess. I'll also share some options for working herbs into your witchcraft.

Herbs for Imbolc

Our ancestors had no choice but to work with what grew from the earth or what they could store from the harvest. As modern witches, we have the option of going to the grocery store and buying imported herbs and fruits if we like. We've also got essential oils we can easily obtain. So don't feel like you have to forage for your herbs if that's not your jam. And if you do prefer to forage, always do so responsibly.

• Blackberries - While the fruit is not in season, we can use frozen blackberries, but you could also work with leaves or vines. This fruit is sacred to Brighid and carries the energy of abundance and protection.
• Chickweed - Carries the energy of fertility and love.
• Crocuses - Amongst the first flowers to appear in winter, they carry the energy of friendship, love, and peace.
• Dandelion - Sacred to Brighid, this common weed is edible and represents the Sun and brings vitality.
• Flax - Also sacred to Brighid, this plant represents the web of life.
• Hops - Another of Brighid's plants, this herb is known to assist in underworld travel.
• Lily - Tied to the new moon, this flower represents new beginnings.
• Mugwort - A protective herb, this plant is also tied to astral travel and prophetic dreams.
• Oak - This tree is sacred to Brighid and can be used to call in fertility, strength, and stability.
• Periwinkle - Use this flower to call in love, passion, and protection.
• Rowan - Another of Brighid's trees, it can be used for protection and invoking spirits.
• Snowdrops - One of the best known symbols of Imbolc, this is the first flower you'll see. Use it to call in purity and cleansing.
• Willow - Sacred to Brighid who is the goddess of poetry, amongst other things, this tree is also tied to poetry, intuition, and inspiration.

How to use your herbs

Herbs can be used in all forms of witchcraft, so don't be afraid to add them anywhere you like. Use the above herbs or others that feel right to you. Set you intention, then choose the herbs that will best attract the energy you desire.

• Add flowers and branches to your Imbolc altar
• Craft a wreath and hang it on your front door to bless your home.
• Add safe and edible plants, like blackberry, mugwort or dandelion, to a magical tea blend.
• Add dried herbs to spell jars or charm bags.
• Build a bonfire out of sacred woods.
• Create a loose incense blend.
• Craft a sacred Imbolc oil to anoint your tools and materials.

Recipes to use your Imbolc Herbs

I have a whole list of 99 awesome Imbolc recipes for you to explore, but here are a few bonus ideas to help you incorporate some edible (or drinkable) herbs from the list above into your kitchen witchcraft.

• Brie & Blackberry Grilled Cheese - This recipe also brings in cheese, which is celebrated at this time of year.
• Whole Wheat Guinness Soda - A delicious way to work with hops.
• Cinnamon Whole Wheat Pancakes with Blackberry Brown Butter Syrup - This recipe also calls in the spiritual fire energy of cinnamon.

I hope you've found some new ways to work with these herbs for Imbolc. If you're looking for more info on this sabbat, don't miss our Imbolc episode of The Coven of Awesomeness Podcast.

How will you be celebrating Imbolc this year? Let me know in the comments.

Sources

• The Hearth Witch's Compendium by Anna Franklin