Even in today's modern age, we tend to spend more time at home during the colder part of the year. Imbolc is still a part of this colder time, even though it marks the beginning of spring. I strongly associate Imbolc with the hearth, with the heart of our home. And this got me thinking about it as a sort of house birthday.
We recognize anniversaries of so many things, and we spend so much time in our houses, but how often do we honor the role that our home plays in our life. I'm not just talking about the physical stuff, keeping us out of the weather, protecting ourselves and our stuff, because home means so much more that that (as anyone who has lived in a place that doesn't feel like 'home' can attest to).
And if you do live in a place where you don't feel at home, then you might want to apply this thought to somewhere that does feel like home to you. Perhaps it is a friend's house, or a relatives, or that secret hidey hole that no one knows about...but it makes you feel safe. Whatever space feels like home to you, Imbolc is a great time to celebrate that relationship.
When we celebrate a birthday, we are acknowledging that the person is important to us, and often we are doing things to demonstrate how much they mean to us...how important they are to our lives. We give them a gift, something we think they will enjoy, as a marker of this celebration.
Shifting this idea to our home, we can take some extra time to clean things up (gift of service...and cleaning is often associated with Imbolc...spring clean!), or maybe get something nice that we've been wanting for our home: a new piece of art, a cozy blanket, some fresh spring flowers.
Many Pagans like to work with their house spirit, and making a special offering or spending some time in communication (maybe through meditation or a chat through a divination tool)...just checking in and seeing how things are going and if there is something your home would like more (or less) of.
Candles and wishing are two things that are connected to Imbolc...and birthdays. Why not light a candle for your house, and make a wish for your home for the coming year? You could also dedicate a candle to your house spirit, and use it as a more regular practice, lighting the candle when you want to commune with or simply recognize the spirit of your house.
Food is another thing that plays a big role in both many Sabbat celebrations, but also in birthday gatherings. As Imbolc is a festival of the hearth, it is a great time to cook those comfort foods that feel like a hug. Maybe a recipe that has been passed down through your family and reminds you of when you were a child. Or even a brand new dish that feels exciting or special. And if cooking isn't your thing, then maybe splurge on a nice takeaway, you know that treat dish that just makes everything feel a bit better.
Just as in friendships, if you only wish someone a happy birthday and give them a generic gift, but you don't really talk the rest of the year, then your relationship might be a little distant or stiff. Special observances like this should be just that: special. They shouldn't be the only time you work on them. The more you can build the relationship between you and your home, the more in tune you will be with your surroundings and the more they will soothe you when you need that feeling of home.
But if you haven't worked with your home spirit before, don't fret! Remember, every relationship starts somewhere, so take some time this Imbolc to recognize your home for all it does in your life. And then start thinking about other times and places where you can reinforce this relationship. Home is definitely a concept worth investing into!
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