02/03/2026
Today, February 3rd, is Imbolc proper for 2026.
Think of Imbolc and the goddess Brigid's Day as a fluid holi-day because, as it is the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox, it can fall anywhere between February 3rd to February 6th. These moveable dates apply to the solstices and equinoxes also, which are not fixed to the same day each year.
The ancient goddess Brigid of the Tuatha Dé Danann, daughter of Danu and the Dagda, is a *different entity entirely* than Brigid, matron Saint of Ireland, a mortal woman, perhaps born in 451 CE.
Some of the qualities of the ancient goddess Brigid were *perhaps* transposed upon the later Saint Brigid — however, it is important to note that each have mention, virtue, and value in their own right.
*Brigid the Saint* is celebrated on February 1st, now a national holiday in Ireland.
The day of *Brigid the Goddess* changes slightly from year to year, yet never actually falls on the first day of the month. Regardless of these differences, the first days of February are a holy time.
In Ireland, Cairns U and L at Loughcrew, and Dumha na nGiall (The Mound of the Hostages at Tara), both in County Meath, are all aligned towards sunrise during this time period. This seems to indicate that the early days of February were of significance to our Neolithic ancestors.
Notes: The only mentions of Brigid the Goddess that we have are in writings by Irish monks in the 9th and 11th centuries. These were likely drawn from older sources, of which, no written record remains. Research Cormac's Glossary - 9th century, Lebor Gabála Érenn - 11th century, and Cath Maige Tuired - 12th century (?).
The origin of the Brigid’s Cross is a pre-Christian sun wheel, pointig to the four directions and seasons.
Snowdrops are not native to Ireland, and were likely introduced there in the 15th century by Italian monks, who planted the bulbs in monastery gardens, from which they later spread and became naturalized.
~ Rebekah Myers
copyright © February 1, 2025 by Rebekah Myers
Sacred Sisters Full Moon Circle
Art: Wendy Andrew
Painting Dreams