Mini Imbolc Altar

By Terri Clement

Imbolc is the half-way point between the longest night (Winter Solstice) and the beginning of spring. This is a time when life is budding (under the snow for many) and we witness the first stirring of spring awakening.

This holiday can represent different things to different people and there are many different crafts and recipes that go hand in hand with Imbolc or Candlemas. I thought it would be fun to create a mini Imbolc Altar.

Supplies you will need:

A glass jar, cup, or vase

Salt
Selected Herbs
Chosen Crystals
Candle (Optional)

Fill the bottom of your jar or vase with salt. Salt is strongly associated with purification, as is water. Snow is also seen as purifying the earth, making way for new growth. The salt here is a representation of the cleansing properties of snow.

Place the herbs inside the glass to represent the budding life under the snow and frosty ground.

For the herbs I chose Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaves, Cedar, and a Cinnamon stick. I used Thyme for healing as the earth heals itself for spring. Rosemary was chosen for remembrance of the year past to help with the year ahead. Bay leaves are for the wishes for the start of something new. Cedar is for grounding and Cinnamon stick for protection.

I decided to include crystals chosen to represent what I want to “grow” in the spring and summer season. Pick and choose what feels right for you. I chose Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Tiger’s Eye and Aventurine.

Clear Quartz is a “master healer.” It amplifies energy and thought as well as absorbing, storing, releasing and regulating energy. Rose Quartz helps with matters of the heart, love (including self love), and relationships. Amethyst helps relieve stress and dissolve negativity. It can help you become more focused. Tiger’s Eye is a grounding and protection stone as well as bringing good luck. It can also dispel fear and anxiety while helping to balance yin-yang. Aventurine is the stone of prosperity. It also promotes feelings of well-being.

I included a candle alongside my mini altar, you might choose to put on inside the jar, use a battery operated candle or choose not to include one at all. My usage of the candle was to represent cleaning, clearing, and the expulsion of the darkness and to increase the power of the sun over the coming months. I chose an orange candle to represent joy and passion in the scent of lemongrass as that always smells so light and clean. Again, pick what is meaningful for you.