Imbolc is an important moment in the pagan Wheel of the Year that invites us to awaken to solar energy. The sun is now regaining momentum towards the brighter half of the year and inviting us to partner with him as we expand and grow toward the light. This is the perfect moment to sow the seeds of your intentions and begin something new.
Imbolc is a holiday that sits halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Traditionally it begins at sundown on February 1st and continues through February 2nd.
This is a diverse holiday celebrated by a wide range of cultures and peoples. In Celtic paganism, it is one of the 4 main fire festivals that celebrates the turning of the seasons. Christians celebrate this day as Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ.
Imbolc is also a day to honor the triple goddess Brigid (pronounced “Breed”), a goddess of fertility and creativity as well as hearth and home. She is deeply connected to the earth’s rhythms and cycles. Because of this, many activities included in Imbolc festivals are connected with farming.
The Gaelic origin of the word Imbolc means “in the belly” and represents new life. It can also be translated as “use milk” referring to the fertility of the land. As such it was customary to pour milk or cream onto the earth as an offering.
Imbolc is when the promise of Yule begins to feel fulfilled. It represents a turning point where we can start to prepare and look forward to the coming of Spring. We can ready our hearts and homes for growth and renewal and the promise of better things to come. 
For ideas on how to move with this energy and work with it in your physical body, check out my blog article “4 Solar Dance Practices for Expression and Empowerment.” I also discuss dancing with the Sun in my book “Dance Divination: Movement That Illuminates the Mysteries of Spirit.”
To learn more about embodying the energy of the seasons or working with the eight holidays within the Wheel of the Year, check out episode twelve of my Spiritual Dance Podcast titled "Dancing with the Seasons." CLICK HERE to listen or read the transcript.
