What Is Imbolc?
Imbolc falls on the 1st of February — the first stirring of spring in the heart of winter. The ground is still cold, but beneath the surface the earth is waking. It is a festival of purification, inspiration, and the returning light — sacred above all to Brigid, the Celtic goddess of the flame, the forge, and the healing well. Candles are lit, Brigid's crosses are woven, and the hearth fire is honoured as a symbol of the light returning to the world.
Imbolc Mythology & Traditions
Brigid is the heart of Imbolc — a triple goddess of poetry, smithcraft, and healing, whose sacred flame was tended by nineteen priestesses at Kildare in Ireland. She is the goddess of inspiration and creative fire, of the forge and the healing spring, of the first words spoken and the first light kindled in the dark. At Imbolc, her flame is lit to welcome the returning light and call in the creative energy of the new year. Eir, the Norse goddess of healing and mercy, brings the theme of restoration and care that runs through the Imbolc season — a time when the world begins to heal after the long dark of winter, and the first green shoots of new life push through the frozen ground.
How to Set Up an Imbolc Altar
An Imbolc altar should feel clean, bright, and full of the promise of new beginnings. Use a white or pale yellow cloth as your base. Place white candles — as many as you like — to honour Brigid's sacred flame and the returning light. Snowdrops, the first flowers of the year, are the most traditional Imbolc flower. Place your Brigid statue at the centre as the focal point. Add a Brigid's cross woven from rushes, a small bowl of water to honour her healing well, and offerings of milk, butter, or bread. Light your candles at dusk on the eve of February 1st.
Featured Statues for Your Imbolc Altar
Brigid Statue – Celtic Goddess of Flame & Fertility
Brigid — goddess of the sacred flame, the forge, and the healing well — is the heart of the Imbolc altar. This hand-carved ash wood statue captures her creative fire and triple goddess energy. Individually carved in Ukraine and finished with varnish.
Brigid Statue – Hand-Carved Ash Wood Celtic Goddess
A second interpretation of Brigid — each hand-carved statue is unique, carrying the individual mark of the maker's hands. A beautiful centrepiece for an Imbolc altar or year-round devotion to the Celtic goddess of fire and healing.
Brighid Statue – Celtic Goddess Figurine
A third form of Brigid — each piece individually carved, no two identical. A meaningful devotional statue for those who work with Brigid's energy throughout the year or seek a powerful focal point for their Imbolc altar.
Brigid Candle Holder – Ash Wood Celtic Goddess Imbolc Decor
The Brigid candle holder is the perfect Imbolc altar piece — a laser-engraved ash wood holder for the sacred flame that is lit to welcome the returning light. Place it at the centre of your altar and light a white candle at dusk on February 1st.
Eir Statue – Norse Goddess of Healing & Mercy
Eir, Norse goddess of healing and mercy, brings the restorative energy of the Imbolc season to your altar. As the world begins to heal after the long dark of winter, her statue honours the return of vitality and the first stirrings of new life.
Explore the Full Imbolc Collection
Browse all Imbolc statues in our Imbolc Collection — hand-carved ash wood Brigid statues and Celtic spring goddess decor, individually carved in Ukraine and finished with varnish.
Each ArtCarving Shop statue is hand-carved in Ukraine from sustainable ash wood — no two pieces are identical. Bring the sacred flame of Imbolc to your altar with a piece that carries the craft and intention of the maker's hands.