How to Create an Imbolc Altar

Creating an Imbolc altar is a beautiful way to honor the arrival of early spring and connect with the themes of this sacred Sabbat inspired by ancient Celtic traditions.

As the days slowly grow longer, Imbolc invites us to embrace renewal, transformation, and the spark of new beginnings. Your altar can serve as a space to celebrate these energies, honor the goddess Brigid, and set intentions for the season ahead.

Whether you keep it simple with candles and seasonal flowers or adorn it with symbols like Brigid’s crosses, flowers, and offerings, your altar for Imbolc should reflect what this time of year means to you. Below you’ll find some holiday correspondences and inspiration for your space.

What To Include On Your Imbolc Altar

• Wheel of the Year: Your own design or a disc like this one
• Candles: Green, white, or pink candles
• Symbols to represent Brigid and the animals of Imbolc Such as the Brigid cross, corn dollies, lambs and sheep
• Spring flowers for Imbolc: These include snowdrops, crocuses, chamomile, and violets
• Incense or herbs related to Imbolc: Consider using angelica, basil, rosemary, bay, cedar, or lavender
• Offerings of traditional foods: Butter, milk, and honey are all suitable
• Personal Items: Add in anything you feel compelled to place on your altar

Imbolc Altar Ideas

Below you’ll find an variety of altar ideas created by various witches for the holiday. Let these inspire you as you decorate your own and prepare for holiday rituals. And tag us on Instagram at @pagangrimoire if you’d like us to share yours.

If you’re looking for a collection of altar items to simplify the process, Of Smoke & Soil offers lovely items for each holiday on the Wheel of the Year including Imbolc and Folklorica Designs has gorgeous carved candles in their Etsy shop.

1. Bright Imbolc Altar

This sunny altar by Purely Wicked includes brooms, a wheel of the year, Celtic symbols, spring flowers, a Brigid cross, bells and much more.

2. Green and White Imbolc Altar

Andrea Victoria‘s altar is rich in the green and white colors of the holiday.

3. Altar with Brigid Cross

This altar by Love is the Law showcases two great examples of the Brigid Cross, a symbol of the goddess of Imbolc.

4. Snowdrops and Bunnies

This seasonal altar by My Crafty Country Life features one of the animals of the holiday along with the snowdrop, one of the first flowers of early spring.

5. Altar for a Small Space

Here, you can see a relatively simple altar design by the Highest Priestess. Great for a shelf inside a closet or a small space. Just don’t leave any candles burning without being there to watch them, of course.

6. Earth Altar

This stunning altar by the Natural Green Witch is truly an inspiration. It incorporates the colors of Imbolc along with many witchy elements and natural items.

7. Simple Altar

This minimalist altar by Jules is an example of how to honor the holiday in a simple but effective way.

8. Nordic Altar

This Nordic-inspired version may inspire those who celebrate the Norse gods but want to work with the energies of Imbolc.

9. Corn Dolly and the Goddess

This altar by Losillewitch features a nod to the goddess as well as a corn dolly for Brigid on top of a Celtic altar cloth.

Morwenvaidt: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcNKYlMcux/

10. Brigid Wreath

Morwenvaidt‘s altar incorporates a pretty wreath with a Brigid Cross as well as candles in the colors of the holiday.

11. Magical Altar

This altar by Antikvnst has many magickal elements from a crystal ball to sigils, a Wheel of the Year disc, and incense.

12. Witch’s Altar

This altar by Witch With Me is another example of a richly-decorated one that works well if you have the space to take over an entire dresser or table.

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