8 Ways to Celebrate Imbolc with Slow, Intentional Living
This post may include affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Mabon House only features products that I believe in and use myself or that I believe my readers would enjoy. Thank you!
Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st, marks the halfway point between winter solstice and the spring equinox. It's a time of renewal, reflection, and setting intentions for the seasons ahead. But Imbolc isn’t just about lighting candles and honoring the goddess Brigid—it’s also an opportunity to slow down, embrace simplicity, and focus on creating the life you truly want.
I don’t know about others, but as someone who lives in the US, I feel like 2025 is the time to be very conscious both of my budget and of the corporations I buy from. So, for me simplifying in this year means low spending, taking care of what I already have, and looking for creative ways to meet my needs. So, in the spirit of Imbolc and intentional living, here are 10 meaningful, budget-friendly ways to celebrate this season that support financial simplicity, mindfulness, and alignment with your values.
1. Light Candles for Renewal and Clarity
Imbolc is all about the light returning, and candles are a perfect symbol of that. Rather than splurging on fast home decor, I love to bring in the energy of this season by lighting simple candles around my home. As the candle burns, take a moment to reflect on your goals for the year ahead. What would you like to accomplish? How do you want to feel? What do you want to be doing when springtime rolls around? While it can be fun to purchase new candles as part of specific Imbolc celebration, there is nothing wrong with using a partially used Yankee candle or whatever you happen to have on hand. Candles are also an excellent item to look for in thrift stores.
2. Create a Vision Board with Intention
Rather than focusing on material desires, create a vision board that centers on the values and intentions you want to manifest in the coming months. Think about ways you can simplify your lifestyle, focus on self-care, and nurture relationships. Use free resources like magazines, cut-out images. I like to use Pinterest to gather inspiration and organize by areas I want to focus.
3. Embrace a No-Spend Day or Week
Imbolc is a great time to practice some mindful spending. By embracing a no-spend day or week, you’re aligning with the theme of simplicity and renewal. Look at what you have and see how you can repurpose or use items creatively before buying something new. I have been doing a low spend since late December and I immediately noticed how much money I have saved and how much less stress I feel when buying something just isn’t an option. It’s also been a great way to remind to use the things you already own.
4. Tend to Your Space with Simple Rituals
Create a peaceful, harmonious environment by tidying up your space, but do it mindfully. Tending to your home doesn’t mean spending money on decorations—it can be as simple as decluttering a shelf, rearranging furniture, or cleaning a neglected area. This small act will bring a sense of calm and clarity, which aligns with both slow living and Imbolc’s themes of purification and renewal.
5. Journal Your Intentions for the Year Ahead
Imbolc is the perfect time to set intentions for the months ahead. Instead of rushing into big resolutions, take time to reflect on how you want to feel, what you want to cultivate, and how you can simplify your life. Journaling is one of my favorite ways to clear my head and examine my WHY when it comes to wanting something (whether that be a person, place or thing). This is my absolute favorite style of personal journal - it is one of the few items I will always purchase new when I need one.
6. Honor Brigid with a Simple Craft
Brigid is the goddess of hearth and home, healing, and creativity. To honor her, create a simple craft that supports slow, intentional living. Consider making a Brigid’s cross from straw or fabric, or craft a simple healing charm to carry with you throughout the year. You don’t need expensive materials—what matters is the time and energy you put into the process.
7. Plant Seeds for the Future (Literally and Figuratively)
Imbolc is a time of planting seeds—both physically and metaphorically. You can start by planting seeds indoors for a future garden or nurturing your current projects. This practice can also symbolize your financial and personal goals for the year. Fun fact: tend to go the figurative route when it comes to planting seeds. After many years of trying to start and maintain a vegetable garden, I finally had to admit that I prefer hardy perennial flowers that are low maintenance. So instead of sewing seeds to plant outdoors, I spend time thinking about what I want to accomplish in the spring and summer specifically. Do what feels best for you and your lifestyle.
8. Reflect on Your Finances and Set Intentional Money Goals
Financial simplicity is a key component of slow living. Take this time to reflect on your finances and set intentional money goals. Consider ways to reduce debt, save for the future, or embrace frugal living. You don’t need to spend a lot to get started—there are many free resources available online, but you can also find inexpensive budgeting planners to keep you on track.
Imbolc and the Wheel of the Year
Imbolc marks the beginning of spring’s return, a time to embrace new energy, refresh your home, and set clear intentions. By slowing down and focusing on what truly matters, you can live in alignment with both the Wheel of the Year and your own personal values. This holiday is not about grand gestures or extravagant spending—it’s about creating space for what is essential, embracing simplicity, and nurturing the seeds you’ve planted for the year ahead.
By celebrating Imbolc with slow, intentional living, you’re aligning with the natural rhythms of the earth and creating a life that reflects your values. Financial simplicity and mindfulness are key components of this process. Whether you’re journaling, planting seeds, or lighting candles, remember that it’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making conscious choices that support the life you want to build.
How are you celebrating Imbolc this year?
More About Imbolc
The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.