Western calendar
Imbolc 2026
The first stirrings of spring, and the feast of Brigid, keeper of the hearth, healing and poetry.
Sunday, 1 February 2026 in New Delhi
| New Delhi | Sun, 1 Feb 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| London | Sun, 1 Feb 2026 | |
| New York | Sun, 1 Feb 2026 | |
| Sydney | Sat, 1 Aug 2026 |
What it is
Imbolc falls halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere it is kept on 1 February (some keep 2 February).
Kept on its traditional date. Some people mark it at the astronomical midpoint instead, when the Sun reaches 15° Aquarius: Wednesday, 4 February 2026 for New Delhi, India.
Traditional significance
It honours the returning light and is linked with Brigid, the Irish goddess and saint of the hearth, healing waters, poetry and craft. Candles are lit, homes are cleaned, and Brigid’s crosses are woven from rushes.
History and culture
Since 2023 Ireland has a public holiday for St Brigid’s Day on or near 1 February. In Christian tradition 2 February is Candlemas, when candles are blessed.
A suggested practice
Kindle a small light · about 5 minutes
- Light a candle (safely) in a quiet room.
- Name one hope that is just beginning to stir in you.
- Write one sentence that tends it, like a small flame.
Affirmation
A small light is enough to begin.
Reflection question
What is quietly waking up in me?
The Wheel of the Year as celebrated today is a modern Pagan calendar, gathered in the mid-20th century from older Celtic and Germanic seasonal festivals. South of the equator, most people turn the wheel by six months to follow their own seasons, and this calendar does the same for southern cities.
Continue on Inner Balance by Praseeth
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Astrological and traditional meanings are offered for reflection and cultural understanding. They are symbolic, not scientific predictions, and never a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice.