Imbolc (pronounced IM-bulk or EM-bowlk) is translated as the festival of lactating sheep from Gaelic. It is the time of the blessing of the seeds and consecration of farming tools. It marks the center most point of the dark half of the year, and the festival of the Maiden.

The Maiden is honored, as the bride, on this Sabbat. Corn dolls are created from oat or wheat straw and put in baskets with white flowers and young girls carry them from door to door . Gifts are given from each home. Afterwards at the feast, the older women make acorn wands for the dolls to hold and then the dolls are thrown into the home fire for luck. In the morning, the ashes are examined to see if the wands left any marks for good omens. A besom is put by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun.

A major symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In most areas, Imbolc is the first day of ploughing in prep for the first plantings of crops. A decorated plough is pulled door to door and children follow behind to ask for treats, if refused, the front garden is ploughed.