Imbolc (poster)

"Imbolc" (2014) is a colored pencil drawing by Marie Brožová, created live in public at her famous Magic Pencil Gallery in the heart of Prague as part of her long-term project The Defense of Colored Pencils. The original artwork is an impressive A0 format, measuring 118.9 x 84.1 cm (46.8 x 33.1 inches). This piece is featured in the Celtic Year series.

The Story Behind the Art

Celebrate Imbolc with this drawing of the Celtic maiden goddess Brighid, depicted as a compassionate nature healer. Adorned with a little owl and accompanied by a wolf, she tends to the sick and abandoned, sparking the flame of inspiration. As the keeper of the eternal fire, she brings the gift of the spring thaw. The artwork features a variation of the sacred Brighid's knot – traditionally hung over doorways for protection – alongside the birch tree, a sacred symbol of this season’s renewal.

The Magic of Imbolc

Imbolc, traditionally celebrated on the eve of February 2nd, accelerates and purifies the energy of winter. As the days begin to lengthen, the first signs of early spring emerge. In pagan tradition, this festival honored the ewes beginning to lactate and marked the first day of the plowing season. Agricultural tools were symbolically blessed, and offerings were placed into the first furrow for the spirits of nature. The custom of lighting every light in the house on this sacred night likely influenced the Christian tradition of Candlemas and the casting of protective candles.

Available as: Fine Art Prints (A4–A0), Gallery-Quality Posters (A2–A0), Greeting Cards, The Celtic Year Coloring Book.