Imbolc

Imbolc Blessings!

Today marks midwinter, the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox. We don’t need to religiously stick to a date in the diary. Even though we tend to observe Imbolc on February 1st, something I like to practice is to observe these seasonal celebrations depending on a feeling. Like today, where I live, it has been bright, crisp, and fresh; I even found my first crocus! So, in that sense today FEELS like Imbolc. Nature doesn’t follow our calendar; seasons are not concrete.  I believe it’s important to celebrate when we can, if we can, and consider how we can, enabling us to enjoy the festivities without pressure or limitations.

 Imbolc is about waking up from winter, taking that bold, brave step out of our wintery rest. We dare to brave the chill, the icy breeze, like the snow drops who courageously springs out of the cold, dark earth. Take her presence as a sign that it is safe out there and join her in the celebration of the light of the sun.

How do I celebrate? Sing like the birds in greeting to the change of seasons. Light a candle in honour of the longer lasting light. Greet each being whether it’s a budding tree, blooming crocus, or a fleeting goldcrest. To just simply be out in the world in communion with nature.

Can you see the emergence of the seeds you planted, whether physically or metaphorically, in seasons past? Admire your efforts, watch them bloom, let the light in. This isn’t to rush yourself into change, or to force yourself into vigorously ticking off items on this year’s achievement list – it’s just acknowledging the Earth’s way off calling us out into the open, to rekindle our social selves, to be on our feet more, brushing off the cobwebs of a restful, inward-looking season. Follow the cues of what you see all around you.

I also like to celebrate through poetry, here is one I have written for Imbolc 2024.

We dreamt in the dark

of things wild and wicked

unknown adventures

a journey into life

                    into being

for so long we were ravaged by shadowed thoughts

but in deep quiet our breath finally settled in

and set alight our blood

from these nocturnal yearnings

we woke

with eyes of our fiery spirit

and stepped forth

If you would like to listen to my podcast episode about Imbolc you can find it here!