Imbolc, marks the beginning of spring. The word derives from Imbolg means ‘in the belly’- referring to the pregnant ewes before lambing season.
Symbolically we can see this as a time of ‘pregnancy' or expectance of the new.. new life growing under the surface waiting to awaken and burst out of the soil.
There is a power that lies underneath, honouring these moments helps us understand our own cyclical nature. Is there any space in your life that feels a bit dormant or stuck? Maybe it is just waiting for the right conditions to push through and grow.
Imbolic is the time when winter is winding down (hopefully), but it's still cold and dark.. Spring is around the corner, but isn't quite here yet. We can start to look forward to coming out of hibernation.
We can start to look forward and to the future, but before we do, we may need to clear out the old, making space for new beginning. We can do this by physically cleaning or clearing or just sitting and making space in your heart with new intentions.
Imbolc, is the planting of seeds of your life....What seeds do you need to plant right now?
1.Refect on Our Cyclical Nature
Wherever you may find yourself, today can be a good day of reflection and engaging with nature and the cycles of life. What are your transitions in your cycle like? Honouring these moments in nature can help us understand our own cyclical nature...
2. Gratitude for winter
Start our farewell to the winter, send it on its way with love and gratitude. Say thanks for the quieter times, the rest, the dormant energy stored. the warmth of the fires.
3. Light a candle or fire
Fire is a big aspect of marking the changing seasons, in ancient times bonfires would have been lit to mark these occasions and honour the transitions of seasons, today you could simply light a candle and contemplate alone.
4. Have a family Meal
We also thanking the fire or ‘hearth’ for keeping us warm and alive in winter. Sit around your fire or light a candle and have a hearty family meal.
Hearth and home, home and hearth, welcoming close our family and friends. Home and hearth, hearth and home, the light returns as winter ends
5. Calling in the Spring
Visualise yourself in a space with warmer sun, light, buds growing, flowers starting to grow, birds and animals full of activity. maybe start to daydream new ideas and visions for the coming seasons.
6. Clean and Clear out
The traditions of the spring clean are rooted here, letting go to make space, awaken creativity and new ideas as well as making your home feel fresh. Take time to tidy, clean your home even if it is just a corner or special space.
7. Go for a nature walk
Go for a walk, notice any signs of spring, any changing trees, bird activity, sights, smells, air. collects any thing that you want to bring home. things are always changing.. what can you notice.
8. Set intentions
Just as we plant real seeds to grow, intentions are like seed we plant in our heart. What is your wish for the coming season. What do you want to step forward with? Also what do you want to leave behind.?
9. Create a space/ altar
Honouring spring to come by creating a space, altar or shelf. Maybe add something from nature, your candle, or just a vase of spring white flowers.
10. Honour the feminine
The rising energy from now until summer solstice will be strong and bright and full of excitement, we need the feminine to balance this rising energy to keep us balanced grounded and nurtured. Simply tune in to your own needs and allow calm stillness everyday.
download this Imbolic Blessing poster for your reference