Hands up who is fed up with Winter now? I’m guessing there’s a few hands up and mine is firmly raised my friends, I can not wait to bathe in the warm glow of mid-summer sunshine. What things get you through the coldest, dullest months of the year? What brings a little light and hope into your world in this season?
The Celts of Britain and other areas of similar latitudes felt just the same. They needed a spark of hope and warmth as their Winters dragged on and in true Celtic style the festival of Imbolc (Candlemas to the Christians) was born. At the start of February in Britain and Ireland there are stirrings of life being reborn. Images of snowdrops and other Spring flowers peeking through the frost and snow capture that feeling of life emerging from the thawing Earth. Catkins, buds and blossoms appear on the trees, badger cubs and lambs are investigating their new worlds and the birds are busy and sociable as they begin to scout out ideal nest sites. In other words it is the perfect time to reconnect with nature in small ways if you've spent the Winter in hibernation.
IMBOLC
Celebrated around February 1st - 2nd Imbolc marks the beginning of the lunar year. Here are 5 ways to step boldly forth into the new year and celebrate the season that is happening around us here and now;
Celebrate the returning light with the traditional fire festival! Go outside and savour the fresh, crisp (!) outdoor air with a blazing bonfire, gather round the cosy family hearth or simply light a candle or two. Any scale of fire light or gathering is enough to welcome in the new dawn and the journey once again towards mid-summer.
Mark the beginning of February with a renewed intention to cleanse, detox and clear out the clutter. If like me you have kids running around your feet then finding that inner peace that comes from a thorough clear out and cleanse is highly unlikely so don't overwhelm yourself. Take small steps and achievable goals, as the saying goes "done is better than perfect". Ultimately the goal is finding a sense of clarity and a solid foundation from which to build your intentions for the coming year. Stressing yourself out now will not prepare you for what's ahead. You may well have your own practiced ways of cleansing your body and mind but if you need some ideas then check out my next blog.
Imbolc is the perfect time to spend time either on your own or bonding with family and friends. Brigit was the goddess of Smithcraft amongst other things and if metalwork or similar is your thing then slay girl, but if not then anything, including papercrafts or needlework, will do just fine! A traditional craft for this time of year was to make Brigit's Cross from corn stalks, willow or such like. Check out these tutorials for more.
How do you feel about home decorating and DIY? To some it can all feel a bit overwhelming, to others it's a life long love. The simplest way of refreshing your decor is wall art or hangings that you can change with the seasons and pick to suit your budget. Green, silver, white or pale pink make beautiful February colour schemes that tie in with the character of Imbolc.
If you would like to incorporate some of the Pagan (modern Celtic religious traditions) into your Imbolc celebrations then there are many resources describing the types of crystals and herbs you can use; check out my Pinterest board here. Below is some Imbolc alter inspiration.
