Imbolc

Made by Inpier

Earth Cycles -IMBOLIC

Festival of Fertility and New Beginnings

1st February

Imbolc is the Festival of Fertility and New Beginnings. Within the Earth, life is stirring and awakening from its winter slumber. New growth is beginning to push through towards the warming sun as birds start to mate and find their nest sites. Beautiful snowdrops now adorn our landscape giving us hope now that light is returning to the land.

You may be also feeling the stirrings within, wanting to shake off your wintery sleep and move forward once again. This is the time to give life and form to your ideas for the year ahead. During the dormant winter months much has been happening within your unconscious to develop your inner wisdom and to rest and rejuvenate you ready for the active parts of the year.

So take the opportunity to go in to Mother Nature and witness the gifts she is now beginning to show. Notice the signs of new growth in the bulbs that are starting to push through. Feel the sun on your skin as it warms your face and body and experience the joyous sound of bird song in the air. Let these experiences inspire you. What new growth and ideas are beginning to sprout in your life?

If you feel inclined I have outlined a simple ritual to help you harness the benefits of connecting with the energies of the Earth’s cycle at this time of year.

Simple Ritual for New Beginnings

This ritual is an opportunity to clear away the old in preparation for planting new seeds, wishes and desires for the New Year and allowing new ideas to crystallise in the coming weeks ahead.

Create a sacred space in your home or garden that symbolises the essence of new beginnings. This may include gathering spring flowers from the Earth remembering to ask for permission and giving thanks for their gift and life force. Place a new candle may be white for purity and new beginnings or a colour that is significant to you. Decorate your space with items that inspire you with hope and joy for the future.

Make sure you will not be interrupted by anyone during this special time. It is important you feel relaxed and that you can let go of daily distractions for about half an hour. This is time for YOU.

When you feel ready light your candle dedicating its light to helping you manifest all that you would wish for, for the highest good of yourself and All. Ask for the guidance and blessings of the Goddess, the Creator of all life, Mother Earth and any spirit guides and angels that walk with you on your journey through life. Ask for their love, blessings and protection while you carry out your ritual.

Sometimes fear and worry and limiting beliefs can get in the way of manifesting our desires so this is a good time to let these go. We have the power to intend what we wish so in your prayers ask for any fears or concerns or limiting thoughts to be taken away so that you can see clearly the way forward. Sometimes this process can take a few days and weeks. When we clear our minds and heart our dreams can manifest more easily.

As you contemplate your life allow ideas to pop in to your mind about how you wish to live your life. What qualities do you wish to experience? For example, you may wish for more love and self-acceptance, more fun and laughter or perhaps more business opportunities. Allow your imagination to show you the possibilities. You could see your ideas developing like a bud pushing its way through the Earth to the sun. See it being nurtured and looked after and eventually blooming in to a full flower at the right time.

Our Soul and the Universe sees the bigger picture and will take care of all our desires and needs for the highest good. But we have to let go of any attachment to the way our dreams and ideas may take form or when they may take place. This is the art of surrender.

You may wish to write down your ideas and inspiration in a journal so that you ground them and make them more concrete. It will also be useful to look back at a later date and see how things have changed for you.

When you feel complete with the ritual prepare yourself to finish. Give thanks to the Goddess, the Earth and any guides you have called in and ask them to guide you over the coming weeks and months as to what steps you should take. Any final prayers you could say now as you blow out the candle and watch the smoke rise up in to the ethers taking your prayers and visions with them.

Listen to your heart and your intuition and follow these as they are your Soul’s guidance as to what to do next. Good luck with sowing your new seeds. Happy growing!

Goddess of Imbolc – Bride (Brigid) is Keeper of the Sacred Flame and the Spark of Life. Call on Bride to burn away the old patterns in your life that no longer serve you and to open you to the birth of new inspiration in your life. She represents alchemy, healing and smith craft. Brigid’s sacred well is in Kildare, Ireland.

Bride Song:

Bride of the Sacred Flame

As we dance round the fire

We take it to our hearts

And brighten up the world again

Workshop

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Cost is £15 and booking essential as places are limited.