Imbolc

Imbolc - the midpoint between Winter Solstice & Spring Equinox.

A HOPEFUL POINT in our journey through the seasonal year.

The LIGHT is returning! It’s still bitter cold outside, yet the sunlight shines a little brighter, a little longer each day.

You might feel your body starting to … slowly … come out of its Winter hibernation & eat all the heavy foods mode. It’s not quite time to let those root vegetables, soups & warming foods go yet … but you might find that adding a few bitter greens like watercress or spinach or dandelion starts to gently spur the digestive juices.

You might observe your mind begin to settle into the new year’s routines … or that you’ve decided to let go of some of those resolutions that just didn’t fit.

Imbolc is a time to consider what seeds you’d like to plant (literally & metaphorically) as the soil warms in the coming months. If you’re a gardener, or intend to start, get out those seed catalogs if you haven’t already. It’s a great time to 1) plan and/or 2) dream.

On the other hand, what “seeds” are you planting in your mind, your heart, your relationships? Be intentional! Don’t just let any ol’ seed take root in the fertile soil of your mind, heart, or interactions with others. If you use oracle cards, now’s the time you might practice a ritual card pull. I took this one from Spirit de la Lune’s oracle spread for Imbolc:

Card 1: What “seeds” need to be planted right now?

Card 2: How can I prepare the “soil”?

Card 3: What is growing back this season?

Card 4: Will this benefit me?

Card 5: How can I nurture my future growth?

If you’re new to oracle cards, I highly recommend looking into Spirit de la Lune’s moon oracle deck. I’d looked at oracle decks for years before springing for one … and this deck was my first. Why? Honestly, the first aspect that attracted me was that the cards are circular. I also love the simple wording on the cards, the colorful images of the various moons & zodiac signs, & the guide book’s easygoing style (just enough information, actionable steps).

And I love the uplifting & motivational perspective. There is already too much negativity & dire warnings 24/7 in the world for me … I don’t resonate with the decks that predict doom & gloom. Why take in those “seeds” & let them root in my already anxious-leaning brain?

Whether you have a spiritual tradition or a faith tradition or don’t subscribe at all, I see rituals like using an oracle deck as a way to tap into your highest, best self (and/or Something Bigger if it resonates). On Imbolc, for example, I’m planting seeds for cultivating my best self as I move into Spring — whether that be in my health routines, my teaching, my relationships with others. This oracle spread is just one tool that provides some direction as I move forward.

What rituals are you practicing as we start to anticipate Spring on the horizon?