Imbolc – The Light at the End of the Tunnel
For this sun-loving girl, Winter seems like it goes on forever. The snow, cold, and staying indoors weigh me down after a few weeks. Although this Winter has been much milder than the past, the gray days are draining, and I yearn for Spring’s reemergence.
Lucky for me (and other warmth-loving beings), today is Imbolc! Imbolc, also known as St. Brigid’s Day, is a time to awaken from our months of introspection and start planning for the future. It is the light at the end of the tunnel, the promise that brighter, sunnier days lie ahead. It may be challenging to think of Spring when there are five inches of snow on the ground, but our ancestors celebrated the coming of the new season on this day for a reason.
Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is when life begins to turn towards warmer days. It may not be possible where you live to start planting physical seeds on Imbolc (or even for several weeks after!), but you can plant metaphorical seeds.
This is the perfect time to look closely at people, objects, and thought patterns. Imbolc allows us to discard objects, relationships, and thought patterns that no longer serve us. We can make new plans for ourselves, our careers, and our homes.
What can you release that is weighing you down? Are items piling up in your home to the point that there is stuff everywhere? The spirit of the season gently nudges you to release some objects and clear your space. Since items hold just as much energy as people, clearing unused or unneeded objects helps clear stagnant energy.
Are there people in your life who are toxic and holding you back from reaching your true potential? Embrace the season of Imbolc by reevaluating your relationship with everyone. Who can you gently and lovingly release? Who do you need more of in your life to help you meet your goals?
This holiday also encourages you to rethink your current thought patterns. Perhaps things are shifting for you, and your belief system is changing. Maybe you are ready to let go of negative stories and past traumas, or maybe your view of the world as a whole is expanding to match your new path.
Here are some other great ways to celebrate Imbolc:
- Cleaning ~ if a full-fledged house cleaning is too much for you, focus on one area of your home to declutter and clean.
- Plant a seed ~ if you are in an area where you can plant outside, do so. If not, plant a small seed in an indoor pot.
- Make St. Brigid’s Cross ~ you can use reeds, straws, craft paper, pipe cleaners, or any other item that works for you. After your cross is made, hang it outside tonight so St. Brigid can bless it, then hang it over your doorway to protect your home. Find some great directions here!
- Spend time meditating or praying ~ Imbolc wakes us up from the slumber of Winter in order to welcome the new growth of Spring. Use this time to reflect inwards and plan for the growth you want to occur this season.
I would love to hear from you! Have you celebrated Imbolc before? If this is the first time you are recognizing the holiday, how will you celebrate? And, for those of you who make a St. Brigid’s Cross, please take a picture and share it with me!
Namaste,
P.S. Still need to set your 2023 intentions? No worries! Check out my blog on Setting Positive Intentions here!