Living with the seasons has become increasingly important to me these past few years. While there are many ways to do this, personally, I have found that following the celebrations of The Wheel of the Year is a wonderful way to tune into the natural rhythms of life and myself. Plus, there is a holiday (Sabbat) every six weeks, which gives me something to look forward to and a reason to celebrate the seasons that can feel harsher.
what is Imbolc
Between February 1st – 2nd, we find ourselves at the midpoint between winter and spring and the holiday of Imbolc. Imbolc is an ancient Celtic holiday where you celebrate the early stirrings of spring and the new life that has started to peek through the winter soil. It brings us hints that spring is near, and we can start to emerge from the months of rest and hibernation of winter.
Imbolc is a wonderful time to honor the wisdom that winter (Yule) provided us, and as you surface from its darkness, it is a time to celebrate the increasing daylight that is to come and the things you wish to manifest. Imbolc also represents letting go, purifying, and getting clear about our dreams and goals.
five ways to celebrate Imbolc
light a candle
As our days are slowly becoming longer and we are blessed with more moments of sunshine, lighting a candle can be a lovely way to give gratitude to the sun. It can also serve as a reminder that there is still light, even in the darkness.
cleanse and clean your space
Since Imbolc also signifies a time of cleansing, cleaning up your space can be a wonderful way to clear out stagnate energy and make space for the things you wish to manifest in the coming season.
spend time with the element of water
Traditionally Imbolc is about honoring the cycles and elements of nature. One way you can do this is by visiting a stream, river, or body of water. Take some time to thank the natural space, the animals around you, and the elements. After this, take a moment to cleanse your body if able. If you cannot get out in nature, another way you can do this is by taking a soothing bath.
look for signs of spring
Because the winter months can feel dark or harsh, Imbolc is a wonderful time to look for the early signs of spring. It reminds us that the signs of new growth are just under the surface, though they can be easy to overlook. It also reminds us that change is coming, and the days will be brighter soon.
plant seeds and manifest
As mentioned, Imbolc serves as a time to get clear on our dreams and goals. After you have cleansed yourself and your space, spend some time getting clear on the seeds you wish to plant. These can be seeds in your garden that you wish to see bloom come spring (Ostara) harvest, or these can be seeds you need to plant to achieve your goals. So get outside to prep your soil, or grab a journal to manifest your goals.
Are you planning to celebrate Imbolc today? If so, please share below how you intend to celebrate this halfway point between winter and spring!
well + integrated 
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