Celebrating Seasons - Imbolc

Here in the Northern Hemisphere we are coming to the end of the dark half of the year.  I am not particularly fond of the period from Samhain (Halloween) to January/February, the latter part being known as the undertakers harvest.

This weekend sees the start of the journey towards the beginning of the light and the welcoming of Spring. My diary of Country Wisdom and Folklore notes Saturday 2nd February (this year) as Imbolc.  Imbolc is the time of year when we begin to 'sense a change in the air and although spring is still some time away, the first signs of life and growth begin to show, beautifully illustrated by snowdrops and other emerging bulbs.'

I have noticed a 'sense a change in the air' over the last couple of days.  The air seems fresher, the grass is none the worse for its snow carpet earlier in the week, and I feel a sense of renewed optimism.

Imbolc is a great time to emerge from our winter cocoon and sow the seeds of hope for the coming months.

Ideas for celebrating Imbolc (The Festival of Earth Awakening)

Sow some seeds in pots and nurture over the coming months

Plant a tree

Light up white candles

Plan something to do later in the year

Take up a new hobby

Shake up your routine - do something different

Make a seed cake (caraway or poppy) and make a wish 

 

Decorate the house with spring flowers 

Let an idea germinate so it can come to fruition later in the year

Meditate

Listen to music that calls to your soul