Imbolc and the New Moon
The magic of the new moon at the point of Imbolc
Imbolc is the celtic festival that marks the return of Spring on 1st February.
Yes, I know spring seems a long way off when the days are cold and grey, but the ancestors of this land, recognised that spring begins under our feet or in the belly (of the earth). It is a call to remind us to use collective strength and support to get through the cold and dark days ahead, and a reminder, that however faint, the sunlight is beginning to return.
You may like to take some time on a walk spotting the first signs of spring, such as bulbs flowering, buds beginning to form on trees and welcoming those sunny days in between the wet and cold.
Imbolc is the halfway point between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara), and known as a cross-quarter festival. The word "imbolc" is also associated with the celtic word "oimelc" which means ewe's milk as in traditional farming communities across Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland this was the time of year that they would start lambing. Our ancestors would have also given up milk and eggs so that calves could be fed by their mothers and chickens could sit upon their eggs for the next 'batch' of young chicks to be born in the warmer part of Spring!
With associations to the saint (and Roman goddess) Bride, Brigid or Bridget, the festival celebrates hope, renewal and the feminine, and can be celebrated by baking and sharing bread, making crosses from reeds or straw, visiting holy wells and sites and spring cleaning!
This year Imbolc falls close to the new moon in Aquarius (29th January), the new moon that marks the start of a new lunar cycle and the start of Chinese new year celebrations. As each new moon is an invitation to wish for what you want and let the stars help you manifest your dreams, this particular new moon is even more poignant with Aquarius giving you a push to step out of your comfort zone and be supported to make your boldest and wildest dreams come true to live your brightest, happiest life. With the sun and moon in Aquarius it brings an energy that is like a shifting of the winds. Think of that scene in Mary Poppins when the wind changes and she arrives, floating by umbrella. Breathe in the freshness offered by this time, cut ties to things that bind you to the past and make your most expansive wishes.
You can tap into this energy, reflecting in nature and under the stars and new moon, by creating a vision board or writing down your wishes. You may like to explore the journaling prompts:
What are the things I want to be, do and have before the end of the year, your next milestone birthday, before it's too late?
What what I do if I could not fail?
How can I bring respect for nature into my wishes for the year ahead?
How could being more playful help me with current challenges?
Before you get focused on a list that is just about having and doing, really focus on the feelings that you want to have this year, what delicious feelings do you want to experience...peace, love, calm, abundance, vitality, strength....explore with the prompt "This year I'd like to feel a deeper sense of..."
"By the end of 2025, I see myself being....., doing...... having...".
Happy exploring under this moon and turn of the celtic wheel.
