Imbolc, (St.)Bridgets day, Candlemas or whatever it may or may not be that you are celebrating today.. Today marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.. The crossroads between the seasons, the power shift between the Caillieach and Brigid.. It is now when we welcome back our beloved Sun. While lambing season starts, the fisherman go back to the sea.. Farmers prepare their land, offerings are made to wells, springs and waterways, and the earth awakens.
It’s a time for purification, cleansing and sowing the first seeds..Time to clear out all of your midwinter decorations as we slowly prepare for Spring to come. We take out the old, let go of the past and make space for the future, for new beginnings.
The goddess returns after her journey to the underworld and the nights slowly become shorter as the daffodils begin to sprout. Imbolc is a fire festival, but with the lockdown still going on and curfew still up there’s no room for outside celebrations and bonfires with friends.. but hey no worries, there is always room for some magic and celebration inside the house. Cleans the house, take a cleansing bath, go and light as many candles as you like and let the energy of fire flow through your tired heart and body. What do you feel right now? What is calling? Reflect back upon Yule, honor the days of Imbolc and already plan ahead to Ostara.. What seeds will you be sowing?
You can make a Brigid straw doll or a Brigit cross, bake bread or pancakes and drink some Faery Wine as you welcome back the light and warmth. Another nice thing to do tonight is some Fire Scrying and of course (if you have them) play with the cards ? I’ve made a nice little spread that you can use for the occasion. It’s the time to sow seeds, make wishes and set intentions.
Imbolc Tarot Spread
Feel free to share your spread with us in the comments or register and create your own blog. We love to hear your story.
Lavender Faery Wine
What do you need:
- 1 cup of milk per serving
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp of vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (stick)
- Lavender
- 1/4 cup of brewed lavender tea
Steep lavender buds (or just lavender tea) in 1/4 cup of hot water.Warm the milk on the stove and make sure it doesn’t boil. Once warmed, add honey, vanilla extract to the tea and then add the milk.Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon powder and lavender buds on top and add the cinnamon stick.
Fire Scrying
Best way to do this is outside with a bonfire, but inside with a simple candle will do just as good. Just make sure you won’t be disturbed, turn off your cellphone, the tv and eliminate other things that might distract you. If you like you can burn some incense and play some meditative music.. Feel free to do whatever helps you to create a nice atmosphere
Light your candle and watch how the flame grows taller and brighter. Breath deeply and calm entry to relax completely as you watch how the flame dances. Can you feel the strong energy of fire? Fire is passion and can heal, harm and change, but fire can also be destructive. Its a very powerful element and stands for strength and will power. Pay attention to your mind wandering.. where’s it going? What is it that needs attention? Maybe you see clear images in the flame or in your minds eye.. shapes or shadows.. What is it that pops into mind? What ideas are emerging?
Maybe you see or even hear things that don’t make any sense.. That’s okay, they don’t have to make sense now.. Messages often come to us in various ways from different realms and they don’t always make sense to our conscious mind. Make sure you write everything down that comes to mind, everything you hear and see in the flame or in your minds eye or in any other way.Just take things as they come and go, take notes and just let things flow.. Allow time and space to process things and what you may not understand now will probably make sense in a while.
When you’re ready just look away from the fire, close your eyes and relax. Feel whatever it is that you feel and notice the sensations in your body.. Give thanks to spirit and extinguish the flame or leave it burning.
