Imbolc

Imbolc in the southern hemisphere is celebrated on the 1st August.

Winter solstice has passed yet we are still within its grips.  It is cold, wet and windy and we are dreaming of warmer weather as we catch as many moments as possible in the warmth of the sun.  It seems so long ago that we felt that hint of warmth within the breeze but as the sun is growing in strength we hold the hope of the spring to come.
 
In times past this is the time when the winter stores were running low so there was an element of anticipation of the coming spring with also a protective energy to hold safe what you had left to feed your family / community.

Imbolc is a beautiful celebration of the anticipation of spring and is usually attributed to the Celtic goddess Brigid.
 
Amongst many of the energies attributed to Brigid healing is one of them and at this time, with the pandemic still surrounding us with the energy of fear and I, living in an area that is in lockdown, certainly welcome Brigid’s healing energies at this time.

As usual in the winter months I move my lounge room around so that my lounge is by the northern window that has the sun shining through all day, the perfect space to soak up the sun in winter and at this time work my magick and sink into the suns healing rays to seek guidance from Brigid on what I must heal move forward and grow from strength to strength this spring.
 
I can already hear her whispers….  

Foundations…. 

I must heal to build my foundations strong. 

There has been major shift for me this year, and having recently lost my job and being forced to immediately shift my study from part time to full time (which I welcomed) for financial support while I look for part time work has been quite a worrying time to know how I will survive financially (as I write this I recognise the connection to the times past when there was attention on the winter stores lasting until the spring, the thought of surviving). 

I have to acknowledge that I am so lucky that my son is still living at home so he can contribute more to the household in the interim.  However at this time with lockdowns etc, job vacancies are very low and those positions that are available are receiving literally over one hundred applications so the chances are very slim at present.  So I must throw myself into my Diploma and also concentrate on building my business creating content, making items for my etsy store and working on my way through the Diploma so I may offer counselling aswell as consults for weaving magick into your life.

So Brigid whispering that I must heal to build my foundations makes total sense to me.
 
We will be in lockdown at Imbolc, therefore there will not be any coven celebrations.  I am missing them terribly however I will not be completely solitary with my son and his girlfriend also here in lockdown with me.
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​This is how I will be spending my Imbolc

Garden Preparations

I will be beginning with my spring planting preparations.  

I will be getting my greenhouse ready and going through my seeds to see what I will be planting. 

This year I will also be planting a small vegetable garden as at the moment I have the time to maintain it.

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Soup and Bread

I will be making some Pumpkin Soup (a staple since Samhain) and I also will be trying my hand at baking some braided bread in honour of Brigid on Lammas Night.

Not sure that they will turn out like this, but it is the magick and intention held while making it that counts.

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Healing Bath

I will be sinking into a beautiful bath with Epsom salts with the herbs Rosemary, Chamomile and Lavender. 

​This healing blend will relax and purify my body and mind of the winter blues that seem to hang around at this time of year.

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​Brigid’s Cross / Corn Dolly

​I would usually make a corn dolly or a Brigid’s cross however everything is closed where I would usually purchase my supplies however, I do have an idea of soaking some sticks and twigs in water to see how far they will bend, I will let you know how that goes.

The photo shown is from the National Museum of Ireland.  Click on here to be directed to their page.

Note:  Within that website Brigid is referred to St Brigid.  Imbolc is also know as St Brigid's day.  As we know many of the pagan traditions were morphed and melded with the Christian traditions and saints.

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​I know that we are in hard times with what is happening within the the world, but I hope that this Imbolc Brigid can bring you some healing energy to move forward with strength and protection.

Much Love
Niki
​xx