IMBOLC

As we transition through another turn of the wheel we have reached the infamous pagan festival of Imbolc or Candlemas. It falls on February 1st- 2nd and is a celebration of the the start of spring and the return of life to The Earth, in the form of buds starting to sprout, animals coming out of hibernation and snowdrops covering the ground. It is the acknowledgement that all the seeds we planted in winter, although not quite ready to harvest, have grown roots and are thriving.

The Celtic Goddess Brigid is the deity of the moment. She is the Goddess of fire, poetry, passion, rebirth, childbirth and fertility. Her energy is perfect to harness and work with for birth of any kind, be it a child, project, holiday or business.

This time of year is one to be excited about, it is about projecting your energy outward and being productive. We are coming out of the long hibernation since Samhain (All Hallows Eve). It is time to start actively co-creating those intentions we set in the New Year.

This festival is all about getting ourselves in to action. It can be small gestures to warm yourself up or if you're like me, it can be throwing yourself head first in to the action. If you haven't already it's time to get clear on your vision for the year ahead. Write down your intentions and start living life like you've already achieved them.

Here are some rituals to help you give thanks for the return of the sun and the birth of your intentions:

1. SPRING CLEANING- Sure not the most glamorous way to celebrate the coming of the new year and the return of the sun but a ritual I find key in helping me manifest anything. When done intentionally cleaning is one of the highest forms of self care. I like to try and do this a day or two before the festival as it's nice to be able to celebrate in a fresh, clean space.

Clearing stagnant energy within your home allows for the flow of new ideas and physical things. Getting rid of things that no longer serve you makes space both energetically and physically for new things to come to you.

It is also true that having a clear space without distraction helps the practitioner to perform more powerful magick.

Like I said, it must be intentional. When cleaning you must ask yourself if you use the item- it is natural to form attachments to things and imagine scenarios when we may possibly need the back scratcher, 12th duvet cover or dress that we've not worn since 1982 and no longer goes anywhere near our hips. When getting rid of anything make sure you thank it for its service and recycle or donate to charity wherever possible.

Once you've finished burn some sage or palo santo to fully clear the energetic field and positive energy will flow through your home.

2. GET OUTSIDE- OK it might be freezing outside but there is nothing like fresh air to invigorate the senses and blow off those winter cobwebs.

It's a great way of kick starting the day. Try to get out somewhere in nature, even if it is just a 10 minute stroll around your local park. Notice how life is coming back, birds are singing, buds are sprouting and beauty is returning to the Earth.

For bonus points plant some seeds in your garden or a pot in your home to symbolise the coming of spring.

3. VISION BOARDING- One of the most powerful tools in your arsenal for manifesting your dreams.

Harnessing the energies of Imbolc and the Goddess Brigid, make this the perfect time of year to focus your intentions and produce a visual layout of how you'd like them to look.

Think back to the intentions or resolutions you set at the new year and try and create an image in your mind of how these will look when they are made manifest in your life. Over the days leading up to the festival gather images (google is a Godsend for this) and get yourself a cork-board.

On the day of Imbolc sit at your altar or hearth and say a prayer or incantation, whatever comes to your mind is the perfect spell for you. Thank the God and Goddess for helping you co-create your dreams and arrange the images on your cork-board.

Place it somewhere where you will see it. If you're like me and quite a private person I find my bedroom is the perfect location but anywhere where you will see it at least daily is perfect.

4. ALTAR PREPARATION- Altars are very personal things and each practitioner will have their preferences as to what they like on their altar, so this is just a general guide of things that work in harmony with this time of year.

Plants such as snowdrops, daffodils, primroses or any other flowering plant work well and look nice.

With this being a fire festival candles, incense and anything else that is burnt is good to have.

An image of Brigid or any other deity that symbolises rebirth, life and fire.

An offering such as seeds or bread.

Make it as extravagant or simple as you like. An altar is a place where you go to give thanks, focus your intentions, get clear on and visualise your dreams. There is no right or wrong here, it's whatever feels right for you.

5. EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY- As with all festivals this is a time for celebration, happiness and love. Spend time with friends and family. Make an extravagant meal and have a glass of bubbly or whatever your preferred drink is. It's a time for excitement at the coming year and all the hopes we have for it. Relax and enjoy your day!

You can find a more in-depth guide to Imbolc traditions here