Imbolc: Return of Hope

When you think of the month of February, what are the first things that come to mind? Snow, frigid temperatures, overcast skies, more winter…these are the most common responses.

To all outward appearances, winter is very much upon us.  I even have a sound bath called “The Heart of Winter” taking place on February 21st. Yet in Celtic tradition, early February marks a unique change in the season.  One that denotes a subtle, tenuous shift towards the light.

Imbolc takes place on February 1st and 2nd.  It is the first of the ancient Celtic ‘cross-quarter’ festivals, marking the halfway point between the two major astronomical events of the year, the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. This is a time to honor and celebrate the life force awakening deep in the belly of the earth.  The flickering flame of a candle, germinating seeds, snowdrops reaching through the frost.  These images evoke the subtle, yet persistent signs of life that embody the energy of Imbolc.

Take some time to notice the shifts in nature.   The gain in daylight is becoming noticeable.  In Chicago, the sunset will be at roughly 5:06pm at the start of the month and will lengthen to 5:40pm by February 28th.  Trees are showing signs of tiny buds on their branches, and the cold weather bulbs like snowdrops and crocus will soon be peeking their tiny green shoots out of the snow.
These changes may seem small, but the simple act of acknowledging them can be powerful.  It connects more deeply with the natural world and a sense of renewed hope.  All life is birthed from the darkness. The dawn of a new day will always return, no matter how long the night.

Ways to Celebrate Imbolc:

·      Light candles, especially white ones.

·      Visit a natural spring or holy well. 

·      Brighten your space with snowdrops or other early spring flowers

·      Craft a Brigid’s Cross with reeds or other materials

However you choose to mark this season of change, I hope it reminds you take heart.  The colors of winter still linger, but the bringer of light, Brigid, is treading with her light step over the snow.  She bears with her the flame which will awaken the earth, calling forth the spring.