Imbolc: Awakening to Spring

AWAKENING TO SPRING

The first of February today, kicks off with the Celtic Cross Quarter festival of Imbolc that celebrates the very beginning of spring, when we start seeing the first brave spring flowers pushing through the hard soil.

Nature is awakening, as we see a return of life after the dark winter months. From now until Spring Equinox, we will see an increase in energy, as nature inspires us to shake off the winter hibernation and focus on nurturing our projects and creative endeavours. It is time for us to break through our shells and start flowering!

In Celtic tradition, we honour the Goddess Brigid symbolised as the virgin maiden. She represents fertility, healing, and poetry and was known as a fire goddess, to ignite our creativity and energy after the long winter months.

She is responsible for the fire in the hearth that kept the family alive, the re-kindling of the earth in the Spring sun that warms the hard ground, and the re-kindling of our passions. She also inspires us to act on our visions and intuition that have been shaped during the long winter months of hibernation, inner reflection and contemplation.

It is time for us to prepare for the coming growth, fertility and expansion, as the days become lighter and longer. Just as the young shoots are preparing to breakthrough the soil, we are also germinating our dreams and visions.

The name Brigid is derived from Proto-Celtic, Brigantī and means "The High One," and her place was in the highlands, uplands, and hillforts. Brigid reminds us to aim for the stars, take that leap of faith, jump into the unknown and follow your intuition.

The potent energy of Imbolc helps us to heal our fears of moving forward and reclaim our inner power. Trust that Mother Earth will protect you and help you reach your full potential, just as she supports the brave shoots and buds that are breaking out of their shells, overcoming all the challenges and pushing through even the hardest soils.