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Imbolc, Living Cyclically & New Beginnings

February 02, 2024

The beginning of February might feel like winter will never end which is why it is the perfect time to celebrate the return of spring!

Yesterday, February 1st, is known as Imbolc in Celtic, pagan, and witch lore. On this day, we celebrate the return of spring. 🌱

Now, I know what you're thinking: Isn't it a bit early for that? Well, not if you pay attention.

Growing up, I was taught that only four dates marked the change of seasons:

1. Spring came on March 21st (Spring Equinox),
2. Summer on June 21st (Summer Solstice),
3. Autumn on September 21st (Autumn Equinox),
4. Winter on December 21st (Winter Solstice)

But in recent years, as I embrace the seasons as a metaphor and reminder of my own cyclical nature, seeing the solstices and equinoxes as mere flip days from one season to the next doesn't feel right. It implies that such tremendous change can happen overnight. This is why using the ancient wheel of the year and its eight celebrations has been so profoundly transformative.

Adding to the first four intermediary points to acknowledge and welcome the start of a new season reminds us that change is always happening and transformation occurs continuously. Celebrating the beginnings (1sts) and peaks (21sts) of each season helps us look around and honour the barely perceivable signs of life, decline, and rebirth. Those halfway points are:

1. Imbolc, on February 1st, celebrating the return of spring,
2. Beltane on May 1st, celebrating the start of summer,
3. Lughnasadh on August Ist, the last harvest and beginning of autumn,
4. Samhain, on November 1st, the witch's new year, and the entry into wintering

So, this weekend, if you are able, I would invite you to go outside and look closely at those bare, hibernating trees. At the end of their branches, you'll notice little buds and signs of rebirth.

In addition, take time to look inward and reflect on your own seasons and cycle. If, like me, you have been wintering along with the planet, be gentle and nurturing if your spring also coincides with this time of the year. No one can go from deep winter to full bloom in a day, not the earth, not me, not you. And we shouldn't be expected to.

Happy Imbolc!

Love,

Lucie

P.S.: For my Southern Hemisphere pals, same but the other way round. You can figure it out 💙