Notes on midwinter

 Imbolc

This steady rise of a new year’s unharnessed energy can quickly become uncontrollable chaos. But oh, the potential!!! Take a close look at that world. Inside potential exists all which is potent – from the Latin word potentia meaning power.

This week we observe the midpoint of winter, known as Imbolc, which follows the winter solstice (Yule) and precedes the spring equinox (Ostara). The annual celebration known as Imbolc lasts from dusk on February 1 until dusk on February 2. The traditional day to commemorate Imbolc is February 1, while some choose to do so on February 5 when the sun will be at its exact astronomical midway of 15 degrees Aquarius, or on the second full moon following the winter solstice, known as the Full Snow Moon. Around the world, many different religions observe this Gaelic holiday in unique ways.

Imbolc is an ancient holiday celebrating the very first stirrings of new life—the earliest breaths of spring. Even though there may still be snow on the ground where you are, though it’s freezing cold outside (as it is here in Idaho) we are beginning to feel the very earliest hints of spring rising in our spirits, and in the ground.

After months of turning inward, of hibernation and rest, life is beginning to stir again.

 

Historically, and even today, Imbolc marks the start of spring and the birth of the first lambs. Spiritually, this is a time of new life coming into manifestation. We may only be seeing the tiniest hints of life above the surface, but things are really beginning to stir in the darkness. Imbolc (pronounced IM-bolg or IM-bolk) is Old Irish for “in the belly.” Also known as Oimelc, Lady Day, and in Christianity, Candlemas or St. Brigid’s Day. Other names include Feast of the Torches, Lupercalia, the Feast of Pan, the Snowdrop Festival, the Feast of Waxing Light, Brighid’s Day and many, many more names. This is a time to welcome the change by lighting white candles.

This time of year correlates with pregnancy and Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fire and fertility, is honored at this time. The seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of mother earth. The term oimelc means ewe’s milk. Around this time of year, many herd animals give birth to their first offspring of the year or are heavily pregnant. As a result, they are producing milk. This creation of life's milk is part of the symbolic hope for spring.

Over time, Brigid was named St. Brigid by Christianity. Irish nuns, babies, midwives, dairy maids, and animals all have Brigid (or Bridget) as their patron saint. St. Brigid's and the goddess Brigid’s origin tales are very similar. Both have ties to milk, fire, the home, and infants.

Through the regenerating force of the Sun, Imbolc serves as a time of purification following the shut-in life of winter. Additionally, it is a celebration of light and fertility that was previously celebrated in Europe with enormous bonfires, torches, and fire in all its forms. Here, fire stands for both light and warmth as well as our own personal inspiration and enlightenment.

Along the lines of purification, Imbolc is a great time for cleansing our spirits, as well as our home. Now is the time to clear out the dirty old clutter, and the things that died within us during winter, to prepare for the exciting new growth to come. My Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests we use this time for garden projects that we will be too busy to attend to later. Build a cold frame or a potting bench. It is a good time to scatter poppy seeds, such as those of Papaver rhoeas, on the snow, as they will germinate come spring.

 For many of us, these last few months of turning inward were all about identifying the things within us that we’re ready to let go of…to release. Those old heavy branches and dead leaves that we’re finally ready to clear away. Imbolc is the time to really let those things go once and for all. With the new year comes the talk of resolutions and goals, whether we act on them or not. The idea of out with the old and in with the new melds agreeably with this time of the year.

So, it’s easy to say Imbolc is a time of transformation and change.

 

Sure, ideally, we talk about personal growth, change, and letting go of those things that no longer serve us with heartfelt anticipation and excitement. But deep down inside it also scares us!  Change is easier said than done.

As creatures of habit, we like things that are familiar and comfortable. But real change requires us to let go of all that. We must set aside what we know and step into a new way of being. And that can be extremely uncomfortable. Somewhere, someone just read this paragraph, uttered “Nope!” and moved on to another website or blog.

 

Imbolc brings us the opportunity to face these challenges. It’s a time of being tested. Just as the seeds and bulbs buried in the darkness of the earth find the strength to form new growth and reach upward, we too have the strength required to make real, lasting change. Can you leave what is safe, comfortable, and familiar in order to grow more fully into yourself? (I believe, yes you can!) 

Maybe these last few months you have been dreaming up new plans and ideas for the year ahead. Dreams immerse you with hope and excitement, lighting the fires of creativity and inspiration within you. Allow this fire to give you the strength to walk through this challenging time of being tested by change.

Just like the groundhog making headlines this time of year, we’re also beginning to poke our heads out from our own inner worlds. This is the time to begin to bring your own inner work, those dreams and changes you’ve been dreaming about, out into the world.

How shall you emerge in the light of a new, young sun?

 

The colors and symbols of Imbolc:

o   White, red or orange candles

o   Sun symbols

o   Snowdrops (first flower of spring) or daffodils

o   A tabletop fountain

o   Something woolen or a sheep figurine

o   Early greens like wild garlic

o   Incense. Musk, frankincense, and myrrh. For boosting energy, try cinnamon, basil and rosemary.