Imbolc Ritual Invitation

Here we are in the tender time between winter solstice and spring equinox, known as Imbolc, a season of dwindling resources, weather divination, waning Cailleach's embrace and Brigid bringing back the light after winter's depths. 

This time is deeply real and raw and uncertain. This particular turn of the wheel invites us into vulnerability as we tend the tiny seeds that have yet to sprout. This time invites us to be comfortable with uncomfortability. To find inner stability in the unsettled times of both the earth and the wider world. 

This particular seasonal experience isn’t always an easy one. We can question the dreams and visions we’ve caught from the winter cave, we can desire to jump ahead into the growth period of our dream seeds. The season invites us to be steady in our quietude and stillness, as we welcome the thaw and the dance of the earth warming at its own rhythmic, slowed-down pace, which can be so counter to our conditioned human minds and being. Here we get to not rush, stay slow and hold sacred what is tender, what is vulnerable, what is uncertain. 

The invitation of this time is to recognize for yourself what needs to be held sacred. To be known only by you and your inner circle of unseen and seen supportive allies. What is it that we can not share about, what is it that we can not post about, not process externally? Rather, to hold it tenderly in the fierce container of our courageous hearts, giving it time and space to grow in this tenuous moment of becoming before it is shared with the world.

Honor the space that you’re in. If you're feeling called to stay curled in your cave, and be blanketed by winter’s blessings, and stay slowed down, by all means, be where you are. Enjoy the reset!  If you’re feeling the quickening and the call to activate a little bit more as the days grow longer and the earth starts to warm, enjoy that ride also.

Imbolc Fire Ceremony

With intention, build a fire in your hearth or light a candle inviting the warmth of the lengthening sunlight into your home, your hearth, and your heart.

Breathe and connect with the spirit of fire, the sacred element of this holy day of Imbolc.

Envision your seeds planted in the belly of the earth (Imbolc means “in the belly”). Feel them in the belly of your own being, as they patiently await the coming activity. For now, they are still and quiet, in their early gestation.

Feel the fire of your hearth, or the candle, as it brings warmth to encourage growth. Rest in stillness for as long as you feel called. When you are complete, with gratitude, extinguish the flame.