Coming Out of the Winter Doldrums

Imbolc—the light draws near

January is a long month. After the constant hustle from late October to the new year, the abrupt stop in activity may feel welcome at first. But then the coldest month of the year just seems to go on and on.

Image Source: Else Siegel from Pixabay

We begin to long for clear blue skies and warmer days. We look forward to Imbolc, not yet Spring, but more of a save-the-date announcement for Ostara, when the hours of sunlight will begin to swiftly overtake the darkness.

In the Greek mythos, Persephone is abducted by Hades around the time of Mabon and dragged down to his underworld kingdom. She remains there with him until Ostara. Her mother, Demeter (Earth Mother, Mother Nature), is so bereft that the land becomes cold and barren until Persephone’s return.

For most of this dark season, we are told to turn inward in our practice, do shadow work, develop self awareness, contemplate the year that has passed and what we’ve learned. These last weeks of January seem to beg for more of the same—hunkering down in your favorite warm spot, with your journal, your gratitude lists, your brand new planner, determining what seeds of intention you will plant for the year ahead.

Image source: Freepic

Remembering that Imbolc (like all observances on the wheel of the year) is a season and not just a single day, it’s not unusual to start feeling the stirrings of this forthcoming sabbat. I’ve often described Imbolc as the time when Persephone is getting anxious to return to surface world. She’s not sitting around contemplating her bellybutton, she’s banging around like a woman on fire, pulling her trunk out of storage, sorting through all her things, packing for her journey. She is anxious (hoping everything goes smoothly) and excited for the journey.

We’ve all felt this mix of angst and anticipation at some time—starting a new job, the beginning of a new school year, getting ready for a vacation or auspicious event. There are ways to channel this powerful energy into your daily practice.

Get a head start on your spring cleaning. This time of year, I go at all my storage spaces with a vengence. Anything with a door or a drawer is fair game for being cleaned out—closets, dressers, nightstands, end tables, pantry, utility room cabinets and shelves.

Infuse water with citrus peel, mint and lavender for cleansing, prosperity, good luck, and protection. Add a crystal to invoke your desires. February’s stone is amethyst—corresponding with inner knowing and calm, something we could all use right now. Strain your infusion and pour into a spray bottle. Use this solution as your surface cleaner this month. Add some vinegar to make a wash for your windows and floors.

“Clean and bright,
clear in mind and sight
vanquish distractions
bring me might.
So it is, so it ever shall be.

Now is a good time for cleaning and organizing your magical supplies as well. I don’t know about you, but mine have a tendency to collect dust. Take a mental inventory. What was it you intended to do with those foraged and dried herbs? When is the last time you used that tarot deck or pendulum? And what about the drawer full of candles? These next few weeks would be a great time to put all of that into use and manifest a little magick in your life.

Winter Altar. Image Source: Simple Witchery

Set a 30 day challenge for yourself. Pick one thing you believe will improve your life and magickal practice and do it every day for a month. Try a simple daily devotion every morning—I greet the four elements and Spirit, thank my ancestors, and bless the day ahead. You could pull a tarot or oracle card every day and journal your thoughts. A fun twist to pulling a card in the morning is to do this at night and reflect on how the energy of that card showed up for you during the day. If you’re feeling really ambitious, cast one simple spell a day. There are books with daily spells, or you can follow Llewellyn’s Spell-A-Day page.

Consider directing this seaonsonal energy into a mind and body physical activity such as yoga or tai chi. Or, keep it simple and just go for a walk or run (if weather permits) while listening to guided meditations or repeating a positive affirmation. If you work with deity, make this daily effort an offering.

Whatever you do, don’t waste the natural energy stirring within you and the elements during Imbolc season.

Imbolc

Imbolc loosely translates to “in the belly” referring to that moment in gestation when the mother feels the first “quickening”. More accurately, Oilmec in Gaelic refers to milk, and this was the time of year the sheep began lactating again, bringing nourishing milk when winter food stores were running low.

Generally observed on the first day of February, Imbolc coincides with Ground Hog Day and the Christian Candlemas Day. The astrological timing of Imbolc falls on February 3 this year.

If Candlemas day be fair and bright, winter will have another flight. If Candlemas day brings clouds and rain, winter will not come again.

Milk, dairy products and lamb are traditional foods for Imbolc, along with spring greens. Dress your altar or sacred space with white candles, greenery (potted herbs are a good choice) and seeds or pods (to represent the stirring of life in Mother Earth’s belly).

New Moon

The moon begins a new phase on Jan 29, reaching full illumination on February 12. Names include Snow Moon, Bone Moon, Hunger Moon or Little Famine Moon, as this was the time of scare food stores and sources in the Northern Hemisphere. However, not all names reflect this scarcity. The Moon of Purification and Renwal, and the Budding moon refer to new cycles and beginnings. This reflects the energy of Persephone’s anticipation and the quickening of new life.

Take some time in the next few days to contemplate what seeds you will plant for this year. What are your desires and goals? What would be your wildest dream if you knew you would succeed, if nothing stood in your way?

What’s stopping you?

Manifestation Mysterium

This year I’m focusing on the science and magic of manifestation, unlocking the mysteries of attaining your desires. Paid subscribers have access to the Facebook group created for sharing ideas and asking me any questions.

I’ve posted the link below. If you aren’t yet a paid subscriber, you can join for just $6 a month. Paid subscribers also recieve occasional bonus posts with digital downloads suitable for your Book of Shadows, complete spells and rituals, and more.

Until next time ~

Blessed Be and Journey Well