An Imbolc Ritual
Welcome to February—what an auspicious start to the month!
We have our Aquarian new moon, Imbolc, and the Lunar New Year all coalescing at the beginning of a new month.
While Aquarius expands our vision of what’s possible, the new moon and the beginning of a new year invite us to set intentions for bringing these visions to life.
At Imbolc, a cross-quarter celebration on the Celtic Wheel of the Year, we say our goodbyes to winter and welcome the spring. Traditionally, this is a time for planting seeds, trusting that they will spring to life when they’re ready.
Now, as we envision and set our intentions this day, we plant the seeds for the year to come.
Can you keep faith that your seeds will germinate even though there are not yet signs of life?
The wheel of the year will bring births and celebrations, gifts and harvests, endings and completions. At this turning, we’re asked to hold faith that all will come if we plant our seeds, taking the first step and trusting the cycle to carry us to the next.
And yet, there are no guarantees, as we well know by now. Which asks us to find even more faith and resilience—can we effort enough to plant our seeds knowing full well they might not bloom? Can the simple act of planting and letting go be enough to fill our spirits, in this moment, at this time?
Setting intentions, letting go of attachments, and staying in the present moment—this is your invitation today.
An Imbolc Ritual
Begin by lighting a candle in honor of the Goddess Brigid, who presides over Imbolc.
Gaze into the flame, giving thanks for the presence of fire—its life-giving heat and light and its destructive and cleansing powers as well.
Allow the flame to clear your eyes and mind of preconceived notions. In tantric yoga, we practice trataka—the act of gazing into a flame, unblinking as much as possible, until your eyes water and cleansing occurs. You might like to experiment with this as you cleanse.
When you feel the cleansing is complete, close your eyes and come into your heart. Ask your truest self and heart what seeds wish to be planted at this especially potent new moon.
Allow whatever arises to pour into the flame, where the spirit of fire carries it to spirit. Feel your desires with all of your heart, and then let them go.
When you feel complete, thank the fire, Brigid, and blow out the flame with gratitude.