One of the greatest lessons nature offers is that change is both inevitable and beautiful. No season lasts forever, and each one has its own purpose.
I love the changes of the season. By the end of a hot Summer I am ready for some cooler weather and the magic of darker evenings. The chance to watch the stars, enjoy the ambience of a fireplace and even just have a break from watering the garden!
Now, in mid Winter I’m starting to crave some warmth. I feel like Ive had some downtime over Winter to reset and now I’m getting an urge to be productive.
What is Imbolc?
Imbolc is a Celtic festival that marks the midway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. The word itself likely derives from Old Irish, meaning "in the belly"—a reference to the pregnancy of ewes and the start of the lambing season.
Imbolc marks the first whisper of spring. Though winter still surrounds us, the Earth begins to stir beneath the surface. Tiny shoots prepare to emerge, and the promise of new life is carried on the lengthening days.
It’s a time of year associated with gestation and birth, new beginnings, and manifesting new ideas.
(The equivalent moon cycle at this time of year is First Quarter – where we see the light emerge after darkness)
Traditionally, Imbolc is a time for planting seeds. Literally, we may sow seeds in the garden, trusting that with time, warmth, and care they will grow into something beautiful. Each seed holds the potential for abundance, even when nothing is yet visible above the soil.
Figuratively, Imbolc invites us to consider the seeds we are planting in our own lives. What dreams are ready to be nurtured? What intentions are calling for our attention? What habits, relationships, or creative projects would we like to see flourish in the months ahead?
Like seeds in the Earth, our hopes and intentions need patience. They require nourishment, trust, and a willingness to believe in growth before we can see the results. Imbolc reminds us that every great harvest begins with a single seed and a moment of faith.
As the light returns, take time to plant both kinds of seeds. Place some in the soil and some in your heart. Tend them gently, trust the process, and allow the growing season ahead to reveal what is ready to bloom.
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This circle we will have the opportunity to plant our own seeds – both literally and figuratively, and trust that with time and nourishment we will see them both bloom.
We will focus on manifesting your goals for the next year, both in the meditation and with some flash paper (if you’ve never used it before, this paper is so much fun!)