Imbolc

The bulbs are bursting through the soil in our garden, filling the beds with greenery and me with excitement as my late bulb planting springs into life. Mid-morning as the garden was filled with a gentle warmth from the sun, small birds darted around our garden enjoying the topped up bird feeder.

Something feels different this week, an emergence and an awakening. Imbolc on the 1st February and Lunar Imbolc on the 5th February reminded me that the pull and push at this time of year is normal, it’s ok to feel this tension between the two. I’ve decided to take a kind hearted, compassionate and gentle start to the month of February.

My desire to inch out of winter and then a need to retreat to hibernate again, has been a constant. Sometimes hourly, sometimes daily but the retreat is happening less now. Over the past few weeks this dance between the seasons has shifted and I know why. Imbolc is a time in the Celtic Wheel of the Year when the themes of celebrating light and the first signs of spring shape this point in time. It signals a further shift of change starting and I know that at times I’ve felt I’ve been stalling myself to move forwards, sitting in a space of waiting and limbo. Perhaps a desire to hold onto the now before things shift considerably.

Over the past few days a tentative shift has been more noticeable, I’ve had slightly more energy, and a deep desire to move forwards with making plans has finally emerged. I finish my corporate job in 11 weeks. I know the time will disappear so I’m savouring it. Riding the emotions, embracing the seasonal shift in nature and in this shifting season of my work life.

The shifts of the seasons feel poignant this year, for the first time I feel mostly aligned with nature at each shift of the seasons. In most recent years I felt knocked off course and out of kilter, perhaps the lockdown, early parenthood and job juggle had been overwhelming in ways I haven’t yet processed.

I make space to mark the moment of Imbolc, as the distinct change of energy and feelings of flux can help me move forwards with new approaches, projects or start to bring to life intentions I have for the year.

The return of the light is very much welcomed and I get energised thinking and waiting for our garden to grow again, to looking out for signs of spring at our local park and enjoying the gradual return of the lighter days. I make space each Imbolc to reflect on the time passed since the Winter Solstice, appreciate the place where I am now and plan ahead.