Astrology

Imbolc

February 1st-2nd

The turning of the wheel, the halfway point between the Winter Solstice (the first day of Winter) and the Spring Equinox (the first day of Spring.)

Midwinter, the halfway point. This is a threshold point where the veil is thin, as we are in the in-between.

A traditional festival of the Celtic people and now celebrated all over the world by those who resonate with it- Imbolc is a day to honor the light, the fire within us all, and the fire within the Earth.

Imbolc translates from Old Irish, to mean "in the belly." This is a time when life begins to stir within and deep beneath the surface of Mother Earth. Outside, it is bitter cold, but deep inside, the Earth begins to waken and warm. There is a promise of rebirth, new life. Hope and potential fill the air. The heaviness of Winter begins to disintegrate. Growth is coming, although unseen now.

We begin to transition from Winter to Spring. It does not happen overnight, but instead little by little everyday. Both within the Earth and our own bodies--

Feel the spark within you, the flame that has been passed to you by your ancestors, the flame that will never go out. Nourish it, protect it, feel it grow brighter each day. This is a time of renewal, transformation, and blessing the seasons to come. What has been dormant, now awakens.

Soon, we will see signs of Spring. The snow melts, and the water of Winter becomes life force for the next seasons. This is the time that animals are pregnant with their offspring, a deep symbol of natures divine timing and cycles. Spring is an ideal time for new projects, new cycles, to give birth to creations we have carried inside us for so long. With more sunlight and energy each day, we feel our inner light growing too.

The celebration of Imbolc is deeply intertwined with the Goddess Brigid.

Known to many, as "Brigid's Day."

BRIGID:

Brigid, also known as: Brigit, Brighid, Brid, Bride and many other variations.

She is the Celtic Goddess of healing, poetry, crafts, protection, fertility, Spring, transition, waterways & wells, the alchemical force of the eternal sacred flame. She represents the spark within us, and the Earth, that gets stronger each day. She is associated with fairies, birds, bees, honey, milk, and the birch tree.

She is a pre-Christian Deity, but was later adopted by the Church as a Saint. So many Goddesses were demonized, buried and hidden- but she could not be erased or forgotten.

TRADITIONS:

There are many old traditions with Brigid's Day, one of them being "The Brat Bride"

On the Eve of Imbolc, people would place fabric outside- sometimes tied to a bush, tree, balcony, or their door, and ask that Brigid bless and protect the fabric as she passes by. This fabric would be used in ceremonial workings and healing rituals for people and animals throughout the year. They are a symbol of Brigid's magical cloak, offering her magic into your life.

Another tradition to honor her was crafting a Brigid Cross. An ancient protection charm woven out of natural materials such as wheat or straw, whatever is accessible to you. After crafted, ask Brigid to bless the cross and gift you protection throughout the year. You can hang it in your house, put it on your altar, use it for forms of divination, healing, fertility magic, and Earth magic, whatever feels right for you.

RITUALS & WAYS TO CELEBRATE:

-Declutter your mind, body, heart, and home. A powerful time to cleanse the space, to make room for the abundance of the next seasons. Clear your altar, or create one! This is a time of transition. Feel the old melting away with the snow.

-Start seeds indoors, honoring that they require consistent care and nourishment, providing them conditions concurrent with growth. Plant seeds within your being, and follow the same protocol. Know that whatever intentions or seeds you plant, that it is up to you if they come to fruition. The Earth and unseen energies are constantly supporting us- but it is our daily devotion and commitments that allow our dreams and hopes to prosper. Let yourself dream, hope, desire, feel- from this place, we create change in our lives.

-Gather in community and circles, craft, write poetry, dance, let your spirit be light, feel the fire in your belly, your mind, your heart.

-Craft a vision board, an anchor to represent what you are manifesting into your life.

-Light a candle and give offerings to Brigid, inviting her to breathe life into you, strengthening your inspiration, intuition, and motivation. Build a relationship with her and deepen your relationship to the Earth.

Leo Full Moon Astrology

This year, Imbolc falls directly on the Full moon in Leo!

Leo, ruled by fire and the Sun, is gifting an immense amount of energy to each of us at this time, if we are open to receiving it. If we are resisting it, tension may be felt.

In astrology, the moon represents our inner emotional and intuitive side. With a Leo Full Moon, there is a confidence and fire sparked within us, bringing passion to our inner world.

A spotlight is being shown on any areas within us where we feel insecure, or overly confident, ways we feel we are not enough, or too much. Self acceptance and self love is big medicine at this time.

Having pride in oneself is a positive trait, an indicator from our own internal compass telling us that we are on the right path and showing up to the best of our ability. Be mindful of arrogance, or narcissistic thought patterns. Thinking that you are above or better than others, will surely exile you.

This energy at the Full Moon can often highlight what we are being called to release, and give us an opportunity to break free from restricting beliefs, patterns, routines, people, places, things that are no longer serving our hearts true desires.

This is the culmination of a cycle, the peak and it can feel intense, the moon shines her light, bringing clarity to what is in the darkness. Take the teachings and work with them now. Integrate them into your energetic body, and let them transform you.

An opportunity to realign with our goals, and adjust our attitudes.

Leo and Aquarius as sister signs point to the polarity of personal desires and collective needs.

At the Full Moon point, we are taught the balance of both and where they intertwine.

Themes around authenticity surface. Are you brave enough to express yourself truly, or hiding yourself for fear of being seen?

This can be seen as a time to reflect on our own need for external approval, and embrace our own authenticity without apology. A time of embracing both sovereignty and unity. Personal power and our collective power meet.

A time to question ourselves where and how do we fit into the collective.

-Where do we feel disconnected?

-What is a gift that I have to share with the world, that is unique to me?

-How can I follow my passions, and how can they serve and advance the greater community?

This is a time of heart centered innovation.

Leo can help us to shine our own light outwards, while Aquarius guides us to look at the bigger picture and see where that light is needed.

Together, they are encouraging us to break patterns and rise up. To find our inner strength, let our hearts lead, and release shame. To move fiercely, without fear, into what is to come. We are important, and we are all here for a reason, let us remember. May we celebrate our similarities and differences, and come together to create new systems and ways of doing things.

A time of building confidence, bravery and courage. To be courageous means to move forward with an open heart, towards what we fear.

Position of transiting planets:

Sun- Aquarius

Moon- Leo

Mercury- Aquarius

Venus- Aquarius

Mars- Aquarius

Jupiter- Cancer

Saturn- Pisces

Uranus- Taurus

Neptune- Aries

Pluto- Aquarius

The Summary:

To bridge together the energies of the Leo Full Moon, Imbolc, and the many planets in Aquarius, we are left with a message:

Nourish our inner fire, daily and with devotion, watch it grow brighter each day. Let it warm us, guide us, protect us, show us the way. No one can ever take this from us. Together we can create a new paradigm, birth new realities, anchor love in our hearts and on Earth. We are weaving the tapestry of life together, and our authentic expression is needed here now.

-Emma

Buffalo Wombyn