Imbolc - the mid-point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, from 1-2 February.

The snowdrops are likely to be flowering and after what can seem like a long January, there feels to be hope in the air. 🌬️

People sometimes think this is the start of spring, but that’s not for a while yet. For winter still holds the land and indeed this mid-winter phase can be the coldest! ❄️

This is a time of being patient, although there might be much work going on beneath!

Seeds of ideas, the inner-self-work, the envisioning, the gentle planning… just quietly, whilst still resting under the covers! 🛌

And like the snowdrops you might suddenly get a burst of energy, just for a short while - a brisk walk or sorting out that messy drawer motivation… and then quickly back in for a cup of tea and warm blanket. 🫖

So whilst we might stir from hibernation, take a tentative first stretch, we are not fully emerging just yet. 🌱

Imbolc was often noted as a time of fertility, with talismans laid in the fireplace of new couple’s homes, and truly this is a time of nurturing potential. 🔥

Imbolc (imbolg) means ‘in the belly’ - it’s like a pregnancy, a seed in soil, warmth from a hearth. It’s the slow murmurings of the beginning of something.

It reminds us of the need to allow things to form before we push them out there! That this is an essential part of the creative process, for this is where the ‘grounding’ work is done… even though it might feel like it’s all in your head right now.

Look round at nature, it’s not rushing, it’s still sleepy, storing the energy and well, just getting ready.

This is a good time to:

🔸remember that rest is as important as action and use this time to prepare softly for spring without rushing

🔸plant some seeds for spring, keep them warm and cosy in the their soil blanket and let them cultivate slowly

🔸use this time to envision your spring and summer - Who do you want to emerge as? How do you want to live this year?

🔸 take a winter walk and go snowdrop spotting.

Plan to pause for Imbolc 🌱