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marking the turn of the wheel to Imbolc
Jan. 27th, 2011 09:24 amI've often though that the cross quarter days exist so that the passage of time can be marked. The time between solstice to equinox is long, and it can be hard to see forward movement over such a long time. Marking the midpoint of these quarters gives us something to look forward to, and also a brief place to rest our thoughts before moving onward.
At Imbolc, we are on our way out of the tightest and darkest reaches of the spiral. Hopefully, we feel ready to embrace a time of growth and transformation. Hopefully, we are carrying inspiration with us. But what of energy and sustenance?
Snow blankets the fields and gardens for a reason. It warms and it nourishes the earth. It keeps the bulbs and seeds alive beneath the ground. Growth and transformation happen slowly and gently in a sheltered space. We can learn from this, and not jump headlong into what we are inspired to do. We can take things slowly and take advantage of the things that shelter and nourish us.
Take some time in this season to meditate on what sustains you. Who are the people who provide support? What are the containers that surround you? What nourishes you, physically, mentally, spiritually? How does the Goddess within sustain you through this time of growth and transformation?
If you need a visual cue for your meditation, there is a beautiful divination that is appropriate to this season of fire and snow. Find a sheltered spot outside and light a tealight or votive candle. Let it burn until there is a small pool of melted wax. Pour the melted wax onto the snow. Liquid wax transforms to solid. Solid snow transforms to liquid. Pick up the interesting shape of wax and use it to guide your meditation.
Know that you are complete and that you have everything that you need to complete your transformation.
Consider planting some paperwhite bulbs at Imbolc. The spring bulb, complete as it is, and ready to flower in six to eight weeks, is a perfect symbol of your completeness.
Blessings.
At Imbolc, we are on our way out of the tightest and darkest reaches of the spiral. Hopefully, we feel ready to embrace a time of growth and transformation. Hopefully, we are carrying inspiration with us. But what of energy and sustenance?
Snow blankets the fields and gardens for a reason. It warms and it nourishes the earth. It keeps the bulbs and seeds alive beneath the ground. Growth and transformation happen slowly and gently in a sheltered space. We can learn from this, and not jump headlong into what we are inspired to do. We can take things slowly and take advantage of the things that shelter and nourish us.
Take some time in this season to meditate on what sustains you. Who are the people who provide support? What are the containers that surround you? What nourishes you, physically, mentally, spiritually? How does the Goddess within sustain you through this time of growth and transformation?
If you need a visual cue for your meditation, there is a beautiful divination that is appropriate to this season of fire and snow. Find a sheltered spot outside and light a tealight or votive candle. Let it burn until there is a small pool of melted wax. Pour the melted wax onto the snow. Liquid wax transforms to solid. Solid snow transforms to liquid. Pick up the interesting shape of wax and use it to guide your meditation.
Know that you are complete and that you have everything that you need to complete your transformation.
Consider planting some paperwhite bulbs at Imbolc. The spring bulb, complete as it is, and ready to flower in six to eight weeks, is a perfect symbol of your completeness.
Blessings.
