Solar Rhythm: Imbolc

Imbolc is the cross-quarter Wheel of the Year point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It is traditionally celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, but the exact point falls this year on the 3rd. The cross-quarter days were frequently honored on nearby full or new moon and this week we have the full moon in Leo on Feb 5th. That leaves the 4th as a power point of both a solar rhythm a Wheel of the Year point and a lunar rhythm, the full moon. Imbolc is also known as Brighid’s day or Candlemas, it marks the starting point of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Here, you begin to subtly notice that the days are lengthening, and depending on the where you live, you may actually start to see signs of spring. In colder climates, Imbolc may simply bring the promise of spring as the light of the sun slowly begins to increase. Tune in this year to the subtle shifts you notice in the air and light around and after Imbolc. What does it signal internally for you? What things do you get a renewed urge to do? What is it time for you to clear and release? Imbolc is the time to call forth the idea seeds that have been germinating in the inner realm and that are now stirring with life, ready to grow during the upcoming cycle. A great opportunity exists during Imbolc to create a “treasure map” or a creation journal, a collage of pictures and ideas that represents what you want to manifest in your life this year, a visual reminder of the creations that are ready to sprout, grow, and bear fruit. Or you may want to engage in some other creative project to make use of Imbolc’s powerful creative urges. Use Imbolc’s energy of renewal for spring-cleaning of both home and body, to purify the darker energy of winter. This point on the Wheel represents a potent time for creativity, for invoking a muse, or starting a new project or initiation cycle. I've created a short video for you to clear the old energies in your business to make way for new growth this year. It's called: "Keeping yourself energetically clear in your coaching & mentoring business." You'll find it and the dance music to clear with it on the Inner Creation Team page HERE. I'll also post the link at the bottom if you want to keep reading now. Imbolc means “in the belly” and is associated with ewe’s milk, the lactation that begins in order to nourish the baby lambs during this time of year. The Celtic Fire Goddess Brighid brings healing, purification, renewal, fertility, and creativity at Imbolc. If she interests you, take a few minutes and do a search online about her to find out more information. She is a wonderful Goddess to work with at this time of year, and she will bring you many gifts and blessings. Candlemas was the name given to Imbolc as the old ways gave way to the Christian tradition. The ceremonial candles for the year were customarily created at Imbolc. Choose the one or two ideas you need most to work with, then focus on those. Intentions function best when there are only one or two to concentrate on in any cycle. Personal Action Suggestions for Imbolc:

• In ceremonial space, invoke and connect with the Goddess Brighid if she interests you. Ask her to assist you with inspiration for your creative pursuits.

• Ceremonially set aside time for the spring-cleaning of your home.

• Begin a cleanse for your body if it feels appropriate for you to do.

• Do traditional crafts associated with this time of year by creating your ceremonial candles for the year. Infuse your candles with energies for things such as abundance, fertility, inspiration, clear communication, etc.

• Initiate projects that need to be taken on during the growing cycle and, depending on their nature, you may want to begin them with a ceremony.

• Take time to journal any insights you receive about bringing your creations into form.

• Receive Elemental Guidance: Take the time to listen to each element and their message to you about your creativity for the year. See questions below.

Business/Professional Action Suggestions for Imbolc:

• Connect to your business or profession and ask what you can do to renew the energy you have for your work.

• Tune into what needs to be released or freshened in your business for more creativity to flow.

• Spring clean your office and business environment.

• Open for creative insights about how to take your business or profession to the next level. Write down any ideas you receive.

• Ask the Goddess Brighid for creative business inspiration.

• Create a vision board with images for your business growing cycle.

• Receive Elemental Guidance: Take the time to listen to each element and their message to you about your business creativity for the year. See questions below.

• Do the clearing found on the Inner Creation Team page here.

Elemental Guidance: If you have an Elemental Forces of Creation Oracle, you may want to draw cards for additional guidance from each element and/or add insight from other decks. Give thanks to Earth and ask “How can I bring more of my creative ideas into form?" Give thanks to Water and ask “How can I infuse my creations with more feeling?” Give thanks to Air and ask “Which of my creative ideas is most effective for me to focus on at this time?” Give thanks to Fire and ask “How can I further energize my creativity and my creations?” Give thanks to Spirit and ask “How can I express my essence further in my creativity?” Now ask the unified field of all of the elements and Spirit for a unified message about expanding your creativity. Also, ask what you need to release for growth to occur? You'll find the business clearing video "Keeping yourself energetically clear in your coaching & mentoring business." and the music on the bottom of the page here.