EDITOR’S NOTE: Madame Zia mentions Imbolc in her Astrology column, and I had saved this blog post from Ginger at North Fork 53. This is a perfect read for a rainy Sunday with some great ideas to embrace the energy of this full moon and the turning towards Spring.
This also launches the Pioneer’s “Things We Love” series. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we’re going to share the love for some of our most favorite local products and stores. And starting with North Fork 53 Teas & Retreat Center. North Fork 53 is a tea farm, tea house, retreat center and more. A farm, garden and community space that shows the love of our little corner of the world, and a healing retreat center. If you are looking for a wonderful gift any time of the year, you can find NF53 tea at many local stores – Wild, Buttercup, Wild Coast Goods – and of course, online. I love sending tea to my friends and family throughout the US, and we swear by the Immunitea for helping ease the ills of the season. See below for links and more information. Enjoy Ginger’s information about Imbolc with your cup of tea.
By Ginger Edwards, North Fork 53
It feels like just when we are at wits end with winter- signs of spring magically show up all around us. In fact this week, February 2nd, marked the ancient Celtic holiday of Imbolc (now known as St. Brigid’s Day in Ireland) and it’s the kickoff celebration of spring! Imbolc (roughly translated to “in the belly”) is the mid point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. For centuries people got together on this day and made fires outside to welcome back the warmth of the sun. The sun growing stronger meant the sheep and goats would soon give birth and have milk (food!) seeds and bulbs would sprout (food!) and the sea would calm down enough to start fishing (food!). When you’ve been eating storage potatoes all winter this was a really big deal. Now that we’re all fed by the magic of Costco, the excitement of not starving is lost on us. But in many other ways the struggles of our ancestors are not that different from the ones we have today.
By February, they were just as sick of winter as we are and needed cheering up until the weather got better.
Old Imbolc celebrations are full of creative ways to beat the late winter blues. I found 6 things folks did thousands of years ago that still feel like they were made for our times! I hope they help you get through the end of winter and into spring with ease.
Grab your favorite cup of tea and read on.
6 WAYS THE OLD RITE OF IMBOLC CAN HELP WITH SEASONAL DEPRESSION
Perhaps one of the least known festivals of the year, Imbolc is a celebration of early spring right at the edge of winter. In early February, new life begins to poke through the soil and buds tighten on the trees. Imbolc is a time for bringing new ideas into the light and for growing what we have been reflecting on over the winter months.
This is also a time of year when many people are suffering from seasonal depression. The lack of sunlight and cold weather can be hard to deal with, especially by February. With the promise of spring warmth still a ways off, try these 6 ancient Imbolc traditions to get you through to the Spring Equinox- when daylight will have finally reached 12 hours!
#1. The Goddess/Saint Brigid= Creativity is key!
The Celtic Goddess (now Saint) Brigid is associated deeply with the traditions of Imbolc. She blesses the season with fire (the returning sunlight) and water (through her sacred wells, waters and springs). She is a Goddess of motherhood and fertility. She gives the gifts of poetry, healing, weaving and basically any craft you do with your hands. One way to beat seasonal depression is to be like Brigid! Break out the art supplies, the clay, the keyboard, the kombucha kit and the garden seeds. Tap into nature’s emerging creative pulse and turn all that winter rumination into action. Brigid’s modern name is Etsy! Go check out what others are making and get inspired to join in the fun.
#2. Feasts and Fire
Another Imbolc tradition is the lighting of fires. Fires are not only practical but remind us of the returning power of the sun. In the Christian church, Imbolc is known as Candlemas, when candles are made to honor the Virgin Mary. Lighting an old fashioned camp fire outside on cold February night is a good opportunity to gather with friends and family, and reflect, share and laugh together. Imbolc is also a time of feasting so you might want to make some food you can cook in the fire, popcorn, hot dogs and of course- marshmallows! If you can’t light a fire outside- buy some pretty candles for your house and light them every evening at sunset. Notice that the sun is setting later each day by a few minutes- and let it be a cheerful reminder that spring is coming soon.
#3. Spring clean your home/office/car/body!
Now is the perfect time for a good spring cleanse. The name February comes from the Roman month of cleansing and means “to purify”. Take this moment to get rid of anything that is cluttering up your home and stagnating the energy. You will immediately feel the dopamine reward of walking into a room filled with clean open surfaces. If you can bear the cold, open a window while you clean and let some refreshing air flow through your home. Making cleaning into an Imbolc celebration is also a great way to tempt kids to tackle their rooms and get rid of toys they don’t want any more!
#4. Visit a stream, river or well
Traditionally, Imbolc was a time for visiting holy water; a spring or a well, to both purify us and bring fertility to our dreams. Why not set off on an adventure to find some fresh water near your home (snow counts!) If the water’s clean, splash some on yourself and set an intention to wash off any vibes you don’t want to take into spring with you. One old tradition is to dip a piece of ribbon in the water and then hang it from a nearby tree (trees near water are especially sacred to Brigid) to carry your messages of hope and healing to anyone who passes by. Pick up any rubbish you see near to water as an act of gratitude.
#5. Read Poetry- Write Poetry
Brigid is the patron saint/Goddess of poets and all literature. Poetry allows us to have a fresh perspective on things. It ignites new ideas and sparks a flame in our hearts. If you have a book of poems gathering dust on your bookshelf today is a great day to pull it out and read. It never fails to amaze me how different I feel after reading a poem. If you like to write this is also a wonderful time to try some poetry of your own. One fun way to stimulate your brain is to make a list of all the words you associate with spring and then write a poem about spring using none of those words!
#6 Healing Foods and Teas – www.northfork53.com
Imbolc energy is one of purification and cleansing. So it’s a great time to go on a spring cleanse. Liver detox herbs like dandelion and rejuvenating nettles are great for the spring to wake the body up after eating heavier foods all winter long to stay warm. Naturally this is a time when animals come out of hibernation- and you’re not much different. Your body will be craving the fresh nutrition of spring foods like fresh greens. Because Imbolc is a festival of fire and water- soups, broths, teas and all things warm. light and nourishing will feel wonderful. I personally like to add some matcha green tea to my days this time of year. This Japanese tea leaf powder is perfect for afternoon slumps of energy. You may want to try our Spring Green tea for a nice Imbolc time tonic! Sauna, massage, hot baths with herbs and facial/lung steams are also wonderful for early spring cleansing.
