In the PNW, at the end of January, we are in the center of the winter season. Although in some ways it feels as though winter is just beginning this year. We had our first real frost just a few days ago. Its cold outside and dry. Frost covers the outside surfaces in white sparkles in the mornings. When I go outside for walks the earth crunches beneath my feet. The next holiday in the wheel of the year is Imbolc. It's a fixed date holiday in that it is always celebrated on February 1st or on the eve of January 31st. This holiday’s name is an Irish name and means “in the belly of the Mother.” At this time of year the seeds of the spring are in the ground beginning to stir. This idea can also go for your personal seeds of inspiration, projects or ideas. Take a moment to notice what is brewing within you. What ideas are brewing within you? What projects are asking to be born?
The world right now (Jan 2025) feels unsafe and unpredictable. Deepening into my seasonal practice helps me find grounding and comfort. It also feels helpful to notice the changes the earth is going through at the moment and know that change is constant. Mirroring the actions of earth feel supportive to me. What seeds are you nurturing right now? What ideas are you pregnant with? This time is a good time to incorporate more restorative practices.
Seasonal practices are community practices even if you are doing these practices alone. You are part of a bigger experience. You are living in time with the animals, trees, plants, bugs and more. You may not be practicing with other humans, but you can be part of the land’s community. Of course, I love to recommend that you gather your favorite besties, your friends, and your neighbors.
When you celebrate this wheel of the year holiday, you may decide to create a special meal, create an altar, and do some crafts. These are great ways to indicate to your mind, body and soul that you are experiencing a special day. Other secular holidays are often celebrated with food so its a great way to help you and your family or friends feel as though the day is special. When we are celebrating an event that is not culturally supported we need to activate our sense of celebration through activities and special events.
Imbolc Feast- Eating foods that are seasonally available is a good place to start. These days we have access to strawberries year-round. In the PNW, we might have dinner that includes root vegetables, squashes and homemade canned foods. Here is a suggested menu:
Herb Roasted Chicken
Roasted potatoes & beets
Baked squash (acorn, kabucha, or delicata are our favorites)
Homemade bread or rolls
Spinach or micro-greens salad with herb dressing
Custard dessert
Greens Drink in wine glasses (I appreciate this because if its visual effect!
Altar themes- Creating an altar for the season of Imbolc, includes elements that are connected to theme of emerging. Putting your seeds that you plan to plant in your garden. Adding an image of the Goddess Brigid, Brigid’s cross, and paper white flowers, can add to the imagery of emergence. I use pale colors, candles and incense to help my altar feel sacred.
Craft project- The craft project that is most often associated with Imbolc would be Brigid’s Cross. This is a craft made from reeds or other stiff plant materials. You would weave these plant materials into a shape (shared in photo here.)
However you choose to engage with Imbolc. I recommend doing one thing. It can feel overwhelming to create a perfect holiday but if this is your first Imbolc, then do one task. I like to think of this as a practice. It takes time to develop your skill around seasonal practices. Do not expect yourself to produce a perfect event the first time. maybe just make a special meal this year? Or do the craft project (there are great how-to videos on youtube.)
Take this season to explore and connect to your animal body, your nature and notice the earth around you. Take slow walks in nature, notice the green tips of plants emerging from the soil, the green buds revealing themselves at the end of branches. Notice how nature restores itself.
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