01/02/2025
February stands as a bridge between the cold embrace of winter and the gentle awakening of spring. For those who live seasonally, this month is a time of transition and renewal, guided by the energies of the land, nature, and earth. At this time, we honor Imbolc, a celebration that marks the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It's a period that echoes the stirring of life beneath the still-frozen ground, a harbinger of the vibrant season to come.
My journey into February begins at the end of January, as I attune myself to the subtle energies of the land. Imbolc, for me, does not have a fixed date; it falls when Mother Earth reveals her awakening, sometimes as early as January 28, or as late as February 4. This flexibility allows me to honor the natural rhythm of the earth and align my practices with her cues.
The first step in my seasonal living is a thorough cleansing and purifying of my home. I start by removing broken, unused, or no longer needed items, such as clothes, shoes, jewelry, and even furniture. This act of decluttering creates space for new energies to enter. I cleanse the entire house, moving through each room with saining and smudging, paying special attention to doorways and windows. Each space is then blessed anew, setting a fresh intention for the months ahead. Decorations that reflect this sacred time are placed in each room, aligning with the natural elements of the season, cozy blankets, candles to welcome the light, green plants, Brigid’s Cross, wicker baskets are filled with fluffy pillows and plenty of cacao and teas are in their wooden trays, ready for the next mug.
Weather permitting, I also turn my attention to the garden. It's a time for cleaning out the winter beds, sharpening and checking my garden tools, and replenishing the compost and soil. I prepare trays for starter seeds and harvest whatever winter has left for me. Planning the garden for the year ahead is essential, as it allows me to align my planting with the coming spring. I even start checking my spring recipes, ensuring I'm prepared to embrace the bounty of the season.
Inside the home, I tend to candles, incense, and my altar. These sacred spaces are purified and decorated to reflect the energies of the season. This connection to nature is vital in my seasonal living, as it celebrates the turning of the wheel and the constant cycle of life.
Imbolc's celebration is planned according to the signs and guidance of the goddess, honoring the transition from the Cailleach, the winter goddess, to Brigid, whose fires, warmth, and creativity herald the coming spring. We bake Imbolc cakes, enjoy mead, and welcome the light and renewal that Brigid brings.
February is a time of joyous transition, where the sleepy slumber of winter gives way to the determination and creativity of the coming months. It is nature’s bridge from rest and restoration to preparation for growth. By living seasonally and embracing the energies of this time, we can align ourselves with the earth’s cycles, welcoming the promise of spring and the light it brings.
As we step into February, let us celebrate the turning of the wheel, honoring the past, embracing the present, and preparing for the future. Through this mindful, seasonal living, we find balance and harmony with the rhythms of nature, allowing us to thrive in the ever-changing dance of life.