This turning in the earth's cycle beckons forth our vital life force to begin a new phase of outward growth andcreativeexpression at this mysterious moment between death and rebirth. As we have been meeting the Winter's darkness and tending to ourinner landscape, our roots have been growing stronger, we have beenquietly forming in hidden places and gathering parts of ourselves from the shadows to weaveourselvesback to wholeness.
Our Winterdescentreflects a time ofinitiation and death to a part of ourselves, to someold way, belief, habit or dream. It can be achallenging anduncomfortable process as we stripourselves of what is familiar and hasfelt safe, to reveal more ofourselves. To stand bare as the trees in Winter, surrendering to the natural cycles and attune to their wisdom.
As we feel thefirst stirrings of Spring and slowly unfurl form our stillness, we can witness nature beginning to wake up from her hibernation; the buds on trees swelling, the snowdrops gracing the cold earth and the rousing birdsong calling us outside.With all we have been incubating over Winter, there is a sense ofthepotential and new growth about to burst like the buds. It is a wonderful time to express our creativity so that we bring our dreams and visions from the darkness in to the light to be formed and integrated.
This time is akin to thechrysalis in the cocoon, transforming and preparing to take flight. It is aliminal space, where thedeepest magic occurs. When edges blur and we can re-create ourselves,revision our future and sow seeds oftransformation. The energy of Imbolc is activating and dynamic, so whatever we focus our intention on and dream of at this time will have the best chance of growing in the physical world.
Imbolc, comes at the threshold of Winterthawing and Spring becomingasthe Sun's strength grows and earth begins to warm. It is a major turning point in theWheel of the Year as wetransition from the earthy realms of winter tothe awakening element of air. The shift in energy ispalpable, especially if we attune to the seasonal shift andspend time outsideto really FEEL the energy rising from the earth, like the sap in the trees.Sitting with your back to a tree and quietening inwardly, youmight justsense this rising vital life force and you can imagine the same thing up your spinal column. The coiled serpent, Kundalini, feminineearth energy is unwinding at this time so it is a potent time for receiving inspiration, listening inwardly and trusting our intuition.
Imbolc isassociatedwith rebirth andinitiation as we return from the darkness having reclaimed parts of ourselves and gained insight from the journey that might inspire a new beginning or change of direction.It is a powerful time for healing and integrationthat can be supported by focusing our intention and making time for creative expression and embodiment practices that allow the treasures from the darkness to come to light. By acknowledging the lessons learnt and considering what might need to change in ourlife to cultivate more love, wellbeing and integrity, we can align to a new path as we prepare for the next cycle of growth. To keep focused andmeet the depths of this season we must draw upon our tools, resources and support to ensure we do not forget the bigger picture and purpose of this annual initiation. Our tools might include meditation, movement, breathwork, exercise, journalling, gardening, crafting orusing our hands. It is helpfulto balance the inwardness and reflective energy of winterwith physical movement to not feel stuck or overly laden. Whilst listening to your body and asking what it needs, it may feel like slower and more gentle motion feels best, so honour that. We also need to tend to our inner flame and draw upon our resources to feel we have the energy to prepare for our Spring rebirth. What inspires you? What excites you? What cultivates more calm and balance in your ilfe? Making time to fill up your well ofinspiration and seek out beauty can be immensely restorative and an act of kindness towards yourself.
