Temps are falling and snow is here yet underneath lie the first stirrings of spring.

February 2nd marks the Celtic festival of Imbolc, commonly pronounced “eem-bulk”, traditionally a time to honor the Goddess Brigid. While many in America say, “Brid-gid”,  the original pronunciation was similar to the word “breed”.

Brigid, a dual elemental deity, is associated with the forge, the art of smithing and creating new forms with fire. She is also the guardian of the well, initiating miracles through the healing waters.

As a voice archetype, Brigid is a catalyst for change through storytelling. She gives birth to inspiration through voice as the patron of the bards and goddess of poetry. 

This year, Imbolc occurs as the New Moon in Aquarius window opens. Aquarius is the sign of the world citizen. Aquarians are known to be innovative creators and social justice champions. Sometimes considered far out, I prefer to think of Aquarians as forward thinkers and voices of transformation who speak up on behalf of future generations.

The Northern Hemisphere is under a deep chill right now but if you look at the trees, you’ll see buds of future leaves appearing on snow covered branches. The world seems to be at rest yet the forces of creation are hard at work preparing for spring.

In the Christian tradition, February 2nd is the Feast of Candlemas, the time of blessing the candles in mass for use in church and homes of the faithful during the coming year.

Astrologically, we are at midwinter. We’ve made it half way to spring and many traditions honor this as a time to think of a new future. An Aquarian would tell you that much of today’s science was once considered science fiction, so too can you design your future life, your future voice and the voice of your future business by taking new steps today.

One way to incorporate fire, water and poetry (lyrics) into your future plans is with this simple Imbolc ritual.

Imbolc Ritual and Meditation

Gather a bowl of water, a white candle, matches, some paper and a pen or pencil. In the absence of water, a crystal or mirror will work just as well.

If it is safe to do so, light the candle, then begin by scrying, looking deeply, into the bowl of water or the surface of your crystal.

Ask yourself, “What is it that I most need to let go of to secure a healthy and prosperous future?”

When you have your answer write it on a piece of paper. It could be one word, it could be a sentence or paragraph, is is whatever you need it to be.

Now, turn your focus to the candle’s flame. Contemplate three ways in which the behavior, emotion or thing, you need to let go of has helped you.  For example, if you wrote down that you’d like to let go of “impatience”, you might focus on how your impatience has made you a high achiever, a risk taker, or an out of the box thinker like Aquarius.   

If it is safe to do so, take the word(s) you wrote and surrender them to the flame, allowing the fire to diffuse what needs to be released into something new and beautiful. Feel the energy of your new creation, the positives of what you are releasing, travel through your body, filling you up as the flames consume your former incarnation.

Take as long as you like to write a short and simple mantra or poem about your experience. Perhaps write a thank you note to Brigid for her guidance and expressing your joy as you look ahead with gratitude for all that has been shown through this water and fire ritual.

Coincidentally, Imbolc is the same date as Groundhog Day here in the US.  This is our most well known seasonal tradition for looking toward the future.

May your future be blessed.

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