Celebrate Imbolc as a fertility festival
2023 in numerology terms is considered “7 energy”. This means that it connects with the crown – this being Divine Light” or Crown energy. Personally, I believe 2023 is the year to return to your inner truth, that part of you which is not influenced by marketing, advertising, social media or others opinions. It is a year to re-connect with your own inner cycle. So, this year I am sharing the Celtic Wheel of Year with you as we pass through the lunar calendar.
What is the wheel of the year?
The Celtic people of our land celebrated the earth’s cyclic flow by dividing the year into 8 to honour seasons, the Earth Mother/Gaia; fertility and crop cycles and to maintain community connection. These old festivals are part of an ancient tradition which follows the seasonal cycle of the changing year and acknowledges & honours our own path within that cycle. Did you know beneath the manifestation of seasonal change, there is also a change of Earth energy which affects us all? Many modern holidays are based on these ancient holidays.
Imbolc – a fertility festival
Around February 1st/2nd (halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox).
Imbolc is the celebration of new life, life force, love, midwifery and the sacred power of sexuality and fire. Around Imbolc we use the inner wisdom gained during winter to bring it into the Spring The spark of intuition and intelligence of consciousness join together to bring about fertility and growth at all levels. It is a time of awakenings and new beginnings charged with rising energy (we are not in full spring but we can see it coming). The air may still feel cold, but each day the sun warms the earth for a little longer. The seeds can feel the sun, and are starting to sprout – in fact snowdrops are a sign of Imbolc. Around where I live the first lambs are being born- a sure sign that spring will return. The Goddesses associated with Imbolc is Gaia Earth and the Celtic Goddess Brigid (seen here and drawn by Sam Foreman)
The word Imbolc literally means “in the belly” in reference to the pregnancy of the ewes- female sheep.
Goddess Brigid
I am She that is the natural mother of all things,
mistress and governess of all the elements,
the initial progeny of worlds, chief of the powers divine, Queen of all that are in the otherworld,
the principal of them that dwell above, manifested alone and under one form
of all the Gods and Goddesses. – Lucius Apuleius
I know the taste of fire
and the sound of truth.
I feel power on the windI bring the energy that encourages sleeping winter to begin to stir and feel it humming in my own.
I am the spark that activates and inspires. Feel my presence
I am Goddess Brigid of fertility and the Sacred flame
(Goddess Brigid created by Creation Fertility artist Same Foreman for Creation Fertility Toolkit). Cards and prints can be purchased here
Celebrate Imbolc as a fertility festival: Goddess Brigid
If you are reading then then you are likely to be on your own fertility journey and trying to conceive. So, I invite you to take a moment.
1. Mindful Visualisation
Take a moment to be quiet and dis-connect from the day. Turn your phone off and go to a quiet place. it it time to connect with your body and your sacral centre. This short mindful visualisation is based on card 7 from the Creation Fertility Toolkit – connecting with your womb centre:
As you sit quietly or take time to walk outside with nature connect with Mother Gaia/Earth energy. Can you feel any comparisons with yourself and her? Sometimes this isn’t easily apparent but we are the same – cycling with the seasons. We rest and feel lethargic and cold during the winter . Winter is a time to go inwards, to heal and recuperate.
But now we reach Imbolc and spring begins to stir – we too re-awaken as we receive a little more sunlight daily – cycling with the earth’s seedlings as they stir and grow. If you are walking can you see any seedling s pushing their heads above the ground of see any snowdrops ? I invite you to connect this image with your womb – visualising your womb growing warmer with the fire of fertility as your eggs strengthen. If this visualisation doesn’t rock your boat then here are some rituals for Imbolc which you may like to try
2. Cleaning
Imbolc is a traditional time to spring clean. Get out the broom, the vacuum, your scrubbers, and wash away the winter. Make room for the new. Be sure to clean your house environmentally and in a fertility safe way!
3. Make a Brigid Cross – The Celtic Goddess Brigid is a triple goddess and goddess of fertility. Take some straw and make a Brigid cross. Hang it on your door as a blessing. Email me if you want to do this as I can send you the instructions. However, alternatives are buying one ready made from Amazon or buy one of my Goddess Brigid cards!
4. Fire – Make a fire (indoors if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace or use your firepit, bonfire or BBQ outdoors).
Begin by preparing your fire and light your candle. White is the one that comes to mind but I think it is the intention and Brigid’s colours are red, green, gold or yellow so go with your own connection. Take a moment to centre yourself. As you do so, think about the potential for growth. Call upon the goddess Brigid, who represents fertility, creativity, and healing. Invoke her presence and ask for her guidance as you tend the fire. Now write down your intentions or say them silently to yourself. What would you like to bring into your life, when and how? Is there anything you want to release – such as worry and anxiety or fear? Place your intentions on a piece of paper, or simply imagine them inside your mouth and then burn the, in the flame. As they burn imagine your positive intentions coming to life. When the intentions have disappeared take a few moments to sit silently with Brigid, feeling her guidance and energy – how do you feel? As you disconnect complete this Imbolc ritual by opening your windows if you are indoor to release any remaining energy. Let the air fill your space, blessing you and releasing your intentions even further.
5. Craft: Now is the time to MAKE something. Create something- whatever kind of crafting (including mindful creative womb making) or decorating or dancing – anything that brings you pleasure. Tapping into your own creativity awaken the creative power of your womb.
56. Plant: Light some candles and plant some seeds in a pot. Nurture the seeds, making sure they get plenty of sunlight and the right amount of water. Consider moving them to your garden later in the spring. You can watch the plants grow as symbols of your own blossoming fertility.
7. Make love – Happy Imbolc!
Fertility nutrition and Imbolc:
Eat plenty of spring foods and start seed cycling to support your fertility around Imbolc.
February – Apples, Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Celeriac, Chicory, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Leeks, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Pears, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Squash, Swedes.
March – Artichoke, Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrots, Chicory, Cucumber, Leeks, Parsnip, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Radishes, Rhubarb, Sorrel, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Watercress.
Ref: The Earths cycle of celebration – Glennie Kindred
Brigid’s Grove
Vegsoc.org
Justine Evans ND – Fertility Expert & Hormone Alchemist is the Founder of Creation Fertility and its products. Justine offers a multi dimensional approach to fertility blending Nutritional Therapy with alchemy and yogic philosophy. Call 07747 133170 to book an appointment with her now on line, in Twickenham or Stroud.
Disclaimer: This article has been written for inspiration and education purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease and it does not replace evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by your qualified health care professional.