IMBOLG BLESSINGS
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Wednesday February 3, 2021 6:59am PST
(commonly assigned to Feb 1 or 2)
Imbolg (aka Imbolc, Candlemas, or Oimelc) is the first of the fertility festivals. Our ancestors celebrated this time of year as the beginning of lambing season, where new potentials were fed, symbolized by lactating ewes (Oimelc means “ewe’s milk”; Imbolg means “in the belly”). Imbolg is a time when the very first signs of new growth show themselves – the promise of renewal and spring to come.
However, it is important to remember Imbolg is actually the midpoint between Yule (Solstice) and Ostara (Equinox). This time of year can be very inspirational and hopeful but we must remember that – despite what a prognosticating rodent has to say about it – there are still six more weeks before the sun’s warmth and light overtake the cold and dark. Snow is still possible and, while some shoots have sprouted, roots won’t be established until spring.
With that in mind, this is a great time to start clearing the way for that new growth. Sweep away any remaining decay that may impede the new growth – both literally (in the garden) and metaphorically (in the Self).
“Thus we banish winter, Thus we welcome spring”
THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR
The Sun is in Aquarius – sign of innovation and humanitarianism – and has now reached the midpoint (15°) where Aquarian energies peak.
The God at Imbolg
The Sun/Son born to the Goddess at Yule is now gaining his independence and developing towards his role as consort and father (later in the Wheel of the Year). Yule marked the God’s birth. At Imbolg, he takes on the role of Lord of Life representing creation and growth for humanity as a whole. This role is further supported by the planetary ruler – Uranus – who represents the Prometheus archetype responsible for the creation of humans, and giving them fire. The promethean gift of fire ensures humanity’s literal existence through light, warmth, and food, but also metaphorically as the spark or essence that animates all life… which brings us to the Goddess.
The Goddess at Imbolg
The Earth moves into fiery Leo, home of the Sun – the main source of heat, light, and life here on earth. Shifting from the primordial sign of Cancer into the personal sign of Leo, the Goddess activates the energies of nobility, selfhood, creativity, and fun. Free of the dependent child, the Goddess is able to focus on Self and personal development. As the fire of life brought to humanity, the divine feminine inspires us to discover our individual selves and honour our inner nobility through creative self-expression.
GIRDLE OF THE GODDESS
In the language of Theodomy, the 12 signs of the zodiac are further divided into 36 primordial energies of the divine feminine, called the Girdle of the Goddess.
At the time of Imbolg, the sun is in the 32nd primordial energy activating Brigid, the Goddess of Inspiration and Creativity.
See my BRIGID post for more information.
THE INDIVIDUAL WITHIN THE COLLECTIVE
Sun, Mercury, Venus, Pallas, Jupiter, and Saturn all in Aquarius
Along with the Sun, there are currently five other travellers moving through Aquarius this Imbolg: Mercury, Venus, Pallas, Jupiter, and Saturn.
As we explored at Yule, the Great Conjunction marks the beginning of a 20 year cycle where the overall theme shifts from material abundance and primordial security, to intellectual growth and collective consciousness. (See my Great Conjunction post for more information.) However, with two major personal planets (Mercury & Venus) currently feeding at the same trough of social revolution as the two social planets (Jupiter & Saturn), there is an obvious need to balance the personal and social energies. Pallas (Athena), being the archetypal counsellor, is perhaps the key to a wise and healthy strategy.
Imbolg 2021
Imbolg is a time for inspiration and hope; let ideas and enlightenment sprout. Some of these may take root later in the cycle while others may wither to make room for new growth.
This Imbolg in particular, I encourage you to consider who you are in the context of the collective. You aren’t just a cog in the wheel, but an active and necessary part of the overall functioning of this thing we call life. Engage and support the united effort to raise consciousness and reform the ideal.
Remember, being part of the collective in no way suggests conformity or lack of individuality. It is quite the opposite, in fact. Along with being a very group focused sign, Aquarius is also the sign of the revolutionary and sometimes the rebel. Conformity is not Aquarian. Aquarius likes big brainstorming sessions where ideas are considered on their own merits without personal attachment (or credit). Progress is the goal; personal gain is not a factor. Supporting the Aquarian collective is about bringing your individual traits, personal ideas, and diverse perspectives to sustain the overall growth of the whole. So join, engage, and be inspired!
Wishing you all a very Blessed Imbolg.
May the divine fire light your way.