Traditionally one of the four Fire Festivals celebrated by the Gaelics. The other Fire Festivals being Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain. These festivals came about as it marked the changing of the seasons. A divine blessings of the Sun returning and bringing back the light, which was of vital importance to early agricultural societies. The coming of Spring and the growing daylight symbolized. growth, fertility and potential. Baby Rabbits can be seen in the hedgerows and the Ewes begin producing milk.
The stirrings of life beneath the soil, ready to emerge.
Although our modern culture does not rely on the seasons anymore for produce, which don’t get me started!… Has not only raped the lands by over producing constantly and not resting the soil which leads to infertile and poor growth. Our over consumerist society has numbed us to nature for example why are we eating Strawberries and Raspberries in Winter when in the Northern Hemisphere these things don’t grow naturally for us. Its the wrong season!
To keep up with the growing population, extensive farming methods were developed. Sadly this means a loss of connection with the earth as we can now grow anything anytime, anywhere . These sprayers are chemical pesticides which kill off the good microbes and bacteria that is needed to keep the soil fertile and healthy.
During the boom years, post WWII, trade agreements were made and we opened the world market up for trade - hence why we can buy Oranges, Kiwis, Melons, Pineapples & Pomegranates and all other exotic foods year round which has meant there is no “ Winter” and rest for the Earth. Instead she is flogged like a slave. Sadly we too have lost our sensitivity to how food is produced and where it comes from - because all we need to do is click and order or pop down to our local supermarket and buy.
3 WAYS YOU CAN CELEBRATE IMBOLC
Go out in nature, if you have a garden or can access a pot - go to your local garden centre and purchase some seeds, start to grow your own food and flowers.
You have the rest of February to honour the last energies of Winter so if you haven’t rested or done some self care now is the time to do it. Write down any dreams/ideas and plans you have, let your inner creative come out to play.
Do good for the planet and maybe for Spring plan some “Plogging”walks with friends and family and pick up the litter before natures babies (bunnies, mice, baby badgers, and baby birds, lambs and ducklings get a hold of it!
