Hello,
With the start of a new year not far behind and the start of a new season not far ahead, I have been reflecting on the effortless beauty and wisdom of nature’s cycles and how we can honour her rhythms in our lives. I have been feeling a bit withdrawn and in contemplative mode. I just don’t feel like moving outward, publishing and making videos at this moment. I am craving me-time and taking it!
I am rethinking how I want to continue Joy in Creation. I know I want to focus on art and the tarot. So a lot less time writing. Also making videos is not something I really like doing at the moment, but perhaps that is why I should continue making them, so I challenge myself to learn. I don’t know. We’ll see what emerges out of Winter.
Last weekend I took a time out and had a lovely weekend away visiting my aunt and uncle. Picture time:
Click here for the photo album
Happy Chinese New Year of the Pig 2019
This major event falls on the second new moon after the solstice, so it’s different every year. The Earth pig officially starting February 5 has a focus on abundance and enjoying life. There is definitely a lighter tone in pig years. Playfulness and humor are often associated with such a year.
The Year of the Pig encourages a practical, loyal, Earthy and ‘hands-on’ approach. Tactile and tuned into the five senses, those born under this Chinese animal sign happily treat themselves well, fueling creativity with real life, like good food, good company, exercise and the fresh outdoors. The Year of the Pig invites us all to take this healthy, hearty approach to well-being.
Imbolc
And today/tomorrow we celebrate the Celtic High Holy-day of Imbolc, Bridget’s Day— which is often referred to as the Celtic New Year (also it is Candlemas and Groundhog Day tomorrow). Imbolc marks the midpoint of winter and traditionally begins at sundown February 1st through to sundown February 2nd. This ancient festival celebrates Brigid, the fire goddess of fertility, growth and birth. It welcomes the returning light and the first stirrings of life after the still silence of winter.
The most common explanation is that it comes from the Old Irish i mbolc (Modern Irish i mbolg), meaning “in the belly” and refers to the pregnancy of ewes] Another possible origin is the Old Irish imb-fholc, “to wash/cleanse oneself,” referring to a ritual cleansing. –Wikipedia
Imbolc is the feast of the promise of the coming spring. It is a festival of light in which the lenghtening of the days is celebrated and the hope of being born again in springtime. Traditionally, a large spring cleaning was held around this time of the year. As we greet the new year and welcome spring, Imbolc marks the moment we can pause to reflect on the Winter months that came before it. It is the perfect opportunity for deciding what we want to embrace and what we intend to let go of.
St. Brigid’s cross
There are many ways you can honor and celebrate Imbolc, just search online for inspiration. I will be setting up an Imbolc altar, do a fire ritual and make a St. Bridgid’s Cross. Also I really feel like doing a thorough house cleaning ritual.
Wishing you blessed days.
