Imbolc

Imbolc, February Energy Shift, Full Moon in Leo, And a Reading Special!!

Happy Magnificent, Magickal, Meditative, Mind-Blowing, Meritorious, Musical, Motivational, Mesmerising, Manifesting Monday! (How was that for alliteration?) How are you delicious lovely? So much to share with you this week with Imbolc (we will get into that), February Energy Shift, a Full Moon in Leo happening and you asked and I listened!

So grab a cuppa and let’s natter, yes?

Okay Imbolc was yesterday. Now you may be scratching your head and thinking to yourself – what the heck did she say? Imbolc (yes it does sound like it’s looks). Imbolc is a Celtic fire festival celebrating the emerging life in the world around us as well as the Goddess Brigid who represents the fire of creativity, the protective hearth fire and her firewheel all of which cleanse and purify. Imbolc is a celebration, because for those of us in the mid winter it promises us emergence, growth, renewal and hope and massive cleansing and purification. Imbolc is the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox and occured on February 1st/2nd.

Okay Jenn, what’s that got to do with me?

Well whether you realise it or not your body is connected to the seasons, to the energy underneath you, around you, above you and in you. Imbolc is one of the seasonal changes on the Wheel of the Year. However, the Wheel of the Year is more than just the seasonal changes from spring to summer to fall to winter. It also encompasses the 8 holidays, or sabbats. Each of these holidays has its own energy and its own place in the cycle that influences. Imbolc brings us the burgeoning Spring energy that feels like a whisper or a possible promise, it’s the gestation time. The time to get clear on what you want to create or bring into your life. If you want to go deeper and explore some rituals and more information on Imbolc, come on over!

Also, quite a few of you have emailed and messaged me saying you missed out on the Winter Solstice reading special and was there going to be another one? Yes! In honour of this gestation time there is an Imbolc Reading Special from today until Valentines, with 3 new Readings added as well! Yes? Thus, it will run for 12 days, but as the spots fill up the special will become unavailable. And don’t forget, you can gift these to others, which a few of you have done! (Which I think is superb!)

Okay, onwards and upwards. We also have another energy shift on a Shamanic level and the energy for this month is “Management”. And of course the best person to explain it is Lena! We initiated the year with two eclipses stirring the pot of intensity creating numerous opportunities to crack open the potential for growth, expansion, new ideas, and intentions. The energy has been forward moving, barely allowing us to catch up with ourselves enough to sift through the bounty and put it all in order. We are faced with the danger of falling back on what we know, where we are comfortable, putting all our energy into what is familiar rather into something new that has landed in our field.

Management as a theme for this month covers management of your inner life as well as the management of your outer life. Management is a responsibility for what you do now with your new-found inspiration even if you see a challenging road ahead. There will always be an aspect of inner management as well as one of outer management. Inner management has to do with lessons learned and the discipline to change belief systems, patterns and perceptions that only you can change. Outer management has to do with the practices, habits and behaviors that come from those belief systems, patterns and perceptions.

Last but not least we have a glorious Full Moon in Leo on either the 8th or 9th (depending on where you are!)

This is a delicious Full Moon and the second one for 2020. The February Full Moon falls on the 8th or 9th of the month, depending on your time zone. It rests in the sign of Leo, and its energy comes to tend to the fire that lives within our hearts. It comes to clear away all that dims our light and separates us from feeling connected to our journey.

“Leo is ruled by the Sun, so whenever we have a Full Moon in the sign of the Sun, it’s extra special. When Leo holds space for the Full Moon, it’s like a ray of light shining down on all that feels dark and heavy in our lives. Leo is a fire sign that reminds us to connect with all that lights us up. It reminds us to connect with our inner fire, with our inner Sun, and to remember that life is for experiencing rather than controlling.

What sets your soul on fire? What fans your inner flame? What brings you a sense of purpose as you move through the experiences of life? These are some of the questions the February Full Moon poses for us. It wants us to connect with these questions so we can work on clearing away all separates us from feeling present and at peace with our lives.”

Wow! So with our gestation time of Imbolc we are asked to figure out what lights us up and get clear. The theme of Management invites us not to fall back into the comfort zone and the Full Moon reminds us yet again to find that fire that resides in us and get clear about it. Are you willing?

When I went to the cards and asked who wanted to support and guide this week, the glorious Faery Forest Oracle were most adamant. I was tickled as yesterday I went exploring the woods, hung out with the trees and just noticed all the little random daffs and crocus that are pushing their way up with vigour!

Now, if these guides are new to you, please let me introduce them (as it’s rude not to):- “Let us enter the wild green world together, friend, the faery forests where the great trees speak with us, the moss soft underfoot, the light pure and gentle. The homes of the once Sacred groves of the Celts, the Saxons, and the Vikings…and to the people who were here long before we had names with which to call them to us – the faerie people. May the wild green world and the wondrous beings of this Faery Forest heal us, inspire us and urge us all to become more who we truly are meant to be.” Lovely!

The crystals that woggled and waggled (like miniature labradors) are:- Bloodstone, K-2 Jasper, Chrysocolla.

You ready? I invite you to just BE and BREATHE (please don’t tell me you don’t have time, as you do). Allow any heaviness to gently drop to the ground as you breathe long, slow and deep. Let it become cosmic compost to feed and nurture something new. Keep breathing this way and think about the seeds you want to sow in the Springtime, what are they? If you need some more support or want to go deeper, there is a lovely guided visualisation for you.

When you are ready and you feel relaxed, pick the card or cards that call to you, nudge you or kick you in the arse!

Did you remember to pick?

Shall we go look?

ISA

Winter has descended upon the Faery Forest. You have ceased struggling and fighting to change what is outside of yourself. Because you have relinquished the battle, you have won the war within yourself. You are now suspending activity and being in the moment. Through this stillness and inner consciousness, you are beginning to understand so much of where you have been and where you will go – and because you are fully in the present and allowing, you can also come to a deeper, more peaceful understanding of what it is you want, value, and desire.

This is a moment of complete stillness and simply be-ing: a long moment where you are completely present. You are as still as a chrysalis, hanging seemingly static from a branch, fragile and mysterious. Like the chrysalis, you will “do” nothing – nothing at all, except become yourself. Your transformation is being worked invisibly, on the inside, and when the time is right, you will share it with the world.

In a situation where you seem to have no control, no power, you are learning the most valuable form of power there is – self mastery. You pause with dignity and strength, and simply by doing this you create the right conditions for the right change.

This time will ultimately bring great peace, wisdom, and choices that enrich your life, others lives, and the healing of the world.

THE GREEN MAN

Not so long ago, all was quiet, dark, and cold…..but something has changed, and it will manifest into your world in significant ways – through you, and all around you. This is a time of renewal, a time of new beginnings and connections for you. Your energy will be extending itself easily, and you will fall in love with the new world you are creating. This is a time for you to actively pursue what it is you wish to create in your life and to acknowledge the presence of the powerful new energies all about you.

Each day will bring these changes, and it is as if life force itself is surging through you, and every cell radiates this bright, strong, fierce new energy.

To be effective, this energy must be directed – not tamed, but given places to flow into – and thus you must choose and shape the energies you are experiencing. Nature and its energies shall pour through you and it is necessary for you to quickly begin to shape these forces in meaningful ways.

This is also a time when you no longer see sharp distinctions between what is outside of yourself and what is within – you feel linked, connected, a part of a great natural magickal whole, and this empowers you into brave, open-hearted action.

Go forward and thrive, dear one!

FRIGGA

You are at a moment of great good fortune in this lifetime. You have created for yourself more than enough, and now the goodness that is flowing to you must be invested and used wisely. It is easy to squander youth or beauty or opportunity, as they seem such an eternal gift – but this card is here to share with you that it is time to ensure that this wonderful moment is worked with wisely. Invest in yourself and in your health, create more wealth, learn and study, and also offer your support and investment to worthy others. Take care of yourself, and truly make yourself into who and what you have always wanted to become.

This time will come around again, but it will not last forever – and so Frigga wishes for you to consider the gifts you are being given, the bounty coming to you, and consider with great vision and earnestness what will provide for you and your loved ones in the years to come. Be ready to act!

Your future can be created now – and the present can become so rich and enduring that nothing can shake your ability to continue prospering – your skills, your home, your mind, your body.

Take care of yourself, and watch the good fortune that flows from your wise investment, for many years to come.

Gosh, this made me smile as it’s positively perfect for the energy at this time! So my delicious lovely, yes the Imbolc reading special is on for a short while, and I have so many wishes for you this week. May you gift yourself with time to focus on your soul’s desires and write them down! May you remember that Spring is coming and take this time to prepare (I have something amazing for you come Spring Equinox!) May you be well, May you be safe, May you be at peace, May you live with ease.

Huge hugs and love! (Oh yes, and glorious mugs of tea!)

Celebrating Imbolc and 10 Easy Rituals to help you tap into the Energy.

Jenny Heston · 1:11 am ·

Let’s talk about Imbolc shall we? Also known as Saint Brigid’s day. (Though you may be scratching your head and asking who she is and why to celebrate this day).

Imbolc is a Celtic fire festival celebrating the emerging life in the world around us as well as the Goddess Brigid who represents the fire of creativity, the protective hearth fire and her fire wheel all of which cleanse and purify. Imbolc is a celebration, because for those of us in the mid winter it promises us emergence, growth, renewal and hope and massive cleansing and purification. Imbolc is also the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox and occurs on February 1st. Okay Jenn, what’s that got to do with me?

Well whether you realise it or not your body is connected to the seasons, to the energy underneath you, around you, above you and in you. Imbolc is one of the seasonal changes on the Wheel of the Year. The Wheel of the Year is more than just the seasonal changes from spring to summer to fall to winter. It also encompasses the 8 holidays, or sabbats. Each of these holidays has its own energy and its own place in the cycle that influences. Imbolc brings us the burgeoning Spring energy that feels like a whisper or a possible promise.

I spent a lot of my younger years being raised on a sheep farm in Yorkshire and holy hannah! Imbolc was present with bells on!! Cow’s udders began to engorge with milk, ready for the first births of spring. The sheep would swell and look like fluffy balloons on toothpicks all waiting to lamb (and if you have never hung out with a lamb you are missing out!) Flowers were popping out on the floor of the copse and this was a time when farmers would prepare their fields for the first sowing and fishermen would return to the sea. All preparing and ready to expand and grow.

Imbolc is “Feile Brighde“, the ‘quickening of the year‘. The original word Imbolg means ‘in the belly’. All is pregnant and expectant – and only just visible if at all, like the gentle curve of a ‘just-showing’ pregnancy. It is the promise of renewal, of hidden potential, of earth awakening and life-force stirring. Here is hope. We welcome the growth of the returning light and witness Life’s insatiable appetite for rebirth.

It is time to let go of the past and to look to the future, clearing out the old, making both outer and inner space for new beginnings. This can be done in numerous ways, from spring cleaning your home to clearing the mind and heart to allow inspiration to enter for the new cycle. It’s a good time for wish-making or making a dedication.

Imbolc is traditionally the great festival and honouring of Brigid (Brighid, Bride, Brigit), so loved as a pagan Goddess that her worship was woven into the Christian church as St Bridget. She is a Goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft. She is a Goddess of Fire, of the Sun and of the Hearth. She brings fertility to the land and its people and is closely connected to midwives and new-born babies. She is the Triple Goddess, but at Imbolc she is in her Maiden aspect. Brigid represented the light half of the year, and the power that will bring people from the dark season of winter into spring, her presence was very important at this time of year.

So how to mark or celebrate this day? Easy. Think about it – fire, hearth, growth, cleansing (not that you have to do all of them by any stretch!)

Rituals:

Gather snowdrops if you have them!

Why? These are the first signs of Spring in the bleak of Winter. Their merry bobbly white heads remind us that all things can grow and flourish even if the conditions feel bleak. So pick a posy of snowdrops and put them on your dining room table and breathe in the promise.

Plant seeds!

I love this one, especially when doing it with the kids. Each seed you plant represents a hope or dream, and it really doesn’t matter what seeds you plant. I have planted beans in egg cartons and paper towel with the kids. I have put seeds that need longer to develop into small pots to allow them the growing time that they need before going into the ground. The key is intention and celebration

Make a Brigid cross.

These look like a fire wheel when they are woven, they are traditionally made from reeds, but if that isn’t available to you, use something else, straws, hay, pipe cleaners….. If you have no clue what I am talking about, come have a little looksee here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq0ci42PnLc

Candles

Light a shed ton of candles which represent the the Flame of Brigid and make wishes for your family and friends – the simplest form of candle magic.

Food, glorious food!

Cook a lovely meal, light candles, invite friends and celebrate the days getting longer and all the promises that are burbling in the earth.

Yoga!

In Celtic mythology Brigid was associated with an awakening hibernating serpent which emerged from its lair at Imbolc. Traditionally serpents were associated with creativity and inspiration – the powerful Kundalini energy of the Eastern Mysteries. Paths of earth energy were called serpent paths and at Imbolc they are stirred from their slumber. So stir your body, stretch and offer up in prayer pose what you desire.

Eat Cheese.

Ahhh, but not just any cheese. Eat Ewes milk cheese (and it is very delicious) as this is the beginning of lambing time!

Clean your House! (Seriously)

Start your spring off with a good thorough cleaning, and then follow that up with a spiritual cleansing. (‘Spring cleaning was originally a nature ritual’ – Doreen Valiente). Personally I love putting everything back where it’s meant to be, releasing the stuff that is no longer needed and then washing my floors with an essential oil mix of Rosemary, Geranium, Lemon and Sage. As I wash I invite the energy of cleansing and purification in.

Take a Cleansing Bath or Shower.

Imbolc is known as a time of purification and cleansing. A great way to incorporate this into your magical practice is to take a ritual cleansing bath. The purpose of a ritual cleansing is to not only clean the body, but also to cleanse the mind and soul. It’s a chance to meditate and reflect upon the things you wish to wash away–whether it’s a bad habit, negative feelings, or anything else. Thus, if bathing, pop a container of Epsom Salts in with the essential oils that make you feel cherished and soak. Remember to wash off under the shower with soap afterwards.

If in the shower, mix together sea salt, olive/avocado/sesame oil with the essential oils you love and then scrub yourself and as you do – see it anything that feels murky or mucky or not fitting just drop and disappear down the drain.

Crystals

If you have crystals around, how often do you work with them? When were they last cleansed? Crystals are part of Earth and they loved to be handled and given a purpose. So here are 7 crystals for Imbolc.

Amethyst

Peridot

Moss Agate

Onyx

Selenite

Moonstone

Sunstone

Personally, I put these in a glorious little bag, cleanse them (with sage), bless them and give them the intention of growth, expansion, purification and expansion. I then pop them under my pillow and sleep with them until March 21st (Spring Equinox).

So there we are delicious lovely, rituals that are easy (as ritual shouldn’t be a “To Do”). Wishing you a fantabulous Imbolc and that moment where you tap into your essence and be flooded with Hope, Growth, Expansion, Purification and Planning.

How Tight is Your Comfort Zone? Imbolc is Coming! And New Moon is Rising.

Jenny Heston · 1:02 am ·

Happy Magnificent, Marvelous, Magickal, Magnanimous, Majestic, Major League, Masterly, Matchless, Memorable, Manifesting Monday!!! Why do I have all these M’s? Well to be honest I always thought that poor Monday got a bad rap. How often have you heard people say “Urgghh it’s Monday?” What a weight to put on one little word and one little day, thus last year I decided we needed to reframe it and make it Magickally Marvelous and the Most Magnificent time for Manifesting!

Let’s talk about comfort zone first and foremost shall we? How is your comfort zone feeling? I don’t know about you but for me the comfort zone can feel ohhhhh so deliciously safe and oh so cosy! As a massive introvert (and I don’t like labels) I am more comfy curled up on the sofa with a book, writing, or playing with a doggo than going out with a massive amount of people I don’t know. Don’t get me wrong if they are my delicious friends that I have known for years and I trust, I am happy to go out-ish and hang out. The issue is I moved. So for nearly 4 months I have had to BE and deal with shit that I hadn’t even thought would come up from other people and then on top it all to put myself out there and start making friends? That felt really tricky and the sofa looked far more appealing. Why is it when your 5 it is so easy to make a friend at the playground and you don’t even need to know their full name, yet as an adult it’s far trickier which is interesting as we have “better” communication skills!

Anyhow, with this glorious year being a 3 year – thus one of Joy, Creativity and Renewal I committed to stretching and stretching my comfort zone. Why? Because it felt tight, mundane and to be honest – a tad limiting. So I committed to trying new things, exploring new places and really being present. Good right? Then I got sick. (So snuggling in bed with ginger root tea and coming up with all sorts of excuses, reasons or just bullshit was quite delightful). However, once I felt hale and hearty physically it was time to push the boundaries a tad. Okay, so what do I want to do (and for some of us that can be tricky as we can default to the “what do I think I should do”.) Well, I have always wanted to take a drumming workshop, I have always wanted to explore if I can sing (as old tapes from my maternal advised me that was ridiculous and I had happily bought into that.) I would sing at home, I chant every morning, but to actually sing and have my voice heard by others would give me the screaming hebegebees!

Guess what? I started an African drumming course last week, I went Axe tossing (who knew it could be so fun) on the weekend and I also went to a vocal workshop called “Tune into Yourself and Find Your Voice”. OMG! Amazing, amazing, amazing – all three. Yet it was fascinating to watch my ego “keeper” as I call her chirp up right before every event. “What are you doing? Don’t you feel tired? Why are we doing this, it’s dumb! You won’t know anyone! You can’t drum, throw an axe, sing etc. See the sofa? It’s raining. Where’s a good book?” All that flooded up to the forefront and to be honest last Tuesday (first drumming class) I nearly bailed, but note the word nearly. Last Tuesday I walked through the pouring rain for 3 km to show up dripping and soppy for an African drumming class and I had so much fun playing with my drum and really connecting with the other 30 people that were there and creating something that sounded really good!

On Friday I went and tossed axes galore (and apparently I’m a natural). On Sunday I went to a vocal workshop where I found my voice, my voice to say what I needed to, to sing, to really belt my thoughts out, to meld my voice with others, to really tap all the way down to my root and again I had soooo much fun! (Yet my delicious ego “keeper” was advising me to stay home, stay safe, stay small and have a nice cuppa!)

Now why am I sharing this with you? Let me remind you, this a 3 year – Creativity, Joy, Renewal. So let me ask – what have you wanted to at least try that you have been afraid of? What would nudge you gently out of your comfort zone into something really cool? What would help you find your voice and your essence (and I know both of those are strong in you, or you wouldn’t be reading this).

On top of stretching the comfort zone we have Imbolc coming up this Friday, on February 1st and what does this mean for you? Imbolc is a Celtic festival celebrating the emerging life in the world around us. It’s a time to really plant those delicious seeds, to harness the energy of the 3 year and to really, really commit to growing, expanding and playing. Imbolc means “in the belly of the Mother” because that is where seeds are beginning to stir with Spring. It is the festival of the Maiden, from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. So what a perfect time to tap this glorious energy and overlay it over the amazing Eclipse energy we have (that is burbling for at least the next 5 – 6 months).

Then, on top of all that we have a delicious New Moon coming next Monday on February 4th, again a delicious time to plant those seeds of intent, the ones that help you stretch the comfort zone, explore your creativity and really tap into Joy.

If you are on the email list, on Thursday I will be sending out a more detailed explanation of Imbolc, Brigid (the Goddess) and some easy rituals. But for now – can you feel the fertility that is approaching? It’s pulsing everywhere, flowers are starting to push up, leaves are gently welling up into buds, seeds will need to be planted. Thus, imagine yourself like a glorious garden – what do you need to push the dross aside and stretch? To really bloom, expand and grow.

Okay, enough chuntering away (can tend to do that as there is so much I want to share with you). When I went to the cards to ask who would like to be present this week “The Oracle of the Dragonfae” jumped up and down. Now, if you are new to these gorgeous guides, let me give it to you in an acorn shell – “Feel their love. Know your power….the Dragonfae are our flesh and soul kin, our friends, our guardians and our allies. When we connect with them, we reconnect with the lost parts of ourselves, allowing us to fully explore the gift of life.”

Interestingly enough, when I asked which crystals wanted to come support, the rocks and the shells were adamant. Which actually if you think about it makes sense. We live on the biggest crystal there is and so the rocks and shells are the bones of what we walk on. They have been here thousands of years and hold the energy and the desires of all who have touched them and the mysteries. Oh yes, and Rosemary (which is a glorious protection herb) and delicious flowers insisted on participating. If you are at all worried they were discarded afterwards, let me assure you Rosemary went in a glorious soup and the flowers are in an egg cup.

I invite you to take a moment, the longer the better, but even a minute of gifting yourself stillness and breathe where the sides of your rib cage push out is all good. Just breathe, and in your minds eye I invite you to see those wiggly, jiggly bits outside of your comfort zone that soooo want you to come play with them, but of course – you’ve been busy and it feels rather scary. Breathe into what they are, give them life, acknowledge them and with them burbling and swooping in your minds eye ask yourself what’s stopping you. What fear, limiting belief or anything is limiting you playing with the wiggly, jiggly bits outside of your comfort zone. Yes? Then when you’re ready, pick the card or cards that call to you.

Shall we pick?

Fancy a look?

DRAGONFAE OF REBIRTH

We are the ones who have seen you in those moments you humans describe as dark – the ones you so often wish to run and hide from, the ones you fear because you misunderstand their purpose, the ones you shun. Your loathing of your shadow has sometimes driven you to seek and ending. But a literal ending is not necessary. In every culture on this planet, old and new, there has been a ritual that lets you die to your old self, one in which the wise man or woman is guided through a journey to their own underworld. We too know of this underworld, as we dwell there from time to time, and here we are now, in this underworld, waiting for you to descend in order to be reborn.

Fear not your “dark” moments. For in the dark are the shadows, easeful rest and the deep knowledge of the heart and the soul. In this place the seeds you need to plant can flourish and what you feel are dark and “bad” thoughts are in fact manifestations of the desire to die to the self that no longer feels its true self to be captured in its outside form.

You are remaking your own soulself, and in this magick and ritual endarkenment lie the seeds of your reawakening and your own rebirth. We are with you, circling you and clearing and cleansing your energy. There is no beginning and no end, just the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Now, it feels like death…but it is a death to the old self…not a literal death. Do not fear. You are about to be reborn. Take heart and know that soon you will feel whole again.

THE MORRIGHAN

I see now that events are moving extremely fast; this is a time of rapid change and creation, so rapid that you may wish to slow down, just a little. However I say to you clearly that the time to act is now; and that procrastination and hesitation are your enemies at this time. I can lead you forward through this time, and help you pick your way through the minefield before you. This is a time of testing and darkness, but through this you will grow strong. Be aware! If you have resisted your abilities, or felt blocked in terms of following your life path, these changes will take place very rapidly because they have been waiting for a signal to be able to come in, and they are working hard with you so you do not have to endure a long, drawn-out process of change. Truly, you are ready. Take flight with me, and know that taking your own path seriously and acting now with deep integrity, is the way for justice to reach you.

Do not give in to panic and do not run. Now is the time. If not now, when?

You have already tortured yourself in a thousand ways with your thoughts. You cannot avoid change; each day your cells renew, and all you have to do is breathe in and out for this process to take place. You are confusing stasis with safety – there is nothing to fear, there is everything to gain. A turning point in your life demands action on your behalf, and backing down or avoidance is not the answer. Draw strong boundaries and claim your space. Face trouble rather than turning away. Confront injustice and change the rules by which you have felt bound. Learn to work with your strength and your own ability to create deep change. Lose fear of your own power. Let your courage feel inspired and know that destiny has given you an opportunity to be the courageous being of action that you truly are.

CHENGUANG

I am Dragonfae, thus I am at once a being of copious laughter, and of earnest and deep study. Being Dragonfae, I know when to put aside my serious work and my mission, and play, laugh and love. I know the importance of devoting myself to the playtime that balances, soothes and heals my heart, and lifts the heaviness that sometimes accompanies my days. Can you do this? Or are you too caught up in being taken seriously? There is a perfect balance between serious, cosmic matters and playful light-heartedness to be found. Both Earth and star are necessary for all of us. We are indeed galactic beings ourselves. But most of all, your hope and optimism is paramount right now. Take heart, for delight and joy is yours.

You are about to experience a true reversal in your inner self: you will now think magickally and attain mastery of magickal consciousness. What you think, what you are manifests about you at all times: what you are now is the delicious light-hearted magickal being you were born to be. You are like a beautiful shining star; its light magikally transforming everything it touches. Rays of light beam out from you and your body is awash with healing green energy and fresh new life. You are dancing in the air, lifted up on the strength of your own experience and friendships, and you would do well to wear the divine colour violet, while the gentle zephyr helps your move in the direction of your dreams.

When we allow ourselves to shine we become who we were always meant to be; and by example we encourage others to become who they truly are. Drop the heavy nature of punishment, guilt and beliefs that no longer serve you. You are a powerful role model for others; you have experienced the joy of setting your sights high and the healing power of self-belief. You still have many experiences ahead of you on your journey, but this energy of the star is now your companion and your divine inspiration.

Okay, I will say I use this deck a plethora of times – yet the only time The Morrighan or Chenguang come to play is in this public arena. Thus, someone here is meant to hear the message again (are you listening)? I would also like to say thank you for your glorious emails and shares – I really appreciate and treasure them. Wishing you wiggle room and expansion with your comfort zone and a glorious Imbolc. Remember to plant the seeds and nurture them. Huge hugs and squeezes and new green shoots!

Imbolc – Simple Hearth Blessing and Cleansing Ritual

Jenny Heston · 8:18 pm ·

Ahhhh, February is here and even though you can feel Spring tickling around the back of your being, often you are looking at snow, rain or something that doesn’t invoke the feeling of creation and expansion. (That’s when I plant a Hyacinth bulb or bring some Forsythia inside to bloom earlier than normal, or just grab a bunch of daffs from the supermarket).

In most areas of the Northern Hemisphere, the month of February can be the coldest time of the year. In fact in my little town we do have a “Coldest Night of the Year” walk to help raise funds and support for housing, homeless people and food for everyone. So February to me invites me to curl up with a good book in the safety of my home and hearth. Which brings us to Imbolc, which is the celebration of the growing light but also all things hearth and most certainly the glorious Celtic hearth and fire goddess, Brigid.

Now I know the phrase “hearth” can be confusing for some people. “But I don’t have a fireplace, I don’t have…..”. Most certainly in days of yore there was a hearth, a fire and when building a home one of the most important stones was the hearthstone, the stone in front of the fire. But we are 2018 and I don’t know that many of us have great big fireplaces and a huge hearthstone to gather around.

However, think about it – you have a gathering at your home, food, games, friends – and where do people mainly hang out? I am guessing the kitchen – yes? I have had to shoo people out of the kitchen so that I can move around quickly and efficiently so that we all get fed, but yet, they all dribble back to that place. So if you have a stove, a kitchen and prepare food for loved ones and yourself that can be considered a hearth. Maybe it is the dining room table where you all gather, share your stories of the day, that is a hearth. It could be the coffee table that you lounge around as you chat and drink tea together, or it could be your altar.

Don’t get fixated on the word “hearth”, but realise that hearth is more than a physical location it is the feeling and has its own spirit. Does that make sense?

The spirit of the hearth is more important than the physical manifestation of it. The spirit is about feeling safe, loved, nurtured and cosy and to honour the spirits of the home. For example, every night I fill my nebuliser with water and the essential oil that I want to work with, light a white candle and say a blessing over it to hearth, home, health, happiness and harmony. Very simple. (Also makes my home smell fabulous and the candle makes it feel cosy).

Another one I love is from Blake Blair and it is a quick and simple ritual honouring the spirit of home and hearth, designed to raise the vibes and fill it with the blessings of the season and create a welcoming environment for you and those you love. Because of the rite’s simplicity, it is easy to personalise and embellish.

All you need to gather is a small white candle, and a simple offering to the spirits of hearth and home that conjures a cosy feeling, such as fresh baked cookies, a mug of a favourite drink, favourite incense or in my world, essential oil. Go to the place you consider to be your hearth. Light the candle and focus on calling in the spirits of hearth and home, invite Brigid in. Ceremonially place the offering (whether it’s a mug of tea or a cookie) near the candle as a gift to the spirits. Envision the purifying and radiant light of the candle growing, filling, and permeating your entire home.

Then say:-

Spirits of hearth and home, with this light may your presence here be grown. We ask to bless and protect our/my cosy home; with this offering our gratitude be known.

Hold the vision of the growing, radiant light bestowing the requested blessings upon your household. When you feel it’s reached its peak, clap your hands together three times and conclude the simple rite. If you feel inclined after this, make a list of your goals, both expansive and mundane and pop them under the candle and everyday until Spring Equinox light that candle. (It doesn’t have to be for a long time).

May you experience all the warmth and cosiness of the hearth in this delightfully chilly time of year.

Imbolc

jennyheston

Release Anxiety And Claim Your Power