The time between February 1st and 2nd is Imbolc (also known as Candlemas, Imbolg, and Brigid’s Day), which marks the half way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and signifies the transition from winter into the first stirrings of spring. This holiday is about life renewing, but in the hidden darkness of cold months and dark earth. Deep in the darkness seeds stir and roots begin to feel the warming of the earth as the days grow longer and nights shorter. Life awakens, invisible in its infancy.
Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This spread is an adaptation of my Self Care Saturday spread, so there are sure to be some similarities in how it is read. The focus of this spread, though, is not about Self Care, but rather about progress and my path. The time period is also longer, reaching through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of the upcoming Spring Equinox at the end of March.
Theme of the Season – Imbolc, Waxing Crescent Moon, Elder (Sambucus Nigra)
Imbolc is a new beginning, when candles are lit to beacon in the warming light of the sun and the very first stirrings of seeds and bulbs beneath the soil are yet unseen but begin to awaken. It’s a time of new beginnings and rebirth.
The Waxing Crescent Moon is about intention setting and refining one’s goals. The moon has emerged with fresh energy, and it’s time to to connect with our new ideas, dreams, and goals.
Sambucus Nigra is used to treat both influenza and the common cold alike, this herb is a Kickstarter to the auto immune system. Caution is needed, though, as the stem, leaves, raw and unripe berries, as well as the rest of the plant contains cyanogenic glycosides which breakdown into hydrogen cyanide in the body. This toxic chemical can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. Cooking has the ability to neutralize these toxins.
When looking at these three cards together there is a reminder that in order to keep one’s feet on a healthy path, you need to take care to do your due diligence in the area of preparation and planning. This time of year offers lots of opportunity for refining one’s path and goals, but once you have your eyes set on what you want, there’s more to getting there than just keeping that in your sights. There has to be a plan, a sustainable one, that you can stick to which nurtures growth and progress.
Earth – Seven of Coins Rx – There is a feeling of having stalled out at the moment. The perception of stagnancy makes it feel like you’re not making any progress towards your goals right now. This isn’t necessarily true, as sometimes you must pause and wait for other things to move into place prior to acting. That means that this moment of stillness is also progress.
Air – Six of Cups – You feel like you’re spinning your wheels at the moment, and like you need to be doing something in order to get things to progress in the way that you want them to go. The problem is that there are so many options at the moment that any movement you make could be in the wrong direction. It’s better to sit still, wait, and watch where things go, rather than try and push them in one direction at this time.
Water – Six of Wands – Make sure that you are touching base at home and savoring your time there, as well as with the people that matter to you. It’s okay to want to please those you care about. Not everything has to be about moving forward. Sometimes, it’s about lingering in the moments of goodness with others and enjoying it (and them).
Fire – Three of Cups Rx – Make sure that the time you are spending with others is time that you are enjoying. Do not invite them in on your spiritual journey right now, though. They will have nothing to contribute to your efforts of getting yourself back in focus in this area.
Waning – The Scholar and Light – You have been feeling lost and struggling with clarity for a while now, and this trend looks to be continuing for a bit longer. Don’t despair if you feel lost or as if you are in a holding pattern at the moment. Use this time to rest instead of pushing yourself to find a way to move forward.
Waxing – The Weaver and Distaff – Here again we see mention that now is a time of stillness and planning, rather than action. Take charge of your urges and don’t fidget or stress that things aren’t moving at a pace you’re used to or would normally aim for.
Twisting the Leaf 