Imbolc and the Snow Moon

Today is February 1, and many witches are gearing up to observe Imbolc (or Candlemas, or hey, Groundhog’s Day – here in the states). Whatever you call it, we have reached the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Today, or tomorrow, based on your tradition, we celebrate the ancient festival of the ‘quickening.’ The first sparks of spring are struck against the flint of winter’s end. As the wheel of the year turns toward February, the world often finds itself held in a paradox of bone-deep chill and rising hope. For many of us in the U.S. this is also a chilling time politically, where we are searching for a rebirth and rejuvenation of our lives, our country, and our humanity.

Imbolc is a solar festival. Its themes represent purification, cleaning out the old and the spark of new potential beginning to grow for the coming year. Now is the moment we realize winter is breaking, even if the weather is still cold. It’s a time of community and gathering around the hearth. It’s a time of initiation and dedication to the things you want to realize in the coming year.

Tomorrow also marks the heavy silence of the ‘Snow Moon,’ also a time of survival and introspection. Historically, February was also the month of the heaviest snows and the leanest food stores, leading many cultures to call it the Hunger Moon. Our resources are at their lowest point, but there is hope on the horizon. Like a seed under the snow, this moon is about internal growth before the external burst of spring.

The fire of Imbolc and the water of the Snow Moon conjuncting creates steam, and indicates that things are moving quickly, with a lot of power behind them. In metaphysical terms, steam represents transformation and rapid expansion. Steam is also hard to contain. Remember to be precise with your intentions, and be careful what you focus your energy on. The universe will assume that it is full speed ahead with your intentions. That being said, it only takes a spark to initiate things, so if you know what you want and are working toward, the universe is ripe and ready for you to plant the seeds of your desires.

Happy Imbolc. Blessed Be!