Haven’t heard of Imbolc? No worries; here’s the witchy history! The Witch’s Wheel of the Year is a sequence of pagan holidays that fall every six weeks. These festivals are a way to honor the sacredness of the changing of the seasons. I started following the Wheel of the Year 10 years ago, and each year, I learn something new and beautiful about the way nature changes her garments.
Some of you may have heard that many of our holidays have their roots in pagan festivals. Halloween is probably the most famous pagan-turned-secular holiday, but did you know that February 2, Groundhog’s Day, has its roots in the ancient festival of the Irish goddess, Brighid, the goddess of the hearth and home?
Imbolc, which also falls on February 2 every year, is a fire festival that celebrates winter loosening its grip. Even if we sometimes are digging our cars out of the snow through May in Colorado, the days are getting longer, and the Spring Equinox is only six weeks away. Both Groundhog’s Day and Imbolc celebrate the return of the light and the journey toward the warmer months in the Northern Hemisphere. (if you were in the Southern Hemisphere, you would be celebrating Lammas.)
Farmers start planning what crops they are going to grow at this time of year. Some people start planning what to plant in their gardens. Think of your life as a garden, and start to plan what you want to grow in 2022.
A Simple Ostara Spell
This is a simple spell that doesn’t require any kind of complicated rituals or tools.
Take some time to create a sacred space in your house. Choose a clean, clear surface to act as your altar. You may want to listen to music you find empowering as you prepare to do this spell. If you would like to burn some sage or light some incense to clear the air, take a moment to do so before you begin a short meditation.
Once your sacred space is prepared, meditate on what you want to “grow” this year. Place objects that represent this idea on your altar. Or, you may want to make a vision board to hang over your altar to inspire you during your work. Sit down and journal about what you would like 2022 to manifest if you feel called to. Ostara is a fire festival, so safely light a candle on your altar. (Please do not leave candles unattended.) Battery-operated candles also work great for spaces with pets or children.
Hold your hand over your seeds, and quiet your mind. Ask yourself, “What do I want to grow this year?” As your wishes come to mind, feel what it would feel like to have what you want the most. Paint the image in your mind like a picture that you’re ready to step into. It is never healthy to impose your will on others, so if you’re looking for love, it’s best to let your energy attract the right person to you instead of focusing on a specific individual. Otherwise, the sky is the limit!
You may want to say this simple blessing or write one of your own:
As the light of the day returns
I ask these seeds
To manifest what I yearn.
Charge the seeds for however long feels right. When you feel ready, you can end the ritual by announcing:
So mote it be!
Then extinguish the candles.
ou may choose to get started right away and pot your seeds indoors. Or, you can tuck them away in a safe space to save them to plant outside in warmer weather.
Whenever you plant, the seeds doesn’t matter. If you care for your plants as you would for your future, you may start noticing how your plant’s growth will coincide with the manifestation of your goals.
Blessed Imbolc!
