Imbolc: Return of the Light

In mid-winter, we celebrate the return of the Light, in every sense. In my We'Moon Daybook, Marian Spadone writes of Imbolc, "All is contained within us — all future possibilities, all growth, all knowing. This is the time after the Great Dark but before the Bursting Forth. This is the time for dreaming and for knowing our dreams. This is the time of illumination…Resting still in the cauldron of birth, we close two eyes and open our third. We have enough light to see now. Use the light! Brighten the light of your Inner Knowing." My February What Shines newsletter will explore many ways to do this, playfully.

This cross-quarter moment (February 1-2) wears many guises. In the U.S., it's popularly celebrated as Groundhog Day, when a small furry rodent either sees his shadow or doesn't, and the result determines whether we experience six more weeks of winter. The day has far deeper meanings than this, as Spadone intimates — and yes, it is a potent moment to observe your shadow!

Celebrated globally, Imbolc is both a Christian and Pagan holiday, known by various names: Imbolc, St. Brigid's Day (Bride's Day), and Candlemas ("mass of the candles", which in the Catholic religion marks the end of the Yule season).

In Celtic and Earth-based traditions, Imbolc ("in the belly") is one of the most powerful portals on the Wheel of the Year: the exact midpoint between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. A harbinger of Spring, Imbolc celebrates the return of the Light in a profound sense. As the first "cross-quarter day" on the Wheel of the Year, it heralds the Equinoxes and Solstices, as well as Beltane (May 1st), Lammas (August 1st), and Samhain (October 31^st).

At Imbolc, the energies begin to pulse with renewed life and hope. Fire festivals are common. Vicki Noble, co-creator of the Motherpeace Tarot and author of Shakti Woman: Feeling Our Fire, Healing Our World, which affected me profoundly during my own awakening, writes, "Traditionally a time of transformation and initiation, Imbolc brings 'big dreams' and a raised vibration …

"With powerful Pluto in the physical sign of Capricorn (until 2024), we look forward to momentous planetary and personal change. As old structures crumble, inside and all around us, imagine yourself sitting safely inside of Kali's dance of liberation."

What most astonished me was discovering that St. Brigid (in the Irish tradition) is the Patroness of Midwives. Since my birthday is February 4th and I've long referred to myself as a midwife for our global rebirth, it was a clarifying reminder of "what we know, before we know that we know!"

Perfect Social Upgrades: A Year of 'Yes'

Aussie Jasmuheen, who lives on light (pure prana; she doesn't eat food!) composed this poetic insight to what she's calling the Year of Yes:

Chillin'

 

We're chilling 'cause it's cool,
new streams are here to rule.
We've chosen so much more,
than we ever have before.
Just sit there and be still,
breathe slow until we chill,
new times, come fun and fast,
new ways that will now last.
 

A smile it fills my heart,
for now we feel a part,
of something bold and bright,
of warmth and pure delight.
We say these words out loud,
we call upon all crowds,
to bless where we have been,
we open to new scenes.
 
To all who hear these words,
to all who will heal wounds,
it's a time for letting go
to move in truth's pure flow.
A field of light is here,
for all who've come to care,
a flavour of pure fun
where wisdom's song is sung.
 
So join me, tune in now,
rise, remember how,
step into your heart,
and feel your blessed part
Stand up tall with me,
then sink upon your knee,
respect, we tune it in,
with love all life begins.
 
With perfect social upgrades,
that benefit the whole,
we know that we're now ready,
to embark on our new role.
So say these words together,
first feel them in your heart,
perfect social upgrade now,
so all our lives now spark!
 
Yes here we are together, making this new pact!
Say yes to this upgrade, then leave it at that!

Solar Flares and Geo-Magnetic Side Effects

I've been wondering why I've felt dried out the last week or so… as usual, cosmic weather to the rescue! Thanks to Irma Kaye Sawyer for this timely reminder about solar flares and the importance of balancing our inner ecology:

Vata Dosha (Air and Ether) - Astrological signs: Libra, Aquarius and Gemini

Pitta Dosha (Predominantly Fire with a small amount of Water) Astrological signs: Aries, Sagittarius and Leo (minor water dosha influence of Pisces, Scorpio and Cancer.)

Kapha Dosha (Water and Earth) - Astrological signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo, Pisces, Scorpio & Cancer.

For more detailed information on the Doshas and how to determine yours, visit PeacefulMind.com

"Keep in mind that periods of high flare activity are drying to the human body. The Pitta Dosha may be especially susceptible and may experience drier skin, hair, nails and even the eyes may be drier. Investing in a good homeopathic, lubricating eye drop may be needed, along with plenty of HIGH quality water for drinking. Like the Vata Dosha, the Pitta type may feel "hyper" at times and have difficultly getting to sleep and staying asleep when they get there. Pitta types may experience an increase of sinus problems and nasal allergies at this time.

The Vata Dosha is inclined to headaches and a feeling of increased pressure in the head and face. They also may experience mental confusion, forgetfulness, etc. We ALL can experience a bit of forgetfulness in times of high geo-mag/flare activity and that is to be expected. Sleeplessness is also commonly experienced and sleeping through the night may be difficult. It is not uncommon for Vata Dosha types to only sleep 4 hours or so at a time during these periods. They may experieince feeling "hyper" both during the day and nightime hours. Daytime napping may be very helpful to keep fatigue manageable. GROUNDING exercises are important for all types but VITAL for Vata and Pitta, especially. It is important to keep "firey" emotions such as anger, intense passions, etc. under control to keep the body energies balanced and headaches at bay.

The Kapha Dosha will most likely experience more fatigue than the other dosha types. Adequate rest is vital, take naps if you can. Also, be sure to keep your protein and calorie intake at a stable level. It is not uncommon for Kapha types to lose their appetite or even experience nausea. Eat what sounds good to you, but do avoid junk or high calorie/carb "comfort" foods, as they can devitalize even further. Kapha Doshas may be able to avoid the headaches of the other types, but will most likely experience a "foggy head," which can be exacerbated by caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Stimulants and depressants of all types are good to avoid in periods of high level activity. Kaphas may experience intestinal issues at this time such as symptoms of I.B.S, and related issues. A high-fiber supplement is a good thing to have around! It is a good idea to increase light exercise such as yoga, walking, etc. especially if one is a Kapha type that is prone to body pain or has arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.

For ALL types, liberal amounts of high-quality WATER and REST is indicated in periods of high activity. Getting "unplugged" from computers, cell phones, etc. is also helpful."