Early February is one of the most potent times of the year. We witness the first signs of Spring in nature; the first ewe’s milk comes in (Imbolc, celebrated on 2/1/12, means “in the belly” and refers to the pregnant ewes), the first thaw and the new tender green shoots emerge out of the dark earth to greet the bright sun. Candelmas, St. Brigid’s Day and Dia de Iemanja are all celebrated on 2/2/12.
Just as nature begins to stir at this time, we reawaken to our passions that may have lain dormant through the reflective winter season. Now’s the time to burst forth! I hope this workshop can assist you in releasing your deepest dreams and desires. Part of manifesting your desires involves discovering or rediscovering the passions and wishes of your heart. By working with our inner guides, we begin to unravel and reawaken the pulsating energy of the heart. Heart energy is connected to the heart chakra, to the fire element and to the astral plane.
The heart center is where the astral energy lives in our physical bodies and subtle bodies (auras). By allowing our heart to have free reign of expression, which also entails getting out of our heads, new forms that may have been lying dormant in the depths of our unconscious can emerge into consciousness. Vision journeying and ritual are two ways to enter and work with the astral plane consciously.
February is also the month during which the ancient Greeks celebrated the mysteries of Demeter and Persephone. The mythic theme of Imbolc is that of a maiden returning from the underworld. In fact, part of Imbolc and St. Brigit’s Day traditions include watching for snakes and other creatures who hibernate underground emerge from their dens (Groundhog Day in the U.S. follows this tradition). And, interestingly, Persephone’s Roman name, Proserpine, means “first snake.”
New life is emerging - the life spark is rekindled in the fire of the sun and of Brigid’s forge. The underworld symbolizes our inner world and during early February we feel the upward movement towards our highest potential and passion. This is a most sacred time to women, especially because the heart and the emotion of love are emphasized; it is no accident that our Valentine’s Day is also in February!
Imbolc is a cross-quarter Celtic festival whose element is fire, the warmth and the growing life force of the sun. For your altar, you may want to have multiple candles, white flowers (snowdrops, jasmine, etc) placed in water from a spring or well (Brigid is also a guardian of springs and most natural fresh water sources). You may even place your altar on top of a fireplace mantle or next to a fireplace, firepit or chiminea if you have one.
Dia de Iemanja is a Brazilian festival that celebrates their mother goddess of the sea. Iemanja is originally of West African origin and she was brought to Brazil by the slaves. Her sacred number is 7, so you can put 7 white flowers (roses, lillies, etc) on your altar.
The festival attracts hundreds, if not thousands of people to the beach where they make offerings of flowers, dolls, perfume and her favorite food, white corn with honey. You can also bring your offerings to the beach, however, try to think ecologically and consider the materials you set in our mother ocean. If you want to offer a plate (use white ceramic) of white corn and honey, place 7 flowers and seven coins in the corn. Wade into the waves and after you’ve counted the seventh wave, dip the dish in the water three times saying, “Odo Iya” with each dip (pronounced like “O-Doy-Ah”). Then just as the current moves back to the sea, release the dish of food.
Most traditional practitioners put the whole dish in, but you can just set free its contents and hold onto the dish. Hold your petition for Iemanja in your heart as you do this. She grants all wishes and her expertise is bringing a suitable love partner, abundant wealth (in all forms) and family harmony.
Please join me in circle for a special 3-week series of ritual, meditation, healing and sharing.
An Inspiring Ritual and Personal Mythology Workshop
3 Saturdays, January 21-February 4, 2012
10:00am-11:30am
The sessions take place online, so you can enjoy from the comfort of home.
Description:
Through your own stories and group ritual, align with the Earth’s seasonal energies. Open your mind and heart to the inner voice of your guide/s and begin birthing your gestating ideas and goals into the growing light.
Right now, we only have space for 3 more people, but I’m willing to add a local, in-person circle in the Santa Barbara area if I get 5 extra folks. Let me know if that interests you.
Fee: $55 if paid on or before January 14th. $65 from January 15th on.
To register, visit my website here:
Sending all of you FIREY Imbolc blessings and wishing you a WATERY/feminine New Year!
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