Imbolc is an important Wheel of the Year holiday focusing on manifesting vision and planting the seeds for new beginnings (projects and intentions). It is rooted in the practices of the Druids of the British Isles where the birth of lambs brought the security of new life, and milk. The birth of lambs promised almost everything that those early people needed to thrive. In a time before stores every aspect of an animal’s life was honored and revered for the sustenance that it brought. It’s been Americanized as “Groundhog’s Day”. While we look at Groundhog’s Day as a kind of “magic eight ball” divination (or perhaps simply a fun cultural ritual) of what is to come, it can be seen on a deeper level as a holiday that offers hope that winter will end. We are prompted to think about what we want to plant in both our literal and metaphorical gardens in the coming spring.
The Heart Beneath the Snow
Many years ago a vision came to me of February being the month where a strong, beautiful heart pulsed beneath the snow, louder and brighter each day, as the wheel of the year slowly and surely shifted towards spring. As somebody who has had to fight the demons of winter in the form of SAD, and having a constitution not suited for cold winters, that vision has brought me much joy over the years. It has helped me to get in touch with the positive aspects of winter. It is a time to go deep, dream and sit with our shadow side. The more connected I’ve become to growing my own food and medicine, the more tangible this belief has become. Surely there is both a literal and figurative meaning to “planting seeds”. Being a plant loving nature gal I tend to speak metaphorically a lot, comparing life to a a garden. Truly it’s how I think and what has helped guide me out of the darkness of winter gloom to a place where I can allow myself to embrace the potential that the stillness provides.
Herbs to Move Stagnation
On a physical level many of us deal with stagnation at this time of year. We aren’t moving as much and often eating heavier and fattier foods. It can make us feel lethargic, grouchy and sluggish. It is important to support the circulatory and lymph system to keep our internal ocean moving. Here’s a quick description of the three main functions of the lymph system. It regulates our bodies fluid balance, moves fats, and plays an important part of immune system health. A favorite lymph supporting herb of many traditional western herbalists is calendula (Calendula oficinalis). It can be added to teas or taken in tincture and will be an important ingredient in our Imbolc Tea. Calendula has a bitter taste which is always a clue that a plant is supportive of liver function. This is an important aspect of what many of us are craving during this more sluggish season. Americans tend to get our bitter flavor from coffee. Looking to other plants besides coffee can provide the diversity our bodies crave to keep us in balance. Other herbs to support optimal liver function are the roots of yellow dock and dandelion. We’ll add one or both to our tea as well. Rosemary oil is a powerful way to support lymph movement externally, when used in massage.
The Ritual
A beautiful way to connect our physical bodies, minds and spirits, and deepen awareness is through ritual. Ritualizing important moments and holidays can be done in small ways or big ways, in solitude or with community. I draw power in knowing that by speaking my thanks, say to the chickens for beginning to lay eggs again, I have acknowledged the importance of each moment. Below is a way that you might celebrate Imbolc. Take what resonates and add your own magic, and please do share with an e-mail back to me if you feel moved. I love to think of us all, separated by time, space and place, connecting in this way. Stay with me to the end of this page to get some juicy updates from the herbal community.
An Ancient Roman tradition for Imbolc is to light a candle in every room. Candle light is representative of the sun and the transformative power of the fire element (revered in all cultures). Light at least one candle as you drink your tea and partake in a rosemary infused oil massage. Rosemary infused oil can be rubbed into feet, the scalp or along the cheeks and neck to move congestion.
Imbolc Tea
In a half gallon jar, combine the herbs below and pour boiling water over to steep, covered for an hour. Strain and enjoy. The tea can be saved and refrigerated or made in smaller proportions.
Yellow Dock or Dandelion– Choose one or both (traditionally used to support liver function) (2 TBSP)
Calendula– Not only is this herb known as a spectacular lymph supporter, energetically it calls in the power of the sun (1 TBSP)
Lemon Balm– This tasty mint family herb’s lemony scent uplifts while supporting our mood and reminding us of summer (2 TBSP)
Nettles– Not only full of minerals but chosen for this tea because it is one of the first plants to show itself every spring (2 TBSP)
Ginger or Turmeric– Add an inch of sliced ginger root or two inches of sliced turmeric root to support circulation and bring in some FIRE (read on to updates for more on that topic)
** Herbal Community Updates**
***February Special from Dreamkeeper Botanicals: 20 percent off of herbal coaching packages. These are customized to your needs so please reach out for details and we’ll create a plan that best suits your health, time and financial needs.
***Toast the Fire Cider Three Tomorrow: News from the FIRE CIDER THREE on their battle to free Fire Cider. They ask us to raise a glass of fire cider and toast them tomorrow as they have an important court date coming soon! Read more here http://freefirecider.com/
***Hudson Valley Herb Alliance Meeting: I’m hosting this month’s Hudson Valley Herb Alliance here, at Dreamkeeper Farm, on Tuesday February 5th from 7-9. All are welcome to join, we’ll potluck and have open discussion. Please reach out for the address.
The new moon in Aquarius is on February 4th and will support our continued work to let go of old fears and outdated beliefs and usher in the new. Imbolc & New Moon Blessings!!
