Imbolc: The Growing Power of Light and Sowing Seeds of Illumination
On February 1st or 2nd the Celtic annual festival Imbolc is traditionally celebrated. The lunar festvial takes place approximately six weeks after the Winter Solstice (Yule) and six weeks before the Spring Equinox (Ostara).
Life is preparing to awaken anew after the winter rest. The days are noticeably getting longer, and the hours of sunlight are gradually increasing. Even if we cannot see it yet, many plants are already preparing underground for the beginning of the new cycle-spring. During this time of year, we can follow nature's lead and start aligning ourselves inwardly for new projects and phases of life. To do this, we invite you to connect with your Higher Self and draw from this powerful source to discover your visions, and to create and manifest from them.
If you would like to read more about the Higher Self, feel free to check out our blog post "Get in touch with your higher self with Ritual Cacao".
How to celebrate Imbolc
Cleansing: Start with a small cleansing of your space. Light a candle, burn sage or Palo Santo, and imagine releasing everything that no longer serves you or belongs to you. Create space for your illuminating visions and intentions.
Imbolc Altar: Set up a small altar with candles, flowers, seeds, or items that symbolize the awakening of nature.
Cacao Ritual: Conduct the following cacao ritual to welcome the new energy. Let your Higher Self guide you and allow the cacao to support you in connecting more deeply with yourself, amplifying your inner voice and intuition.
Imbolc Cacao Ritual: Get in contact with your higher self
The ritual begins with the preparation, so prepare your Ritual Cacao with lots of love and mindfulness.
Find a cozy spot, your favorite place, perhaps with some cushions and a blanket. Close your eyes for a moment and take a few deep breaths into your heart.
Invite the Cacao Spirit to show you what is important for you today. Take all the time you need. Then speak your intention into the cacao: to connect a little more deeply with your Higher Self today. See if another intention arises from your heart, and if so, speak it into the cacao as well. Drink your cacao slowly, sip by sip, and keep your focus on your heart.
Keep your eyes closed if that feels good, and tune into your heart. Imagine that with every heartbeat and every sip of cacao, you are getting closer to your inner self. Visualize a place where you feel completely safe and at ease. Invite your Higher Self, your True Self, to join you in this place.
Give it a form, an external appearance. How does your True Self move, what clothing does it wear, and how does it behave? Ask this version of yourself: What is the next step to come closer to you?
Imagine embracing your True Self, merging together as one. Then ask yourself: What luminous seed do I want to plant for my life and this world? Let everything come up that wants to arise.
Tip: Write down your luminous visions and intentions for the year. Read them every morning to reconnect with your Higher Self and, therefore, with your truth.
When you feel complete, say goodbye and open your eyes again. Thank yourself and the Cacao Spirit, and take a moment to sense if there is anything else for you to do today. Perhaps, carried by the medicine of cacao, you want to take further steps toward your True Self today.
Remember: Doing is like wanting, just stronger. :-)
With this in mind, I wish you a wonderful Imbolc Festival.
With cacao rituals through the wheel of the year
For five annual cycles we have been accompanying you through the eight annual festivals in our blog. Now we would like to give you an overall overview of all the annual celebrations, what they are derived from, why it is so wonderful to perceive and use the qualities of the annual celebrations and how Ritual Cacao can accompany and support you.
Feel warmly invited to celebrate the annual festivals with our cacao rituals and to get into a flow with the Rauhnächte that will carry you through the year.
