Imbolc in Tasmania 2024
- glispa2
- Jul 8, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2024
Imbolc in Tasmania
The Sabbat of Imbolc is observed in the Southern Hemisphere on August 1st/2nd and in the Northern Hemisphere February 1st 2nd
The cold has visited us early this year, with many biting frosts and snow falling over the state. July (or any other Winter month) has seen ice like never before. It is thick and majestically hanging from branches like Christmas cards and waterfalls have frozen! Visitors to the state are usually very vocal about the Tasmanian cold and this year it just might be warranted 😉
I was told by a visiting walker to the plateau that he had to break through 6 inches of ice to fill his water bottle! While the cold is certainly here, the land is beginning to breathe with life – even with the little rain we have had.
My home is a fragrant mix of essential oils, smoking herbs, soup and other comforting winter foods. I have created a skin care range and when potion days come around the essential oils certainly claim dominance 😉
As the frequency of the planet rises, so follows everything else. Certain things change slowly, and others, such as the choices we make of what goes in and on our bodies are changing quickly.
And what started out as a single product creation soon became a consciously created skin care range that is available for the discerning consumer. Looking to what nature provides is quickly becoming the distinguishing choice. You can find more information about my skin care range on my website.
Imbolc brings the awakening of the earth. Life in its many forms is beginning to stir. Spring appears to be right around the corner. You may have already noticed trees and shrubs budding with new life on their branches, or fresh new shoots on your Autumn clipped hedge.
The ground is thawing and I am preparing the beds for planting seasonal vegetables and herbs. I have lemons - that I can pick and use! After babying it in a very large pot for a few years, I put it in the ground near 18 months ago. It is very happy and happy to be producing :)
The Luma apiculata hedge surrounding my home has had a heavy prune which fresh new growth will begin to appear soon. This is a wonderful screening hedge that has fragrant lemon like leaves that can be used in cooking and in Summer it has vibrant deep purple berries that burst from its flowers which are also edible.
The magnificent white star magnolia in my garden is filled with furry flower pods which soon promises a beautiful show of flowers. I must indeed have a magical garden as I have a few Bird of Paradise flowers in bloom. It flowers all year and has done so for many, many years now – which is magic in itself for a tropical plant.
On my travels I notice the wattles providing burst of yellow in an often stark landscape and early flowering irises are brightening up gardens. Wildflowers are also starting to put on an early show.
Juvenile Leopard Seals can be seen in coastal waters from August and the whales that are taking their time to move to warmer waters can still be spotted in the ocean. Some whales do stay in Tasmanian waters so it isn’t that uncommon to see them.
Imbolc recognizes the maiden aspect of the triple goddess. The fresh, the young, the naïve, the new and is strongly connected with the Goddess Brigid. One way in which people honour Brigid is by making a Brigid Cross. Traditionally they are made from reeds, but various pliable alternatives can be used.
People also make Bridey Dolls which are handmade dolls containing herbs, flowers, stones or crystals. They are placed in the centre of a home (usually a fireplace or hearth) and Brigid's energy and potential is welcomed for the year ahead. An adaption to this is to make a doll that represent yourself for healing or attracting a Soulmate. Check out the Events section for an Imbolc Dolly workshop and Labyrinth Walk.
Spiritually you are seeing the world with the eyes of the newly awakened. Your energy is enthusiastic once again and you are thirsty to learn and have adventures! Nurture those inner seeds of growth. This is a great time to begin journaling, writing those songs that have been playing in your head for what seems like forever or letting your creative self take the lead!
When you look towards the East – the direction of New Beginnings, you will see the sunrise which brings new light and a new perspective on your life. Imbolc is an opportunity to start again with a change of direction, a new state of being, a reconnection to self. You can have a clean slate to work with if you choose to.
Look deep into your heart and ask yourself what do you truly want in life and simply go for it! Don’t over think it – it’s time to think like the Goddess Brigid with a fresh outlook on life, embrace inspiration, be free!
Imbolc celebrations often include blessing and burning candles to bring the light to life within. Decorate your sacred space with lavender, native violets or black eyed susan, snow drops or early daffodils. Add touches of nature using greenery from blackberry bushes, willow or rowan trees. For finishing touches use gold candles and ribbon.
This is an ideal time to create traditions of celebrating and welcoming new family members/christenings/naming ceremonies, or for other groups that meet for growth, sharing wisdom or spirituality.
Do not forget coming together for a shared meal, warm spiced beverages with sharing and laughter. During the night, write letters to yourself, perhaps write down any new experiences you would like to try and open them as a group in six months’ time.
Keep the Maiden close to you by embracing your inner child. Indulge them – dance in the rain, jump in puddles, visit the snow, paint yourself with mud. Eat the cake mixture or cook pancakes for breakfast. Build yourself a fort in the garden or with chairs and blankets with the kids.
Energetically the Sirius Portal opens on July 1st, and the Lionsgate Portal becomes active by the end of July as the star Sirius begins its ascent through to the middle of August. The peak of the Lion’s Gate Portal occurs on August 8. Light codes and activations flooding the planet will awaken your dormant DNA and activate and accelerate your ascension. Sirius is our spiritual sun, and the rising and return of Sirius was seen by ancient astrologers as the rebirth of our spirit energy and the spirit energy of the planet.
While our Sun is responsible for providing life for our physical bodies, Sirius is responsible for providing life for our spiritual bodies. This is why the opening of the Lionsgate Portal can bring awakenings and lift our consciousness to new heights.
Each year I offer a Lion’s Gate Meditation which is deeply cathartic as well as healing. This year this beautiful offering is available in person AND online.
In this part of the Southern Hemisphere life on every level of existence is emerging. Each day is drawing out bringing more light to the landscape. It brings the promise of the warmth to come and the fresh new growth of spring – which is just around the corner!
How ever you observe or celebrate the Imbolc is up to you. What feels right, is right for you 😊 Imbolc Blessings everyone!
Thank you to Miss Vicki for granting permission to use one of your incredible photos!
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