Through the Eyes of a Broom Closet Witch: Imbolc
Blessed Imbolc, and Welcome Back! Claire de Lune here, a High Priestess in the Temple of Witchcraft tradition, with the 23rd article in our “For Broom Closet Witches” series.
So, what’s new? This is the question that comes to mind when I think of Imbolc. Well, actually, both Imbolc and Ostara, to be quite honest. As a matter of fact, I used to have trouble separating the two Sabbats with respect to the energies that surround them. What I mean by that is, at Imbolc, while it isn’t quite yet Spring, there is that hint of new life stirring, new growth emerging from its snowy blanket, the return of the Sun, newborn lambs and all the promises of the beginnings of what will later in the year be the Harvest season. And Ostara has similar themes, only further along the same continuum – or so it seemed to me.
So, what helps me to keep them straight is to know that the word “Imbolc” (or Imbolg) comes from Gaelic and is one of the Celtic contributions to the Wheel of the Year, with Imbolc being a traditional festival in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man marking the beginning of Spring. The word “Ostara” has Germanic and Scandinavian origins and marks the beginning of Spring in those parts, showcasing the Spring Equinox. It is one of the Northern European contributions to the Wheel of the Year.
What also really helps is to take a daily stroll around my neighborhood to observe the changes that take place throughout the year in the lives of the various residents from the Plant Kingdom and make notes documenting the seasonal transitions they go through.
In addition to strolling around my neighborhood, sometimes it is helpful for me to do what is often referred to as a “Walking Meditation”. This type of meditation is only advisable if your neighborhood is a safe place to do such a thing. And it probably goes without saying but I will say it anyway – Please be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
In a walking meditation, I slow down my pace, turn inward, access a meditative state of mind, and try to sense the energy around me through sight, sound, smell and touch. My preferred method for getting into this state is to slow my breathing and my walking pace down to the count of three as I inhale and the count of three as I exhale, matching my breath counts with my steps. So, it would be a very slow “In, two, three. Out, two, three. In, two, three. Out, two, three.”
At certain times when I feel the need or desire to really focus inward, I even stop and stand still to really be able to “pick up on” the energies around me. As I said before, if you think this is something you might like to try, be sure the area you choose to do this kind of walk in is safe. If someone was to really pay close attention to my walking meditation, they would most likely conclude that I am on drugs. Oh well. But what would really be nice is to just sit on a bench in some park, close my eyes and “tune in” to the energies of the place and the time of year. It is my hope that someday I will have access to a safe place where I can do so.
I hope this article has been helpful, and until next time –
Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet again!
Imbolc Blessings,
Claire de Lune