This Dreary Season, Transformed
...more seasonal inspiration.
Hi friends ~ we made it all the way around the Wheel of the Year! It’s been really joyful to follow the eight seasons and translate their energies for the creative realm through the past year.
We've returned to the Winter-Spring season that we began with; Imbolc (pronounced "im-bolk"). Here’s my original post about bringing Imbolc into the studio. Of all the seasons, this particular one has been transformed the most, for me, by re-framing it through the lens of this ancient Celtic holiday, which begins around February 1 and ends at March 21 with the Spring Equinox (or for So. Hemisphere friends, Aug 1-Sep 21). In the wintery north, this time of the year often feels drab and tired—holiday sparkle has faded, yet spring still feels far away.
But nature reminds us that we’re not meant to be very productive during this time of year – as with the Yule season when we’re meant to be sleeping, dreaming, & recovering – we’re now only just beginning to stir in hibernation. This is the ‘waking up and having coffee while still in bed’ part of the year.
The Celtic goddess Brigid is the celebrated figure of Imbolc and she provides brilliant inspiration for this season. She’s a multifaceted figure – her four domains are in:
healing & fertility,
hearth & home,
smithing & craftsmanship,
learning & poetry.
Focusing on these areas encourages us to give our just-waking-up bodies some TLC, tend to our homes with some (mellow) decluttering, read poetry, pick up handcrafts, and spend time learning something new or improving a skill. We can embrace the slowness and tiredness of the season but also let it become a nurturing stay-at-home retreat. *sigh* Yes please.
To cap off this series, I’m making a ‘Wheel of the Year for Creatives’ recap and quick ref guide that I’ll share with you here soon. Until then, I’m wishing you moments of pampering for your brain, body, home, and creativity.
Further reading & reference:
Celebrating Imbolc: The Goddess Brigid
Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess
Still being cozy…
Love this reminder to appreciate and savor this time, rather than trying to force something. Also loved the reminder that whatever you call the style of those stunning detailed fabrics (and other textures and patterns) in the Duncan piece, I find them mesmerizing. And now I want a golden snake helmet.
Yes to “a nurturing stay at home retreat”!