Light in the Darkness

Imbolc Altar

Two sabbats have come and gone since my last post. I had a wonderful little Yule set up on my table and found the perfect bouquet of flowers for Imbolc. Sadly I was not as actively involved with each sabbat as I would have liked. I got sucked into helping my roommate buy gifts for his daughter for Christmas and ended up pulling extra shifts at work on Imbolc. Perhaps Ostara will see me with a bit more time for observance here at home.

However, I am going to the Sierras this weekend for a few days and think that I will take the opportunity to welcome the light back to the world while I am there. This will also be the first time I have had the opportunity to preform a ritual or observance in the snow. The Bay Area rarely gets any snow and it's never truly that cold or dark. Also, I'm turning 30 this year and I feel that I should dedicate my time and effort to improving myself, my relationships and my life. Last summer's trip to Milsap Bar on the Feather River was rejuvenating and allowed me to get in touch with a specific aspect of nature. I feel that getting in touch with another aspect of nature will only open me up further to my own spiritual growth.

Now to look up some rituals (outdoor preferably) that are meant for a snowy place and welcome the light back into the world.

Imbolc: Renewal Time

Having no formal affiliation with any specific tradition celebrating the sabbats is an interesting undertaking with me. As each sabbat passes I am more and more involved with my celebration of it. Tonight I have made a purification bathsalt and am about to make a spirit light to then light and take my bath by. I feel good doing these things—cleansing my spirit of the negativity it's dragging around and shining a light on where I want to be going.

Imbolc reminds us that light of spring is emerging from the dark of winter. So too must we bring ourselves out of the darkness we carry with us and emerge into the light of our true selves. This is done by renewing our goals and rekindling the fire that burns within each of us.