A blessed Imbolc to those of you in the Northern Hemisphere

[Luna Arjuna]

Art by Natalie Novak

A blessed Imbolc to those of you in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Old Irish, the word Imbolg means "in the belly," which refers to the pregnancy of ewes at this time of year.

This in-the-belly time, when a new life is stirring within, but before it’s taken form, can be fraught with a jumble of confusing emotions.

After having persevered so long in the dark - purging, detoxing, sloughing off old stories that were keeping you in stagnancy - the new sparkle is a welcome sign of life. The reward for your sacrifice of familiarity for vitality!

But you may also feel doubtful of your ability to parent this new life into maturity. Who are you without those old structures you’ve been purging? Can the fragility of your nascent life withstand this volatile next season?

But there is really nothing left to do now, except affirm your allegiance to the inner knowing that seeded this change. To remember the longing that initiated it in the first place. To continue clearing the obstacles to your next becoming. And to count, even by millimeters, the increase of your joy and well-being.

As you finally emerge with greater ownership of your values and gifts, remember to honour the as yet fragile nature of new life. Tell yourself the story, again and again, of the love you offer, and the love you deserve, while your vision gains strength at the root. And when others praise your sudden arrival, I will remember the long bravery of your descent.

With love,