Hello Beautiful! Today I send the newsletter a day early because It's February 1st! Not only is it the Chinese New Year, but also Imbolc, the halfway point in our Winter season where we celebrate the return of the Sun in the northern hemisphere. Not to worry, the newsletter will return back on schedule next Wednesday. Wishing you all Winter blessings and hope you are keeping safe (and warm). As always, be kind to yourself. |
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In late winter, Snowdrops, which signify hope and beauty, are usually the first to poke their elegant heads through the snow. |
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Imbolc was considered a cornerstone festival widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. And as Christianity spread into northern Europe, Imbolc was adopted and turned into Candlemass, which is still celebrated today. It is also known as St. Brigid's Day. The original word 'imbolg' is believed to mean 'in the belly', as in pregnancy - that miraculous moment when things become visible, affirming the life growing within. It is an iconic symbol of Spring with the promise of renewed vitality and hidden potential. The earth awakens and stirs the life-force that is. In ancient days, Winters are long and seeing Spring on the horizon was like a new hope (I for one look forward to it). The stores for the cold season were getting low, so they performed Imbolc rituals to ensure the presence of Divine energy and ensure an abundant harvest in the months ahead. Fire is an important element to all the festivals, but more so for Imbolc. The lighting of candles and fires represented the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months. Later, for St. Brigid's Day, every home would burn a fire throughout the entire night in honour of her. If that was not possible, candles would be lit and placed in each room instead. It was also a customary time for Spring cleaning and purification of the home. |
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The suit of Swords deals with the consciousness and intellect of the mind. As they represent your thoughts, attitudes and beliefs, the Ace indicates the beginning of something new. A creative inspiration suddenly gushed over you from the virtual ethers and has now settled within your congnizence. Or it may be a new opportunity has knocked on your door. Or perhaps after weeks of muddled thoughts, you've been granted a sudden flash of insight, a cosmic 'aha' moment. That is the power of the Ace of Swords, and now is the time to act. But proceed with caution. As swords are double-edged, so are the swords in Tarot. You could not be in better hands with the Page of Pentacles however. Also a card of beginning he is the card of the student and someone with a strong desire to learn all things. Like the Ace, he represents the initial stages of your opportunity, inspiration or venture. But where swords are air, pentacles are earth, the element of manifestation, where ideas move out of dreamland and into reality. "Make it so, number one", Captain Picard used to say. You hold within you the seed of your vision, and the Page of Pentacles can 'make it so'. Write down and list all that needs to happen in order for you to manifest your dreams. Establish attainable goals and identify a clear plan along with methodical steps towards manifestation. Remain focused, grounded and above all take action. And make it so. |
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