In a time when we are receiving news of one environmental protection after another being repealed by the current administration, connecting with the Earth and the ancient traditions surrounding her are becoming more and more important. Celebrating the Earth and our integral relationship to her seems the most natural way to create connection and encourage care. If we see planet Earth as sacred and celebrate her seasons (I’m not talking the Hallmark ones), how can we possibly allow her to be raped, pillaged and abused? How can we disregard the migratory patterns of her birds, the thirst quenching water of her rivers and the life-giving nutrients of her soil– all in favor of cheap oil?
Only when we feel little to no connection with her can we think it’s okay to favor big business over land and water. Only when we don’t honor the native people who cared for this land for millennia can we think it’s okay to desecrate their sacred sites with bulldozers and pipelines (as is currently happening in Utah). For many, relating to the native people of the Americas and their land is difficult because we come from a lineage of immigrants who view the Native people and their relationship to Earth as “other”. But those of us with European backgrounds can dig into our ancestral roots for rituals that celebrate connection to the natural world too.
February 1 marks Imbolc, an ancient Celtic holiday celebrating the midpoint between Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year) and the Spring Equinox (one of two days a year when night and day are equal). Imbolc is the Celtic word for sheep’s milk, as this is the traditional time of year for birthing lambs. This is a time of celebration, as the Winter food supply can be supplemented with milk after many months of rationing and scarcity. By its very nature, Imbolc celebrates the relationship between humans and animals and acknowledges human dependence upon beastly gifts.
Imbolc is a time of assessment as well. Will the provisions put away for the non-growing season last until the plants provide? If not, how else can we find nourishment? How can we work with our neighbors and to make sure there is enough for all? How can we collaborate? Share? What community needs aren’t being met? How and with whom can we meet those needs?
Imbolc is also a time of planting seeds, both literally and metaphorically. It is a time to review our plans for Spring and Summer crops and Autumn harvest. It is a time to to be deliberate with our actions, acknowledging that what we sew now we will reap later. It is a time for new beginnings, with vision for the future.
In addition, Imbolc asks us to double check that we’ve released the past year. There is too much work in our future to be burdened by carrying around the left-overs of the past. What are we still clinging to that can be composted as nutrients for the new year’s crops? What can be fuel for new growth?
Imbolc acknowledges that the darkest days of winter have passed and it’s time to think about stretching our limbs as well as our minds. It’s time to crawl out of the darkness and back into the light. It’s time to consider our relationship with earthly time and our earthly space.
This particular February it may also be time to call our representatives and check into the practices and promised policies of our favorite presidential candidates.