Season 2, Episode 1: Imbolc
Welcome to the Wind Moon Magick Podcast! I’m back after a very busy couple of months. This season is going to look a little different than the last one. I spent a lot of time reflecting on how I wanted this podcast to feel, what I wanted to give. . . and how to really add value for you, the listener. There are so many fantastic witchy podcasts available. That’s amazing and such a testament to the changing times and widening acceptance of witchcraft. But I don’t want to fall into the trap of rehashing what those content creators have already covered. So from here on out, I’m going to focus less on magic 101.
Each episode this season, released on the full moon, is a guide to what to look out for this month - from the sky above to the land below as well as deep within ourselves.
I’m your host Wind Moon, and here is everything making me feel magical this month.
As January unfolds, we find ourselves enveloped in a world of transitions and quiet introspection. In this month of frost-kissed landscapes and veiled whispers of nature's secrets, the garden lies dormant yet pregnant with potential. The earth, in its hibernation, harbors the promise of rebirth, urging us to attune our senses to the subtle stirrings beneath the snow-laden soil. The brisk winds of January carry echoes of ancient wisdom, inviting those who will listen to connect with the ever-changing seasons. From the frost-laden branches to the silent dance of snowflakes, the natural world beckons us to embrace the serene beauty of winter, a time when the world pauses in anticipation of the eventual awakening that lies ahead. Within this ethereal landscape, the general mood of January whispers of reflection, renewal, and the enchanting possibilities that lie ahead in the unfolding year.
Moon of the Month
The full moon of January is commonly known as the "Wolf Moon," a name rooted in Native American folklore. This name arises from the wolves' persistent howling in hunger during the winter months, as they sought sustenance in the cold and barren landscape. The Wolf Moon carries the energy of survival, endurance, and the primal instincts needed to navigate the harshness of winter. This full moon is a potent time for introspection and tapping into one's inner strength. It's an opportunity to harness the resilience of the wolf spirit, embracing the power to overcome challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. The Wolf Moon is associated with the element of Earth and is a favorable time for spells related to protection, inner strength, and connecting with one's instincts. As the first full moon of the year, it sets the tone for intentions and manifestations throughout the months to come.
This Month’s Animal
I recently visited Catalina Island, which is situated off the coast of Southern California, and is home to a unique population of American bison, commonly referred to as buffalo. The bison were brought to the island in 1924 for the filming of a movie, and they remained there, establishing a small but thriving population. Today, the buffalo of Catalina Island have become an iconic symbol and a popular attraction for visitors. Despite their relatively small numbers, the bison play a crucial role in shaping the island's ecosystem through their grazing habits. I found this so interesting - often we think o the introduction of non-native species as damaging and detrimental. But here is an example to the contrary.
The juxtaposition of these majestic creatures against the island's scenic landscapes, including rolling hills and coastal vistas, creates a captivating sight. Conservation efforts are in place to manage the bison population and maintain their harmonious existence on Catalina Island.
We know animals hold symbolic and spiritual significance. The buffalo is no exception. Buffalo symbolism is rich and diverse, encompassing themes of abundance, grounding energy, strength, and resilience. In many indigenous cultures, the buffalo is revered as a symbol of sacred life and is associated with the Earth, providing nourishment, protection, and a deep connection to the land.
The native peoples of the American plains saw the buffalo as a symbol of sacred life and relied on it for sustenance. Buffalo were considered a gift from the Great Spirit, providing food, clothing, and tools. Rituals involving buffalo hides, bones, and other parts were conducted to honor the spirit of the buffalo and seek its guidance. The act of utilizing various parts of the buffalo in ceremonies was a way of acknowledging a balance in the circle of life. Tribes, such as the Lakota Sioux, performed rituals expressing gratitude and respect for the buffalo before and after hunts. This connection emphasized a reciprocal relationship with nature and the necessity of sustainable practices.
While it's crucial to approach the use of cultural symbols with respect and avoid appropriation, there are ways for us to draw inspiration from buffalo symbolism without disrespecting Native American cultures.
Focus on the broader symbolism of the buffalo as a representation of Earth energies, abundance, and interconnectedness. Incorporate these themes into your meditation or grounding practices. Use imagery or representations of buffalo to invoke a sense of connection with the natural world and its cycles.
Adapt the buffalo's symbolism of strength and resilience for personal empowerment spells. Craft spells that draw on the buffalo's enduring nature to overcome challenges. Utilize talismans or symbols that resonate with the energy of the buffalo to enhance your own inner strength.
Create rituals that express gratitude for abundance in your life, inspired by the Native American reverence for the buffalo's gifts. Reflect on the resources you have and conduct rituals or ceremonies that honor the interconnectedness of all living things. This can be a meaningful way to incorporate aspects of the buffalo's symbolism without appropriating specific cultural practices.
Imbolc
Imbolc, celebrated around February 1st, marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Its origins can be traced to ancient Celtic traditions, where it was associated with the goddess Brigid. Imbolc represents the stirring of life beneath the earth as the days grow longer, and the first signs of spring emerge. The name "Imbolc" is derived from the Old Irish word meaning "in the belly," reflecting the anticipation of new life and the swelling of ewes' bellies as they prepared to give birth to spring lambs.
One favorite Imbolc tradition involves lighting candles to welcome the returning light and honor the Celtic goddess Brigid, who is associated with fire and inspiration. The hearth and home take center stage during this festival, and candles placed in windows symbolize Brigid's guiding light, bringing warmth and protection to the household. It’s also common to make and exchange Brigid's crosses, woven from straw or rushes, as protective talismans for the home.
Brigid, a triple goddess associated with healing, poetry, and smithcraft, is honored as the maiden aspect at this time of year. The melting of winter ice and the first signs of emerging plants symbolize the goddess's transformative powers, as well as the renewal of life and fertility.
In pre-Christian times, Brigid was revered by the Celts as a goddess with three distinct aspects, embodying different facets of life.
With the spread of Christianity, the Church often sought to integrate local traditions and deities into its own framework. Brigid underwent a Christian transformation and became Saint Brigid, associated with Kildare in Ireland. This Christianization of Brigid likely helped facilitate the acceptance of Christianity among the Celtic people.
Lambs, a symbol of the season, represent the promise of new beginnings and the awakening of the earth from its winter slumber.
Embrace the theme of rebirth and the coming of spring by decorating your altar space with elements that represent a blooming garden. Place a small pot of soil in the center, symbolizing the earth awakening. Plant seeds or bulbs of early spring flowers. I’m planting a small pot of chamomile this year on my alter. Surround the pot with seasonal greenery, like evergreen branches or sprigs of fresh herbs. Add a representation of the sun to signify the increasing light, and perhaps include a small figure or symbol of Brigid overseeing the garden's growth. Water your seeds and watch them sprout and begin to grow over the coming weeks. When you are ready to refresh your alter decor next, move the pot to a sunny window, or weather permitting, outside. Continue to nurture your flowers beyond the season of Imbolc.
The meaning of Imbolc extends beyond the physical realm, delving into the spiritual and personal aspects of life. It is a time for introspection, goal-setting, and planning for the future. This is a wonderful time for some shadow work and journaling. Plan some personal projects to take soon over the coming months. The festival encourages us to kindle the flame of inspiration within ourselves, fostering creativity and personal growth. Imbolc invites us to shed the darkness of winter and embrace the returning light, both metaphorically and literally.
This is an excellent time to participate in activities that honor the seasonal changes, such as planting seeds indoors or taking nature walks to observe the first signs of spring. Imbolc is a time of hope and renewal, symbolizing the promise of brighter days ahead and the continuation of the natural cycles of life.
A Poem
Tree of the Season
The Coast Live Oak is an iconic tree native to the coastal regions of California. This evergreen oak species is known for its longevity, resilience, and ecological importance. They’re well-adapted to the drier conditions of California and can our tolerate summer droughts. Despite this they can reach a height of 70 feet, making them a standout in the landscape. The leaves are dark green, and holly like - with sharp edges. The tree provides habitat and sustenance for various wildlife species. Birds, mammals, and insects feed on the acorns, and the its branches offer shelter and nesting sites. While not as commercially valuable as some other oak species, the wood of the Coast Live Oak has been historically used for local construction and woodworking projects. Its dense wood makes it suitable for fuel and shipbuilding.
The oak tree, revered in many cultures, carries diverse meanings and qualities that resonate with those who seek a connection to nature and spiritual wisdom. The oak, in all it’s many varieties, is seen as a symbol of strength and resilience due to its ability to withstand drought, fire, and other environmental challenges.
They live a VERY long time. Work with the oak tree to draw on these qualities, seeking inner strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
The oak tree is often considered a protective symbol. Its strong, towering presence is believed to create a shield against negative energies. Use oak leaves, acorns, or branches in protective spells or rituals to ward off harm and negativity.
Oak trees are sometimes linked to divination practices, and their wood may be used for creating divination tools such as runes or wands. Seek the oak's energy for enhancing intuition, insight, and divinatory abilities.
The tree's deep roots, sturdy trunk, and expansive branches align it with the element of Earth. Call upon the oak's grounding energy in rituals, meditations, or spells to establish stability and connection to the Earth element.
I can’t recommend highly enough finding an oak tree and spending time with it in silent contemplation. They are calming, grounding, and full of wisdom. Place your hands upon their bark and breathe deeply, feel all that vitality under your palms. If you take from an oak tree - acorns, fallen branches, . . . - leave a gift. I like to leave a bit of water poured out at their base along with a prayer of gratitude and thanks.
January Spell Jar
To make this spell jar, you’re going to need:
A small, clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid - I love using old baby food jars for spell jars
Dried herbs and spices such as:
Rosemary for protection and strength
Sage for wisdom and purification
Cinnamon for power and prosperity
A couple small acorns. If you don’t have real acorns, you can get wooden ones at the craft store, but they to find real ones if you can.
Clear quartz crystal for amplifying energy
A piece of paper and a pen
And of course anything you need to set the mood - I like to light a candle
Begin by clarifying your intention for the spell jar. January is a time of new beginnings and growth. So focus on what aspects of your life you wish to nurture, strengthen, and see flourish throughout the coming year.
On the piece of paper, write down your intentions for growth, strength, and positive developments in the upcoming months. Be specific and clear in your wording. Fold the paper carefully into a size that will fit into the jar. If you’d like, tie it up like a present with a bit of embroidery floss or twine.
Begin filling the jar with layers of your herbs and spices. As you add each layer, visualize the qualities you are incorporating into the spell jar. Start with rosemary for protection, followed by sage for wisdom, and cinnamon for power.
Place the small acorns into the jar. Acorns symbolize potential, strength, and the promise of growth. As you add them, envision your goals taking root and growing steadily, just as an oak tree grows from a small acorn.
Place the folded paper with your written intentions into the jar. Imagine your goals merging with the energies of the herbs, spices, and acorns, creating a powerful synergy.
Drop the clear quartz crystal into the jar. This crystal will amplify and enhance the energies within the spell jar, promoting clarity and focus on your intentions.
Then close the jar tightly. As you do so, visualize the jar as a container of potent, positive energy, sealed and ready to work on your behalf throughout the month and beyond.
Spend a few minutes holding the jar in your hands and focus on the energy within. Channel your intentions and visualize the jar glowing with a vibrant light. Feel the strength and growth energy infusing the contents.
Keep the spell jar in a place where you can see it regularly, such as on your altar or a prominent shelf. As you go about your days, take a moment to to reflect on what you wrote and the energies you wish to invite into your days. I set mine where I make my tea each morning. As I wait for the kettle to boil I am reminded of my intentions and potential for growth. Sometimes I even open it and deeply inhale the scents of the herbs and the earthy notes of the acorn.
What’s Happening on the Website
Right now on the website, I am offering FREE access to one of my most popular and extensive online courses, Tarot, the Complete Master Class. If you go the the website, www.windmoonmagic,com you’ll be prompted to enter your email address, and you’ll receive an email back with the link to the course and your password to access all the content for FREE!
The course includes:
Eleven lessons to get started using tarot as part of your witchy practice.
A reference guide to every card of the tarot.
Sixteen rituals and tarot spreads with detailed instructions.
This eleven part course, plus a multitude of spreads and rituals to try, is really designed for the solitary practitioner. Tarot for witches is, I fins, quite different from Tarot for fortune tellers. Read through the lesson pages, and pick out a few spreads and rituals to try. Remember the key to a successful tarot practice is constancy and trust in your intuition!
Which brings me to a tarot and oracle card tip:
When you get a new deck of cards, they come in a box with a little instruction booklet. Set that box and booklet aside. Resist the urge to look up every card’s meaning. Rely instead on your intuition and powers of observation. Not only will your intuitive power grow with practice, but you are never going to truly learn what the cards mean by reading a booklet. I know for myself, I read a card description, and it goes right out of my head. Trust your intuition, look closely. What does the card speak of to you? Then of course, eventually, look through the booklet. But resist doing so initially, until you have gotten to know your deck.
The tarot is not just a tool for divination, but a powerful tool for personal growth and self-reflection. Each card holds a unique message, and through studying the cards, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Incorporating the tarot into spell work will only enhanced your practice. The tarot allows you to tap into your intuition and connect with the energy of the universe in a way that feels incredibly powerful and grounding.
I would love to hear about your journey with tarot as you work through this course. I want to see you come into your full power, so join me, and let’s make this journey together. This is a 100% FREE course available to you right now on the website. That’s windmoonmagick.com - that’s magick with a ‘k’.
Closing
Thank you for listening.
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That’s it for today’s episode. See you next month.
