Week of Jan 23: Pagan Notes - A Look Back and Ahead
Hey everyone! So, the week of January 23rd... man, that was a week, right? It felt like a whirlwind of both cozy winter vibes and that creeping feeling of spring just around the corner. For me, as a practicing Pagan, it was a time of reflection and planning, and I wanted to share some of my notes and thoughts. Think of this as a little peek into my magical workings – no pressure to follow along, but maybe you’ll find something useful!
<h3>Reflecting on Imbolc</h3>
Imbolc, of course, was smack-dab in the middle of that week. For those unfamiliar, Imbolc (or Candlemas) is a cross-quarter day, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It's a time of burgeoning life, hope, and the promise of warmer days. I totally messed up my Imbolc ritual this year, though. Seriously, I forgot to get milk for my offering to Brigid! 🤦♀️ I ended up using almond milk... it was fine, I guess, but it wasn't quite the same. Lesson learned: Write your ritual plans down way ahead of time, even the seemingly little stuff. Don't be like me, folks!
This year, my Imbolc was really about intention setting. I spent a lot of time focusing on what I wanted to manifest in the coming months, from finishing my big writing project (fingers crossed!) to finally getting around to planting that herb garden I've been dreaming of. This is a key aspect of Imbolc, using the energy of this time to plant seeds—metaphorically and literally!
<h3>Connecting with Nature, Even Indoors</h3>
Even though it was still pretty chilly, I made a point of getting outside. Even a short walk can make a huge difference. Even just sitting by the window observing the birds and feeling the energy of the growing light is powerful. I tried to incorporate nature into my home as well, using fresh flowers, candles, and natural scents (like a good pine-scented candle—ahh!). Tip: Look for ways to bring the natural world into your spiritual practice, no matter the season or your living situation. Even a single potted plant can elevate the energy of a room.
<h3>Working with Energy</h3>
This week also saw me working with energy in a few different ways. I explored some simple energy healing exercises, which were surprisingly effective in dealing with stress (which, let's face it, is something we all battle sometimes). Practical tip: If you’re interested in energy healing, start with something simple and grounded like basic meditation or visualization exercises. I learned to meditate from a friend and honestly, I was initially so skeptical. I found a guided meditation on YouTube and it was life-changing; I still use it occasionally. There are a TON of free resources available online – check out YouTube and explore different teachers and techniques.
<h3>Looking Ahead: Spring Equinox Preparations</h3>
As the week ended, my thoughts turned to the spring equinox (Ostara). I began brainstorming ideas for my equinox celebration. I plan to use pastel colors, symbolize new beginnings and growth, and incorporate eggs into my rituals. Eggs are so packed with symbolism! This is definitely a fun time of year for rituals and celebrations. I'm also thinking about making some spring-themed charms—we'll see how those go! It's all part of the process of planning and being intentional.
So yeah, that was my week in Pagan notes. A little messy, a little magical, and a whole lot of learning. I hope you find some inspiration or practical tips for your own spiritual journey. Remember to always be kind to yourself; mistakes are part of the process! And, as always, blessed be.