#gowildlyandslowly

Longing for cold winter days and a lot of snow. #nordicwildling #mynordicworld #quietinthewild #gowildlyandslow #gowildlyandslowly (hier: Grössjön) https://www.instagram.com/p/B68ts0aHYeh/?igshid=1viconxs8088j

W E A T H E R • D I V I N A T I O N Here in Washington its been a dark and rainy morning. The passing of the last few days marks the festival of Imbolc on the Celtic Wheel of the Year. And on the Gregorian Calendar today is Groundhogs Day, a day connected to imbolc with ancient, neolithic, origins. . This day falls in between the darkness of Winter Solstice, our longest night, and Spring Equinox, the rebirth of the earthly realm. . The Wheel of the Year breaks up the phases of life's happenings, giving the Celtic tradition a festival about every 6 weeks. Honoring the many faces of the Goddess and God, as well as giving a moment to stop daily life and reflect on Time and Place within the celestial sphere. . The weather divination, predictions about the next half of winter, stems from the passing of this middle ground of Winter and Spring, and what we can observe as the stirrings of life begin around us. . Where I am in the Pacific Northwest region of this big hunky landmass of Earth, the Witch hazel has begun to bloom, bright yellow blossoms among the mossy trunks and gray skies. . Traditionally folx would look for snakes exiting their dens, rather than groundhogs but the ideas the same. However snakes also represent the energy of regeneration, and shedding of skin. This traditional element is also the energy behind spring cleaning, as another translation of imb-fholc means "to cleanse oneself". . So, why does it matter if they see their shadow? The crone, Callieach, is said to rule the days of winter. And if the day is favorable and sunny, Callieach has woken from her sleep to gather more firewood for the harsh winter still to come. If the day is harsh, foul, and the sun stays asleep, so does Callieach, and you can expect the winter to end soon. . Based on the weather today I would call it somewhere in the middle... it's not totally uncomfortable outside, but the sky is not bright, and the damp air is nippy. Classic PNW winter really. But I'd say it's not the best day to collect firewood... in my humble opinion 😉 #gowildlyandslowly #wheeloftheyear

• B L O O D • M O O N & M I L K • Traditionally today would be the start of the Celtic celebration of Imbolc. Tonight extra candles would be lit, the hearth aglow, as friends and family sat around to share in the gift of surviving half of the winter. . I mbolg is Irish for "in the belly", referring to pregnant cows and lambs, and also the burgenoning buds and winter blooms. This time of year livestock begin to give birth, and share their flow of milk. . In Celtic culture milk was sacred, representing the connection with mother earth and fertility. It was the superfood of northern people, providing much needed fat and sustenance, as well as an elixir of deep connection to their flock and herd. . These holy days are the harbinger of the strengthening Sun, an acknowledgement of the fruitful times to come. . Early this morning we also had a Blood Moon, meaning a super moon and lunar eclipse, as well it was the second full moon of the month, making it a Blue Moon. Talk about a fertile imbolc! . Enjoy the returning light, and the fertile intentions you set in your belly! #gowildlyandslowly