Welcome to the Astral Garden blog!
For this first article we are tackling a seasonal topic, Imbolc, a festival of light and renewal ☀️
February marks a turning point in the cycle of the seasons. The days are getting longer, nature is beginning to emerge from its slumber, and a renewed energy is beginning to take hold. It's a time to refocus , purify your living space , set new intentions , and prepare for the months ahead.
Imbloc is celebrated between February 1st and February 2nd . This pagan festival, inherited from the Celts, is associated with Brigid , goddess of fire, fertility and change. Over time, Imbloc was integrated into Christian culture in the form of Candlemas 🥞
How to celebrate Imbolc today?
Even if practices have evolved, Imbolc remains a time to make room for renewal in one's space as well as in one's spirit.
- 🕯️Lighting candles: honors the returning light and creates a moment of reflection. You can light a white candle to elevate the energies or a yellow one to bring back solar energies.
- 💨Purify your environment: burning incense such as myrrh , camphor or frankincense helps eliminate stagnant energies to start afresh.
- 🌿Create a sacred altar: place on a table or shelf some elements that represent this season of transition (stones, candles, dried flowers and offerings for Brigid for example (milk, pure water, honey ...).
- ✍🏻 Set your intentions: write down your goals, dreams, desires for the coming months in order to manifest your desires and what you want to see succeed.
- 🌱Planting seeds or bulbs: a symbolic gesture or perfect for budding gardeners to symbolize the growth of our intentions and our personal evolution.
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Stones you can use during Imbolc
Certain Lithotherapy stones are adapted to the energy of transition and purification that Imbolc asks of us.
- 💎 Rock crystal: Amplifies intentions and purifies energies
- 💜 Amethyst: Promotes introspection, intuition and calming of the mind
- ☀️ Citrine: Brings vitality, abundance and optimism for future projects
- 🌿 Moss Agate: promotes harmony, balance and a return to nature
- 🌙 Moonstone: Helps to reconnect with natural cycles, balance emotions and femininity
You can use these stones in meditations, on your altar or even carry them on you to accompany the energies of Imbolc.
👉🏻 Our stones are carefully selected for their virtue, coming from sustainable mines and of superior quality.
Click here to see the collection !
Traditional Imbolc Recipe: Honey and Milk Pancakes
Since Imbolc is a festival dedicated to Brigid, associated with fertility and abundance, foods made with milk, grains, and honey are particularly symbolic. Here's a simple and delicious recipe to honor this tradition 🥞
Ingredients (for 4 people)
• 250 g of flour
• 2 eggs 🥚
• 500 ml of milk 🥛
• 1 tablespoon of honey 🍯
• 1 pinch of salt 🧂
• 1 tablespoon of melted butter (or vegetable oil) 🧈
Preparation
1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add the eggs and honey and start whisking, gradually incorporating the milk to avoid lumps.
3. Add the melted butter and mix until you get a smooth paste.
4. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes for best results.
5. Heat a lightly oiled pan and pour in a ladleful of batter. Cook each pancake for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with honey, butter, or other toppings, as desired.
These light and nourishing pancakes are perfect for a warm moment in tune with the energy of Imbolc! ☀️
Imbolc also allows us to reconnect with the cycle through the seasons.
Celebrating Imbolc is, above all, about taking time for yourself, slowing down, and reconnecting with natural cycles. It's an invitation to leave behind what you no longer need and welcome new opportunities with optimism.
Whether through a celebration, a ritual, or a reflection, everyone will find their own way to honor this period of transition.
How are you celebrating Imbolc this year? Share your plans with us in the comments!
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