Emerging Gently into the Light: Imbolc Reflections & Seasonal Care

Happy Imbolc.

We are at the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This is a celebration of light.

Last night, gathered in a women’s circle to honor this gentle transition. We talked about how this is a time of preparing, not a time of rushing. A time of renewal. Of hope after hardship. A time to nurture. 

Seeds may have been planted, and their roots are growing stronger, but they are not yet ready to bloom. Have some dreams been planted in your life this winter? Remember to give them time to root. There is no need to rush.

I read to the group from the last page of Wintering by Katherine May:

“We must emerge slowly from our wintering. We must test the air and be ready to shrink back into safety when blasted by unseasonal winds; we must gradually unfurl our new leaves.”

These words feel so true for this season.

Last week, I began talking about using herbs for support when we are getting sick. If you missed it, you can go back and read it here.

It is so important to learn to recognize the first signs in your own body. For me, it’s usually a scratchy throat and a headache. That’s when I know I need more than my daily fire cider. 

At that point, I begin taking elderberry syrup. I also reach for echinacea tincture and take higher doses for the first day to stimulate my innate immunity. (Echinacea should be used as an acute remedy for about 7–10 days.)

I also pull out my eucalyptus radiata essential oil. I’ll put a couple of drops on a tissue and put it up my nose. Sometimes I make a steam: I heat two cups of water, turn off the heat, add 5–7 drops of eucalyptus, cover my head with a towel, and breathe in the steam. This helps clear congestion and open the lungs.

I also begin drinking an immune-supporting tea with herbs like astragalus, elderberry, peppermint, rose hips, licorice root, and more.

Please reach out if you’d like support adding any of these essential acute remedies to your home apothecary. I’m always happy to help you build a little more resilience and confidence in caring for yourself and your family.

If you’re feeling called to receive personalized herbal support this season, I’d love to walk alongside you. Learn more about consultations and sessions here.