Imbolc and Sickness or Healing

snowdrops new moon ladybird in room

The beginning of February brings the Imbolc celebration, where we say thank you and goodbye to winter and begin our preparations for springtime. Imbolc is a Celtic tradition that falls midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. During this time, the Earth begins to awaken as new light enters, bringing fertility and growth. After the winter blessings and insights, this is an opportunity to prepare the seeds for spring.

My blessings this winter came in the form of mucus. I had the pleasure of being bunged up from the top of my head down to the chest. I am not a sick person and am rarely poorly. However, this blessing gave me the possibility of rest - if you can call it that. I struggled to sleep and found it difficult to do anything; I had no energy—not even to read. Essentially, I just lay there lost in thought, in contemplation. I should mention that the word "contemplation" was not what I used at the time.

During a time like this, we often refer to it as being "sick". However, I see it as a time of healing. The body needs time to cleanse, repair and remove things that it no longer needs or accumulated over the months.

The day before mucus overtook me, I walked barefoot in a snowy field for about 40 (20 each way) minutes. It was very much an unusual feeling. Initially, my feet felt like boiling needles piercing them; then, they became numb. Not numb as if I had rested on my arm for too long. It was like a numb of being both present and not present. And then my feet felt quite invigorated. When I put my shoes back on and continued walking, my feet did not feel cold. Sitting at the desk on the computer makes my feet feel achy, horrible and icy.

Some would say, Gemma, you are a complete nana (like a banana, idiot), of course, you would be sick if you walked barefoot in the snow! I was, however, already feeling quite drained two days before - a typical sign your body is working overtime- although it was Saturday and I thought I was being lazy, so I pushed myself, instead of listening to my body.

One of my teachers, Rama, a Paqo healer from Brazil, told us that in Peru in the Andes, where the temperature drops very low, the locals only wear shoes that have a sole with straps; a sandal. When I told the Paqo group I had walked barefoot in the snow, they thought I was crazy.

Perhaps the idea of cold feet is a myth? I know the feet are part of the body system that regulates temperature. If you wear warm shoes and socks, how will your feet know the actual temperature outside in order to regulate it? Perhaps the people of the Andes are wise.

If you believe walking in the rain will make you sick, walking in the rain will make you sick, I heard someone say.

Sorry to interrupt my writing. I've just turned and noticed a lovely Ladybug next to me. I'm writing in bed, where it's warm, and I can see the fields and nature both my left and right of me. As I turned to grab my mobile charger, which kept beeping at me, I spotted this beautiful ladybug sharing the space with me. With the arrival of spring, all the Ladybugs that hibernate around my house will come out. When they emerge, they will be scattered everywhere. It’s quite magical.

Now, I've lost the plot, so let me return to what I was saying.

Oh yes, the Imbolc, blessings from winter and preparing the seed. During my state of contemplation with the mucus, whilst continually working on my energy, keeping it clean (not holding onto negative thoughts), yet allowing the process to naturally unfold.

When we are busy in our lives and occupied, focusing on all the wrong and unhelpful things, we miss what is happening right directly in front of us. It is in this space, right now, the present that life is guiding and supporting us.

My teacher, Joan Wilcox, spoke about Ayni (living energy) and how it is always listening to us. I will share an abbreviated example of one of her stories from a very hectic period in her life. One day, she thought she would quickly pop in and do some jobs before a conference, as it was possible to slip the much-needed jobs in quickly. She lives in a rural area, a fair distance from the nearest town, but the road is mostly deserted. Pulling into the first stretch of road she was cut off by a farm vehicle going incredibly slow, the impatience began. When finally reaching town, the first shop she went into, had two 'crazy' situations at the till that held her back. With her impatience and stress levels rising, she wanted to drop everything and rush home, but she waited. Eventually finishing the jobs, she was on the ride home, and who would be in front on the long stretch back? A slow vehicle. With a deep sigh, she realised that she had said the previous day to life "Oh I could do with slowing down" and that was precisely what she received. She flung open the car windows, opened the sunroof, and turned on the music, deciding to take the opportunity. However, she lamented that if she had realised sooner, she could have made more of the situation presented to her.

It is important to remember that sometimes, what we ask for, does not always come in the package we imagined.

Following my time with contemplative space, I had moments of informational insights - new ideas, directions and plans. It really is amazing what surfaces when you quiet or switch off the mind. Sometimes, the living universe has to force us to listen, to stop and to receive. Even if it's a body full of mucus, serious traffic holdups or whatever.

On the 29th of January was the phase of the new moon representing new beginnings, renewal and growth. I chose this time to burn my three large bags of tissues and to give thanks for the lessons and guidance, but also to return the energy, for reuse somewhere else. It is spectacular sitting in front of the fire, watching the flames dance. I let the dancing fire transmute ALL the mucus and tissue, said my gratitude.

Not for the Imbolc, but on the 2nd of February with my Paqo group led by Rama, we'll each be preparing and giving an offering to the flow of Ayni Haywarikuy (offering, ritual, thanks and Ayni or reciprocity). It's quite an interesting and reciprocal way of living, what the Paqo's call, the Good Life.

Take this time to reflect, let go of what no longer serves, prepare the seeds, and begin the journey for the next season of your life, choices and being.

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