The Stirring Of A New Season | Imbolc
- Josephine Warren
- Jan 23
- 5 min read
For me, this is always the hardest part of the year.
Nature, as always, showing us what it means to be human.
We aren't meant to go through life always comfortable; we will be tested, because that's what it means to be human, To experience it all. The beautiful peaks, the full bloom and the heavy troughs, the surrendering.
I have to dig deep during these weeks, when the grey is ever present and the rain relentless. But this year I keep on being called towards simple actions. Making plans and finding that I have to remain constant, breathing doubt and fear away when they come knocking on my door.
I find solace currently in dance and singing, returning to my first loves to support my heart, the present awareness and freedom.
My yoga practice, has been rather still, I am called more to meditate, to lay my body down on a soft blanket and roll through my spin for release.
But here, even though Winter feels relentless, there is a stirring in the belly. I love that we are now in a space where ancient Celtic days and celebrations are more commonly known. As the world seems to tip even more towards insanity, it's interesting that so many of us, probably with grief and deep longing, are turning to what came before. A time when we knew the seasons, when nature was something we worked with, rather than just taking without return or thanks.
Imbolc
Imbolc, is a beautiful moment, a bubble of hope, a sigh of relief, even though the cold will be with us for a little longer, Spring is stirring.
Imbolc, is a Celtic festival celebrated around February 1st, marking the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, signalling the first signs of spring, the return of light, and the earth's awakening from winter.
Meaning. In The Belly
That life is stirring within, That energy is not yet rising, but the fires of potential are being stocked. Think of the fire in the belly, a feeling of hope, creativity and a gentle stirring of what might come next.
The Powerful Feminine. Brighid. Rain & Fire,
Brighid is a deity with triple aspects. At Imbolc, she transitions from the Crone, who brings rough winter weather, to the Maiden aspect who brings spring rain. Brighid is also a fire goddess she carries the light that brings the thaw, warms the soil and brings it to life.
Saucha. Cleansing, Clearing and Cleaning.
She is the fire that purifies and brings the energy for spring cleaning.
She is the Goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft, fire being the key ingredient – the spark of life, of inspiration and creation, the heat of the forge that transforms base metal into precious objects.
Potential. Curiosity
Now is the time to get curious, try that class you've been dreaming of taking, plan that trip, reach out to that friend you've not seen for a while. Releasing perfectionism and feeling the bubble of hope and excitement for brighter days, flowers, and spring growth. These aspects all being mirrored within you. Let the Spring rain encourage you to clear and cleanse your space.
For when you clear, you create a void, the void must be filled, make sure it is filled with your pure potential, with hope, love and courage.
Lessons From The Willow.
Willow is governed by the moon and therefore the feminine aspects of the self, including our deepest unconscious thoughts and emotions.
During this time, you might feel a sudden outburst of action, expression or emotion(The old word Saille (willow) eventually became the word ‘sally’, meaning ‘leap’).
Learn form the Willow: our deep emotions at our watery roots need to be drawn up the surface and felt, in order to be expressed and released gracefully. And with hope, should a branch of willow become detached it will grow into a new tree, symbolising the potential for new life and growth following separation.
Rituals.
This year, we gather together for our afternoon retreat on the 1st, which will be a space of deep rest, of feeling the return of hope and possibility. However, here are a few things you can do yourself the weekend of the 1st of Feb.
Breathe: Find a comfortable seat, and place your hands on your belly. Let the abdomen be soft, let the belly relax and enjoy the warmth of your hands here. Tune into your breath, breathe into the belly and the lower back. Start to visualise a warm fire in the mind's eye, feel this travelling through your hands and warming your belly, your internal furnace, the soft glow bringing support to you and your dreams for the Spring.
Light: Keep hold of the sacred practices of Winter, rather than wishing them away. Light a candle in the morning or while the sun is setting. Welcome Brighid, with her maiden energy and look at the flicker of the flame, focus in and away from distractions. Use this focus to hone in on your intentions for the season of Spring.
Altar or Table: Do not bring Snowdrops inside if you are lucky enough to find them(brings bad luck!), but collect mossy bark, pebbles, fern and displace them on your altar.
You could also jot down a poem or some words that mean a lot to you to help encourage creativity and flow(another sign of water). Light a white candle for Brighid and welcome her maiden energy.
Spring Clean: Start to tidy up, throw windows open, burn sage, rosemary or lavender, cleanse your doorways, clear up your food cupboards, wash blankets and bedspreads. puff up pillows and shake out curtains. This doesn't need to be done in one go, but start to refresh your home. If the weather is still damp, use eucalyptus (carefully) with water in a diffuser for clarity, space and lightness.
Remember that time is precious, even in the darker months, our time is valuable, well done, you are nearly in Spring. If you'd like to practice with me, please read on below.
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Online New Moon Ritual — Pause. Reflect. Manifest. Connect.
15 Feb 2026, 19:00 – 20:00
Join me for a monthly online new moon ritual designed to help you slow down, reset, and reconnect with yourself. The new moon offers a natural moment to pause, reflect on where you’ve been, and set clear intentions for what’s ahead.
This guided experience blends stillness and reflection with gentle, supportive practices—no prior experience needed. Come as you are, and leave feeling centred, clear, and grounded.
What we’ll explore together:
Guided meditation to settle the mind and body
Journaling prompts for reflection and intention-setting
A calming soundbath to support rest and integration
Card pulls for insight and perspective
This is a space to step out of the noise, tune inward, and connect—both with yourself and a like-minded community.
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Vision & Clarity | Morning Sound Meditation
Lets Retreat
22 Feb 2026, 11:00 – 12:30
Do you ever find yourself lost and lacking direction? You have a yearning but you're not sure where to put your focus, your drive, your passion. Or maybe a question that needs an answer...I challenge you, my wonderful community. To ride the wave of mid morning focus....
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Seeds Of Light: A February Sound Meditation
Slake, Worthing
27 Feb 2026, 19:00 – 20:30
The seeds of spring are stirring. This meditative soundbath honours the subtle shift toward growth — an evening of stillness, resonance, and quiet joy.Sink into the soundscape and let vibration awaken the seeds of possibility within.
Themes: emergence • potential • peace • renewal
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YOGA AND SOUND | NEXT COURSE |
Winter To Spring Course
| Open For Registration
All courses feature Hatha yoga, Flow and Yin. Each week we will look at a theme, it will be woven through meditation, pranayama, asana and shavasana-soundbath.
Limited spaces. Pre-booking essential.
The Chalkhouse, 24a Upper High St, Worthing BN11 1DL
WINTER TO SPRING COURSE
Thursday | 7 - 8.15pm |
Starts Feb 26th
| 5 weeks | £69
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