Honouring Imbolc & the New Moon: A Time for Awakening & New Beginnings
As the wheel of the year turns, we arrive at Imbolc on 1 February 2025 — a sacred festival of light, renewal, and emerging possibilities.
This year, Imbolc is especially potent as it follows the New Moon in Aquarius on 29 January 2025, new moons amplifies the energy of fresh starts. Interestingly, this is also the beginning of the Chinese New Year of the Wood Snake, (which usually starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice), reinforcing themes of transformation, intuition, and growth.
What is Imbolc?
Traditionally celebrated by the Celts, Imbolc marks the halfway point between winter and spring. It honours Brigid, the goddess of fertility, creativity, and healing. At this time, we recognise the first stirrings of new life, much like seeds awakening beneath the earth. The days begin to grow longer, and the promise of spring whispers in the air.
Why the New Moon Enhances Imbolc’s Energy
New Moons symbolise beginnings, renewal, and setting intentions —a perfect alignment with Imbolc’s themes. The New Moon in Aquarius calls us to embrace innovation, spiritual insight, and authenticity.
This cosmic alignment makes it an ideal time to:
🌑 Set intentions for the coming months.
🌱 Plant seeds of new projects, dreams, and personal growth.
🔥 Reignite your inner fire through creative expression and self-care.
The Connection to the Chinese New Year of the Wood Snake
On 29 January 2025, we also welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, a time of deep transformation, wisdom, and strategic growth. Just as the snake sheds its skin, this is a time to release the old and step into a renewed version of yourself. The energies of Imbolc, the New Moon, and the Wood Snake all intertwine, encouraging a powerful period of self-reflection and mindful action.
Ways to Celebrate Imbolc & Harness This Energy
✨ Light candles to honour the returning sun and Brigid’s sacred flame.
🧘 Practice mindfulness & meditation to connect with your inner wisdom.
💎 Work with crystals such as Amethyst (spiritual clarity), Citrine (renewed energy), and Carnelian (creativity & fire energy).
🌿 Create an altar with symbols of renewal — seeds, white flowers, and candles.
🎶 Use sound therapy to clear stagnant energy and set intentions for the coming months.
Final Thoughts
Whether you follow the Wheel of the Year or simply welcome these seasonal shifts as moments for mindfulness, this is a powerful time to refocus your energy.
As our ancestors lit their hearth fires to welcome the returning sun, we too are invited to pause, reflect, and tend to our own sacred flame. This Imbolc, enhanced by the New Moon and the start of the Chinese New Year, is the perfect time to think about the year ahead.
What seeds of intention are ready to be nurtured? What quiet stirrings within you are asking for more light?
🕯️It’s a time to embrace transformation, set new intentions, and honour the light returning to our lives. Whether through small personal rituals or deeper spiritual practices, take this opportunity to celebrate the energy of new beginnings.
What intentions will you set for this sacred time? Share in the comments or book a session to align with this powerful energy! ✨🔥
Read more about using Tarot to work with the energy of Imbolc.