August is the month of the lion – Leo the lion, as in the zodiac sign. August 1 is the horses’ birthday – a fact I remember from sometime back in junior high school. Did it used to be Wattle Day as well? Much later I learnt that August 1 is also on the witch calendar as the festival of the beginning of the warmer months – Imbolc.

Imbolc is a time of beginnings, as the first glimmer of the warmer days of spring seem so close. We are still in winter, but in the final month, and the birds are chirping, the insects are buzzing, and new growth is starting on some plants. It’s an exciting time of the year. We can forgive the cold starts as the sunshine during the day warms our soul.

Imbolc – A simple meal to share with loved ones or solo, with fresh local fruit and vegetables, add some homemade lemonade or herbal teas. Home made is best. A wreath or garland of flowers, a simple centrepiece for the table, or a picnic rug at the local park. If you can at home, lit a fire, or some candles, and plant the first seeds of the season. Somewhere warm, – maybe inside in a small pot. Choose seeds according to where you live. A Brigid cross – a symbol of protection, can be woven from grasses or young branches. Maybe create a Brigid doll. Brigid – goddess of fire, creativity and birth. A time of awakening after a long dark, cold winter.

The new moon phase begins on August 4, with the full moon sixteen days later on August 20. The first quarter of the moon between those two dates, is August 13. Why are the moon phases important? Because we, and nature, plants, the oceans etc, are attuned to the phases of that mysterious orb in the universe.

As we celebrate Imbolc we lean into the new moon and reflect on our intentions, and any new projects we have planned. Setting intentions, planting seeds (figuratively and literally) and setting goals. It is time for clean slates and new beginnings.    

In the dark at the edge of the new moon phase, (i.e. the night before when the moon is dark) we reflect on our current challenges and consider how they might be manifestations of unresolved feelings. If we use a journal to keep track of emotional hurdles, we can work out how to transform our challenges into successes.  

The season of Leo – typically leaders, performers, loving the limelight, being admired, praised and respected. Naturally regal, and always bossy, they are confident, or appear so, but on the dark side they can be jealous, controlling and possessive. Apparently comfortable in the centre of attention, drama-adoring, ambitious, they are also loyal, fiercely protective of their nearest and dearest, generous, luxury-loving, sunny, and big-hearted.

For those born under this fire sign, how much we identify with these traits, depend on our moon sign, our upbringing, and our life experiences. Some of us are the opposite of confident, but are still bossy and fiercely loyal. As a fire sign leos can be bold, creative, daring and hot tempered (cranky).

My takeaway from this research is that as a Leo I need to temper my emotions, learn to admit I’m wrong and forgive myself. All things to write in my journal, and to release during the dark moon, ready for new creative pursuits of the new moon.

I’ll be quietly celebrating Imbolc on Thursday. In anticipation for a month of exciting opportunities, experiences and new beginnings. If we walk the walk, talk the talk, do the hard work, the research and the planning, we will reap the rewards.