Reading this post, by Lara Owen on Imbloc, reminded me of the cross quarter festivals, and that one is happening this weekend.
There’s a three-month interval between a solstice and an equinox, or vice versa. Six weeks is the middle point, when the Sun is half way between a solstice and an equinox.
This coincides with the Sun at around 15 degrees of the fixed signs. The Celts in particular celebrated these middle point periods, with various festivals based on the time of year.
The influences of the equinoxes and solstices, and the Celtic festivals, are seasonal, so it’s more important to understand what’s being celebrated and apply this to your local region, than blindly celebrate a festival that may be out of sync with your area.
For instance, early February in Australia is late summer, where the most intense heat usually ebbs, and while things remain hot, days shorten as nature prepares for Autumn. In the southern hemisphere, this cross quarter festival coincides with Lammas, traditionally the start of the harvest (after the heightened growing period of summer).
However, in Canada, early February is later winter, where things are still quite cold, but longer days bring reminders of spring. In the northern hemisphere this is celebrated as Imbloc, and is a time to celebrate the earliest indications of spring.
Wherever you are, the first few days of February are a threshold, a crossing point between the season behind you and the turning of the earth to the season ahead. Renewal and release are possibilities, as consolidation and letting go helps you refocus.
It’s a great weekend for ritual, ceremony, reflection, meditation and intention setting. Keep the next 6 weeks in mind especially, but also consider how this season feeds into the next.
What are you ready to intend for yourself?