February Tarot * Imbolg, Oimelc & Wojak * end Time & Space

An upside down or “shadow” card often infers a time to look within more so than without, and to do the work of internal process versus any external application. It’s the more subtle realms as opposed to the obvious which takes preoccupation. And so it is for the American ground hog, who somehow was put in charge of weather divination and had foisted upon her the task of vernal prognostication. Formerly that responsibility fell to the European hedgehog, until the “hedge” somehow got lost in the translation over the Atlantic. The story goes that clouds signal a more mild winter at hand, while a shadow is cause for a return down under for another six weeks ‘til the equinox. The good news is that the dead of winter is nearing its close, with the “Dread Lord of Death” readying for a season of “resurrection.” Our winter crone is giving way to spring’s maiden, beginning anew the cycle of “maiden, mother, crone.” Now is also when hibernating animals first begin to stir, perhaps with the promise of another breeding season set to begin, true for both wild and domesticated animals alike. So too has the dance between green man and the goddess commenced, as we ready to transition into spring. Well waters have begun to thaw, as the first buds of spring begin to show. And however far removed it may or may not be, Oimelc (ewe’s milk) is marked by the “softening of the ewe’s udders to prepare for lactation, for when the lambs come born.” Imbolc is also known as “in the belly of the mother,” as in the mother’s milk and little lambs to be. There are nests to be built, despite the snowbirds who need to get out of town now.
Know that there are brighter days ahead, and reason for a “more hopeful outlook.” As “whistle pig” or woodchuck, make the decision to “chisel away at things.” As you awake from “winter’s sleep and dreams,” acknowledge both spring’s most “tenuous beginning,” and her nomenclature as the “bright one.” Be the keeper of your internal “sacred flame,” and do your best to keep your spiritual plane clean.

“Xipe Totec, the Aztec god of spring, represents the new life which comes after your judgment of death to old karmic patterns that are self destructive.” How would you “judge the prevailing direction of your life?” Consider to “direct the course of your life by examining and altering psychological and behavioral patterns.” Is 2012 a “significant transition period” unto all our lives? Take in a “breath of fresh air,” with “the new life that attends the breaking out of old habit patterns,” putting to use the “penetrating clarity of judgment that thwarts all dark hidden motives.” Perhaps it wise a “time of austerity and nonmaterialism.” Recall that thru “physical explorations we discover our inner spaces.” Seek out “unobstructed places,” both within and without. Consider them “departure points in consciousness for the sowing of new seeds.” Remember too to “be mindful of how every thought creates a seed for a future event or situation.” Take pause to “reflect on your worldly situation.” Ask if these times are not “harbinger of things to come?” Know that you have the ability to create out of yourself a new person.” Make good use of these next (five) weeks before spring arrives. “Do not act before evaluating.”