Seasonal Nature Connection Guide: Imbolc

Seasonal Nature Connection Guide: Imbolc

As a nature lover, connecting with the seasons is one of the most profound ways to flow with the natural energy of life. We live in a world that is incredibly disconnected from nature, and the results of that are proving to be more and more damaging. Chronic illness, over-consumption, and rising mental health challenges are just a few of the symptoms of this disconnection.

That’s because we ARE nature. We are NOT machines. The further we get from our natural world, pace, and connection… the bigger problems we will soon be facing.

Taking the time to intentionally align with the seasons of nature is a beautiful practice of self-love, quiet activism, and natural healing.

As you can see, this guide is supporting the season of Imbolc (~Feb 1-March 19). Some recognize it as the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Imbolc is following the Wheel of the Year, a calendar that many Europeans, Pagans, and Nature Lovers use. It’s comprised of eight different seasons throughout the year, about every six weeks or so.

How to Use this Imbolc Guide:

As your Earth Advocacy Wellness Coach, I wanted a seasonal guide to help you re-align. When you’re aligned… you level up… and so does your impact.

This guide is to help you come back to what you LOVE—nature.

It will help you bring in nature connection, spiritual threads, and practical ways to lead you back to reconnection. With that, feel free to utilize this exactly how your intuition is asking you to.

  • Perhaps you read over it all and focus on the part that’s popping out at you.

  • Or maybe you work through the pieces over the six weeks of the season.

  • There’s no wrong way to do it… this is the magic of partnering with the Earth to guide you. There’s not a manual. It’s beyond the realm of templates and processes.

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? With that, I think it’s time to dive in.

Imbolc: ~February 1-March 19

Imbolc is the season of awakening. It signifies the stirrings of spring deep beneath the earth’s surface. While winter still holds its grasp, there is a growing sense of renewal, of life returning. Many associate Imbolc with the goddess Brigid, a time of fertility, creativity, and new beginnings.

Energy of the Season:

  • Awakening

  • Gentle movement

  • Renewal

  • Inspiration

  • Planning and visioning

  • Hope

  • Creativity

  • Inner warmth

  • Patience

  • Nurturing dreams

Check-in: Are you starting to embody this energy right now?

Plant Spirit of Imbolc - Cottonwood

 
 

  • Cottonwood

    • Plant Spirit Message (Channeled by yours truly).

      • You must learn to receive. Is it time to shut off the (right side) of giving away all your power, energy and care… and open your left side of receiving. Feeling very much a clear channel. Also just feeling the left ear specifically - seems to be signifying you may hear important information this season.

        • I’m hearing, “be awake, be aware. Listen more this season. In the traditional and non-traditional sense. I have a message for those who ask”.

Cottonwood’s medicine invites us to trust, to surrender to the natural flow of life, and to embrace transformation with grace. It teaches us about flexibility and resilience, bending with the wind rather than breaking. The tree’s strong connection to water also reminds us to honor our emotions, allowing them to move through us like a gentle current.

  • Some amazing qualities of cottonwood medicine:

    • Anti-inflammatory (resin)

    • Pain-relieving (topically)

    • Supports circulation

    • Helps heal wounds

    • Protective spiritual ally

    • Dreamwork and intuition enhancer

  • Work with cottonwood (ahhhh, such a beautiful medicine):

    • Gather fallen buds in early spring and infuse in oil for a healing salve.

    • Sit beneath a cottonwood and listen to the deep wisdom of his whispers.

    • Use the resin in incense or ritual for purification and guidance.

    • Connect to its water energy for emotional flow and dream clarity.

Animal Spirit of Imbolc - Squirrel

 
 

  • Squirrels are the keepers of preparation, agility, and joyful movement. As we transition from the depths of winter into the first signs of spring, the squirrel reminds us to gather what we need… physically, emotionally, or spiritually… to step into the next season of life.

  • A few fun facts about squirrels:

    • They are forgetful foresters! Squirrels bury thousands of nuts each year but often forget where they hid many of them, leading to new tree growth!

    • They can leap up to 10 times their body length and rotate their ankles 180 degrees to climb down trees headfirst.

    • In cold months, some squirrels enter a state of torpor (a mini-form of temporary hibernation), lowering their body temperature, heart rate and breathing to conserve energy.

  • Squirrel medicine can teach you so much about:

    • Resourcefulness

    • Planning ahead

    • Playfulness

    • Quick adaptability

    • Trusting our instincts

  • Spiritual symbolism: The squirrel encourages us to be lighthearted in our approach while also ensuring we are tending to our needs.

    • What seeds are you planting for the months ahead?

Journal Prompts for Imbolc

 
 

The power of writing. Make yourself a warm beverage and dim the lighting. Grab your journal and enjoy this time of reflection.

  • What new beginnings are stirring within me?

  • How can I prepare for the growth I desire this year?

  • What habits or patterns need clearing before spring arrives?

  • What lessons can I take from the stillness of winter into this time of renewal?

Intuitive Message for Imbolc

 
 

As I connected with the spirit of Imbolc, really feeling a thawing out. But from a frozen state and it really feels like an invitation to thaw out your own heart. Has your heart been guarded, frozen, cold with the state of the world. May you tap into the spirit of Imbolc to ask it to help you bring some warmth back in to your heart. I’m hearing, “now more than ever, we must love”. Your people (you) are part of a much bigger purpose of guiding the world back to love. But your heart must be open for that to happen. “Don’t worry,” Imbolc says, “You won’t be left alone with a vulnerable heart. You will become a beacon for others and I will support you in doing so. Call on me when you need help bringing warmth back into your heart.” Chavase (I actually have no idea what that means, but that was the signing off word/mantra I heard! First time for everything)!

Nature Connection Practices for Imbolc

 
 

  1. Take a Listening Walk:

    • Go outside and focus on sound. What do you hear? Birds returning, wind shifting, water flowing? This season is about quiet awakenings—tune in.

  2. Make a Cottonwood Bud Oil:

    • Gather fallen buds (not from in-tact branches), infuse them in oil, and let the tree’s medicine nourish your skin and spirit.

      • How to:

        • Harvest a good handful of cottowood buds covered in resin.

        • Cut off the buds into a small jar.

        • Cover with olive oil (jojoba, almond are some other great choices).

        • Make sure all plant matter is below the oil (very important).

        • Place a papertowel over the top with a rubber band and place on window sill.

        • Gentle stir and daily (always making sure the plant material is below the oil) when you’re done stirring.

        • Strain after six weeks.

        • Enjoy!

          • I like to use it as an anti-inflammatory oil for sore muscles/joints. Also great as a foot rub before bed to help sleep better at night.

  3. Create a Seasonal Altar:

    • Can you find a space to make a little seasonal alter space? Let your creative side play and add symbols/pictures/reminders of awakening… fresh seeds, images of squirrels or trees budding.

      • Bonus points if you put your seasonal intentions on there too.

  4. Engage in Play:

    • Channel the energy of the squirrel. Dance, laugh, try something new, watch the squirrels in your area and bring lightness into your routine!

Closing Thoughts

 
 

As the Wheel of the Year turns toward Imbolc, may this season bring you clarity, inspiration, and a deeper trust in the unseen cycles of life. Aligning with nature’s rhythms during this sacred time can offer profound renewal, reminding you of your inner wisdom and resilience.

If you’re feeling called to deepen your connection with the earth and discover ways to nurture your well-being while standing as an advocate for nature, I’d love to support you on this journey. As an Earth Advocacy Wellness Coach, I offer guidance to help you align with nature’s cycles, craft sustainable practices, and thrive as a sensitive soul in today’s fast-paced world.

Let’s explore how we can work together to root your path in resilience, purpose, and harmony. Visit my page here to learn more about my services or book a free Discovery Call. Together, we can co-create a life that honors both your inner light and the earth we call home.

Imbolc Blessings to You!

Taylor

About the Author

Taylor Short, of Harmonious Return, is an herbalist, writer, educator, and Earth Advocacy Wellness Coach passionate about helping nature lovers reconnect with the planet and themselves. Through her coaching, workshops, and handcrafted remedies, Taylor empowers others to live in harmony with the earth, fostering resilience, wellness, and sustainable living. Learn more about her work and upcoming offerings at Harmonious Return.