February By The Signs

The month began with Imbolc, which marks the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Many of us who celebrate think of Imbolc as a season. It often feels like the dead of winter but we know life stirs beneath the snow and ice. This particular year, it doesn’t even feel like the dead of the winter in Appalachian Virginia, the weather has been so mild, and those stirrings have popped out of the ground—the snow drops, the crocus, the winter aconite, and even daffodil buds. I haven’t seen any native spring ephemerals yet, but I hear that others are finding trout lily, fairy spuds, and trillium starting to emerge.

I followed the signs and planted seeds near the end of January. By now, all the indoors seeds have sprouted (the ones outside need cold stratification). It’s a time of hope, new growth, and transition all around. I noticed this morning that some of the seedlings are producing true leaves which means I need to start thinking about transplanting them to a bigger pot. Several fertile signs are coming up soon and the moon is moving towards the light phase. It will be a good time for those seedlings that are producing true leaves.

 And this is true of life. When doing things “by the signs” you’re already attuned to two different aspects, the signs as well as the phase of the moon. But there’s another key aspect of doing things by the signs: readiness. This past week or so has been a good time to break habits, release things that no longer serve us, and let go. I have felt this energy strong. I dragged a bunch of stuff out of the garage and gave it away. I began reaching out and making plans to get some home repairs done. I’ve rearranged rooms and hung some decorations. Generally, I’ve felt the need get really rooted in my space and release things that are blocking growth. I felt that last year, too, during Imbolc season, but my timing wasn’t right. I was in the middle of divorce stuff and living in an apartment. I longed for rootedness and release but I had to wait another year and produce some true leaves so that when the light came round again, I would be strong enough to make the transition.

The ideal time for planting and transplanting, or making changes and moving forward is when all three aspects—the signs, the moon phase, and our own development—find alignment. Of course, sometimes we can’t wait for an ideal time, sometimes the plant has outgrown the pot and needs new space regardless of what’s happening in the heavens. In those times when you need to take action in less-than-ideal circumstances, you can still move with thoughtfulness and sweet intention.

This month, thankfully, is ending with plenty of action-taking energy—a confluence of the light moon and fertile signs. Transplant those seedlings—they’re probably ready. Do that thing you’ve been dreaming of and planning for, and possibly even dreading—you’re ready.

As above, so below.