Aside from the Autumnal Equinox (which is by far my most favorite time of year)…
…the celebration of Candlemas — or Imbolc — is an extremely close second!
A Bit of Background on Candlemas~Imbolc
For those of us who are unfamiliar with this holiday, allow me to provide you a super quick rundown.
Candlemas~Imbolc occurs in the Northern Hemisphere generally between the days of February 1-3. It is the celebration period between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, traditionally coveted as winter’s “halfway point.” It is also the day we commonly know as Groundhog Day.
This year Candlemas~Imbolc fell on February 2 — and if I was a disciplined blogger I would have prepared a little piece to be published a couple days ago…oh well, maybe next year (however, it’s not to late to embrace the magic of the season).
Candlemas~Imbolc literally means “in the belly.” It’s a time to prepare ourselves for the coming season of growth + warmth. It’s a time for cleansing and purification. It’s the perfect time to release the past…to set new goals, plan new projects, and brainstorm new ideas.
As M. Flora Peterson writes, at the time of Candlemas~Imbolc “the stirring of the Earth begins the seeds below are drinking in the melting snow and the shoots are starting deep within the earth.”
I spent time yesterday celebrating this joyous day by planning my garden, planting a few (okay…maybe more than a few) veggie transplants, and ordering some seeds. I also enjoyed a relaxing evening lit by a multitude of candles.
Today, I’m feeling super accomplished…
…and I attribute that feeling to this year’s alignment of Candlemas~Imbolc with that of the Full Moon.
On that note, let’s transition to the Moon and the benefits of herbal tea.
The Phases of the Moon — The Full Moon
Diane Ahlquist defines the the Full Moon as “the Moon’s most powerful phase, when we see her entire illuminated face. This is a time of fulfillment, activity, for perfecting ideas, ‘getting your act together,’ celebrations, or renewing commitments to people or projects.”
When we begin to understand the humanity + nature connection, and realign our lives — living in harmony — with the lunar cycles, patience and purpose becomes the norm.
Read More :: The Power of Timing: Living in Harmony with Natural and Lunar Rhythms
During the time of the Full Moon (which I observe for a three day period — the day before, the day of, and the day after), the intentions/plans/goals set forth at the beginning of the lunar cycle (during the time of the New Moon) are actualized.
It’s the perfect time to harvest herbs that will be used with healing intentions. The medicinal benefits of botanicals gathered by the light of the Full Moon are unmatched!
Additionally, it’s a wonderful time for a juice fast or cleanse.
Read More :: Green Juice for Women :: A Balancing Juicing Recipe
It is the culmination!
Benefits of a Full Moon Tea
One of the ways I honor the power of the Full Moon + my body, is with the consumption of a plant infusion.
For the recipe, I combine nourishing + adaptogenic herbs that provide the necessary support for my thyroid and adrenal glands.
During these intense days of fulfillment, we all need allies that ::
- enhance metabolism
- increase energy levels
- strengthen the nervous system
- boost memory
- bring clarity of mind
- tone + smooth the digestive tract
Full Moon Herbal Tea Blend
Ingredients*Purchase organically-grown or wild-harvested herbs whenever possible.
*Parts are measured by volume not weight.
- 2 parts Holy Basil Krishna (tulsi)
- 1 part Yerba Mate
- 1 part Nettle leaf
- 1 part Eleuthero root
- 1 part True (sweet) Cinnamon chips
- 1 part Hibiscus flower
- 1/2 part Ginger root
- 1/4 part Cardamom pods, crushed
Method
- Measure the parts of each of the herbs listed and mix in a large bowl until well combined.
- Grab your single serving tea carafe (this is my absolute favorite way to make a quick cup of loose leaf tea), tea infusers, and/or tea pots…and brew a cup! OR make a larger batch by adding 4 tablespoons of the herbal blend to a quart-size glass jar, fill the jar with just boiled water, steep for a few minutes, strain and enjoy. (Note: I get all of my loose leaf tea-making supplies online from Mountain Rose Herbs.)
- This herbal tea blend will keep stored in a cool, dark place for approximately 6 months. (Note: I like to store all of my teas in glass jars with tight-fitting lids.)
Usage
-Drink freely as often as needed for desired effect.
Where can I get this stuff?
-Mountain Rose Herbs…they have everything you’ll need for this remedy! It’s your one-stop-shop!
Nourishing Plant Infusions :: How to Make Your Own Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea Blend
Andrea, I so love your posts! Imbolc is also my favorite turn of the seasons! The tradition that my Mom and I practiced was based more on the Earth Seasons: Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnassa, Samhain, which were considered feminine in nature, whereas the Solar Seasons (Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes, Mid-Summer/Summer Solstice, Mid-Winter/Winter Solstice) were considered masculine in nature. The Solar Seasons were based on the sun and its relationship to Earth at those times. The Earth Seasons were based on what was happening within Earth and how that manifested into life. We always loved Imbolc because, in the Earth traditions, it was considered the beginning/start of Spring, not the Vernal Equinox which was actually mid-Spring. This tradition is much older than the observance of only the Solar Seasons. This is why Summer Solstice is referred to as Mid-Summer and Winter Solstice is referred to as Mid-Winter. Although our patriarchal driven society, which is what our calendars are based on, continues to state that Summer Solstice is the first day of summer and Winter Solstice is the first day of winter, these have never reflected the ‘True’ seasons of Earth. With the accelerated abuse Earth has endured in the past century, all the seasons are shifting, trying to find balance. But I still look forward to Imbolc and its promise of Spring!
Ruth! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and insight with me! WOW! I TOTALLY relate and understand what you are saying here. Many, many blessings. Thank you again!