And So It Begins…

snowdropsThis weekend was the pagan festival of Imbolc, also known as Candlemas and more popularly as Groundhog’s Day. It marks the beginning of spring – here in the Pacific Northwest snowdrops are blooming, and crocuses are pushing up through the soil.  The days are getting visibly longer and brighter, and no matter how cold it is, we know that spring is coming.

It’s a time of cleaning out the old, and setting goals for the coming year. This past week I’ve done some of both.

Sunday we had our circle’s Imbolc celebration at our home. And it was definitely time for our house to have a thorough clean. So I spent much of the day leading up to the ritual cleaning. It was tiring, and yet it felt good to clear away so much of the grim that had built up.

I’m working on my Associate Degree in Ministry at the Wiccan Seminary, and one of the assignments was to set goals, one for each astrological sign. I remember two years ago this assignment totally overwhelmed me. The idea of setting twelve goals, and matching them up to the astrological sign sent terror through me. I looked at the list and the guidelines and my mind went blank.

This time around, it was a lot easier. It took me some time, and I went over the list several times over the course of a few days. It flowed much more easily, though. I think the biggest difference is that I wasn’t afraid of it.

I’m very pleased to be able to look back and see this growth in myself. 🙂 I’m pleased that I am able to choose goals for myself this year that flow easily and naturally. And I’m pleased that I have a record, a way to look back and actually see how much I’ve grown.

The Wheel of the Year turns it’s progression around the same track every year. This time, I can see that I’m at a different level than I was before. Remember back at summer camp, singing one of those repeating songs? “Second verse, same as the first. A little bit louder and a little bit worse!” Only I’m getting better each time around. 😉

How do you measure your progress? Let me know in the comments below.

Blessings,

Mary