Tomorrow is Imbolc, an old European festival celebrated February 2nd. In Catholic tradition this date is known as Candlemas, and is sacred to Saint Brigid. In popular culture it has come down to us as Groundhog’s Day.

This holiday marks the first stirring of the seeds, deep within the womb of earth. Nature is beginning to wake up. The days are visibly longer. There is a sense of freshness in the air, and a feeling of possibility. Imbolc is the traditional time to set new intentions and begin new projects for the coming year.

Here’s an activity to do at Imbolc, to help you seed your intentions. In my family we call it Intentional Beans. You will need a small pot, some dirt, a packet of seeds (I recommend Scarlet Runner Beans, as they are easy to grow), marker pens or paint, glue, some beads or feathers or ribbons, and a little slip of paper.

Decorate your pot however you want, using paint, beads, feathers, ribbons, or whatever you want. Simple or elaborate, make it beautifully yours. On a little slip of paper write your intention — such as good health, or get an exciting job, or move to a new house, or find the love of my life — or any of a zillion others. Roll the little paper into a ball about the size of a seed. In the pot put your dirt, your intention “seed” and some seeds. Put the pot where it will get natural light, and water it.

Watch your intentions grow. When warm enough, plant your beans outside. Every time you look at your plant, you will be reminded of what you intend to make manifest in your life.

I promise you, this actually works!

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