How to Harness the Power of Spring

Forget the pressures of New Year’s resolutions and promises of a ‘new year, new you’ as soon as January 1st hits ; as far as we’re concerned, meaningful reinvention is best suited to the springtime.

This season is the perfect time to cast future intentions, plant seeds of ideas and generally harness the power that spring has to offer. 

When does spring start? 

In the traditional pagan calendar, the start of spring is marked by the festival of Imbolc, which is held from the evening of February 1st until the evening of February 2nd. Imbolc symbolises the halfway point between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (which occurs around mid March). 

What does imbolc mean?

The word imbolc means ‘in the belly of the Mother’, because the festival celebrates the first stirrings of life as winter moves into spring. However, you don’t have to practice any form of paganism to be moved by the first sight of daffodils or new light creeping into the evenings, which is exactly what makes this season so powerful!

How can I connect with the power of spring? 

The season of spring has so many positive connotations; new life, rebirth, light, new beginnings and a general awakening of nature after a cold, dark winter. There are plenty of ways to connect with the positive nature of spring and nurture your own growth in the process, so see below for some of our favourite ideas. 

Nurture creativity

Spring is the ideal season to connect (or reconnect) with your creativity - in whatever form that takes. This is the time to plant seeds of growth, so banish any harsh expectations or feelings that you’re ‘not creative enough’. Nurture your creative side in any way you like; you could sing, dance, paint, journal, cook, garden and so much more - go with whatever you feel drawn to. 

Spring cleaning

Don’t worry - we’re not suggesting you celebrate spring by cleaning the house top to bottom (although that is traditional!). Think of it as more of a mental/spiritual spring clean, so you feel calm, composed and in control as you settle into the year. 

Spring cleaning for mental health can include things like; starting a gratitude journal, forgiving yourself for past mistakes, challenging negative thoughts and nurturing positive relationships with those closest to you. 

Spend time in nature

There’s no better way to harness the power of spring than spending time in nature itself! Multiple studies have shown the positive effects nature has on us, from increased productivity, to creativity and general wellbeing. Try to schedule some time outdoors everyday, even if it’s just a 10 minute walk around the block. If you are limited on time, really focus on your senses to connect with your surroundings and take everything in. 

Be playful

When was the last time you channelled some childlike energy, just for the sake of it? As adults with stressful jobs, busy lives and multiple commitments, it’s so easy to forget the joy that can come from unstructured fun. Like creativity, play can come in any form you like - whether that’s making a collage, running around or playing a board game with your family. 

Connect with crystals

Crystals can be used in a variety of ways to promote emotional and spiritual healing. The birthstone for February is amethyst, considered one of the most powerful and protective of the quartz stones. Amethyst is said to enhance intuition, spirituality and meditation and it can also help to calm the mind and spirit; perfect to put you in the right mindset to harness the power of spring. 

Celebrate spring with beautiful gifts from Forage

We love the changing of the seasons here at Forage Design and have plenty of ethically made and ethically sourced gifts to help you welcome in spring. Try exploring your creativity by journaling in one of our beautiful leather bound notebooks, or relax in the stunning range of cotton kimonos and robes. 

If you’re looking to harness the power of crystals, Forage stocks a stunning range of jewellery, including pieces featuring amethyst, rose quartz, moonstone and more.

We can’t wait to see the promise this new season has in store but what do Imbolc and spring mean for you? Let us know how you’re planning to celebrate springtime on our Instagram!