)O( Sacred Quickening )O(

Quickening can mean so many things.  A stirring of your heart.  An elevation of your energy levels.  A coming to fruition.  Becoming solid.  Successfully becoming faster.  There are rituals to hasten a quickening, to represent their manifestation, and to bid them to happen.
Embrace that which makes you feel more alive.  Invite people and experiences into your life that will deepen and widen your perspective.  Follow the path that brings you the most excitement and satisfaction, without losing sight of what you need to carry on.  It's a lot easier said than done.  Give yourself the silence you need to hear your heart speaking to your mind.  Give your mind the love it needs to heed your heart.  Give your heart the security it needs to open up.  Feel, intentionally.
In a way, Imbolc is a celebration of quickening.  The first breath of spring is taken.  The seeds that slept through the winter are now germinating.  Animals that haven't moved more than a few inches in months are waking up.  The Earth is quickening, and with it, our collective consciousness.  If we are willing, our hearts might quicken also.  
2023 marks the Year of the Water Rabbit, and also my first fully involved Chinese New Year.  I have enjoyed learning the symbolism and power of this extremely cool lunar holiday, and have even developed an bit of interest in Chinese Astrology.  That's really saying something because I don't have much interest in Western Astrology!  Wood Rat Power!  Hahaha.  
The excellent duality of this year is to chill while also going fast.  I like that mix.  It's like being Sonic the Hedgehog.  Lightning speed but not because we are in a hurry.... because it's awesome.  Always ready to run upside down and in twisting helix patterns also, because they're fun.  Gotta go fast, but also gotta remember to take naps!