I love these first days of February. They mark the halfway point from solstice to equinox, hinting at the promise of spring for the northern hemisphere. As a kid, I loved Ground Hog’s Day, the yearly ritual of that humble brown critter, the sun, her shadow, a fifty-fifty chance, prediction. As well, it’s Imbolc, the honoring of Brigid, the Celtic Goddess associated with wisdom, poetry, healing, protection, blacksmithing, and domestic animals, the bride of spring. So beloved, she survived the Catholic Inquisition and became Saint Brigid of Kildare. As a girl, I chose Brigid as my confirmation name. As a woman who no longer identified with "Catholic," she became my patron Goddess. For me, she pairs with energies of alchemy and rebirth.
These first days of February come with the Lunar New Year, and the new moon, which will rise in the east in the first hour of the first day of the month. I use the new moon as a monthly opportunity to set intentions, another chance at a fresh start. Recently, I learned about making these sweet little "intention” books on a Creative Bug Zoom webinar.

Creativity Prompts
It’s a simple process, and you don’t need much, just a sheet of paper, some markers, or crayons, and/or collage materials, and in minutes you can create a physical representation of your February hopes and dreams in a quick hour or less.
1.) Take any sheet of any kind of paper and write a word that represents the intention you wish to set. If you want to spend more time near waves, write the word waves. If you want more rest, or more movement, more money, or love…you get the idea.
Note: I was taught to draw the letters of my word from the top of the paper to the bottom. But feel free to experiment. The word leaves beautiful marks on your pages, each page unique, but thematic. You know the word is secreted away.


2.) Watch this brief video that shows you very simply how to fold an 8-page book from one sheet of paper. The difference will be that your sheet will already have marks on it.

3.) Once you have your sweet little books with their beautiful marks, you can embellish them as you like. Your embellishments might be abstract with the intent to beautify your booklet further, or you can add marks and words that support the literal meaning of your intention.
4.) Next for the writing. Write your intention, the word, or a phrase, or a line, on the top of a blank sheet of paper. Set your timer for 5 minutes and write whatever comes. Don’t lift your pen from the page, just riff. This is automatic writing.
5.) If you’re still engaged and curious, read over your timed writing, lift a part of the piece that caught your curiosity, brought on a memory, or lift it solely because it shines! Get out a new piece of paper or open your laptop and write for at least 30 more minutes.
Enjoy! I'll be back when the moon is next full. ~ Jodi x


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