To those who celebrate the pagan Wheel of the Year, February 1st-2nd marks the Celtic fire festival of Imbolc, which heralds the returning of the light and the beginning of Spring.
So named after the Celtic word 'oimelc', which is believed to mean 'in the belly' or 'ewe's milk', it refers to the life-giving milk of lactation recommencing. It is at this time of year that the lambing cycle begins and the earth warms up to allow new life to grow.
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Ancient celebrations fell on this day to honour the powerful bringer of light - the goddess Brigid (Brid, Bride, Brigit) - who would breathe life, warmth and fertility back into the dead, cold lands and begin a new season of growth and fruition. |
Today, people still celebrate this important turn of the wheel, by lighting fires and candles to reflect the light returning and inviting Brigid to warm their hearths and the Earth itself. As it is a time to prepare for new growth, ask Brigid for her assistance in bringing your hopes and dreams to being. Prepare the ground for the planting of seeds which will flower in the coming seasons - both literally and metaphorically.
Brightest Imbolc blessings to you all.
linkwithin_text='From the same cauldron...'
3 musings:
thank you for sharing about this celebration. today I am on the road and the sun did shine after a very gray winter. Still it is cold, but to see light brings joy, a natural heart felt joy, so this seems perfect!
What an inspirational festival Imbolc is. Your words "... Prepare the ground for the planting of seeds which will flower in the coming seasons..." really touched my heart. The 'seeds' of all our hopes and dreams. Just love that idea... so very beautiful.
Thank you for the encouragement to prepare the ground for their planting and to be in readiness to nurture them into being.
Hugs Jo xxx
And the same to you! Thank you for sharing such glorious images of spring. I am most hopeful that it shall arrive here soon. In fact, the groundhog here has predicted an early spring. I sure hope the little fellow is right! Theresa
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