I can feel Spring in the air, signs of the earth stirring. It's still cold here in the mornings and at night. But during the day, the sun is warmer and graces our skies for longer. And the Almond Blossom has appeared. Winter is nearing it's end and I for one am ready to move forwards into Springtime energy. To bring forth the wisdom I gained during the winter months, as I spend more time inwards. Imbolc is known as the Festival of the Earth's Awakening and the potential of manifestation which is potent at this time.
In Ireland, we honour Brigid, the Goddess of Ireland, of poetry, of healing of Fertility. She is the keeper of the Sacred Flame, of healing waters and the promise of renewal. In Kildare, her birthplace, her flame continues to burn, tended by the Brigidine sisters in the Solas Bhride centre. I visited her well, when I was last in Ireland. It was one of the most peaceful places I have been to. Exactly how you would imagine a sacred site to be. It is custom to tie a piece of material to one of the Hawthorn trees that grow there. A cloth, that holds your intentions, your wishes.
Brigid is the light of consciousness, she brings warmth and light to us, when we need it most. She encourages our growth and our power to manifest. Now is the time to connect with our own inner fame, with the visions we have been cultivating in the darkness of winter. The seeds that we planted. Now is the time to honour the natural cycles of life, to mirror the awakening energy of Imbolc and trust in the magic of new beginnings. Listen to what it is that you want that you desire. Connect with your creative spark and combine that with the potent life force that is awakening right now.
Today I went for a walk with my youngest daughter, to gather some sticks, so that we can make Goddess Eye's in honour of Brigid. Something we will do over the next few days. It felt good to be outside, walking on the dry river bed barefoot, jumping from rock to rock. Feeling the sun on my face and the stirring of change in the air. A time of transition.
Happy Imbolc
All images used in this post are mine.
