Greetings, dear Sunny Optimist Buddies,
Yesterday in the Northern Hemisphere, we arrived at the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. This cross-quarter day has several names, 'Imbolc or St. Brigid's Day' in the Pagan, Celtic, and Gaelic traditions, 'Candlemas' in the Christian tradition, and 'Groundhog's Day' in the U.S.
As I am sure you know by now, I love to acknowledge these ancient celebrations that honour the relationship between the Earth and Sun. As I write about this today, I am wonderfully connected to my Celtic heritage. I so appreciate that we have many universal traditions that keep us in tune with the natural cycles of life.
It all feels rather perfect.
The original word Imbolg meaning 'in the belly,' gives us a wonderful sense of expectancy. You know that time in the pregnancy when the bump is becoming visible? What my Mum used to say was 'just showing'. This time helps us to appreciate that birthing is coming, and yet we also understand there is not the full readiness to be seen.
The cross-quarter time heralds the promise and potential of springtime but asks us to be patient and let the unfolding take its time. All will be revealed in due course. There is something very precious about this, as the image above captures. The sacred feminine nature of woman contains and nurtures that which is to birth on behalf of all of Life. Mmmmmm
Questions for this Week
I wonder,
Do you celebrate this time of year where your feet touch the ground?
What images and insights arise as you connect to the expectancy of this time?
Can you sense the stirring of life that is quietly happening around you?
As always, I would love to hear from you.
Ann
A wee Addendum
The poem below captures this time so beautifully. The Cailleach is the divine hag associated with the weather, especially storms and wintertime. She is not ready to let go yet, but the Maiden is starting to awaken. There is an acknowledgement of St Brigit, the Goddess of Fire. In the image below, can you see how she is preciously sustaining the flames of life yet to be birthed? So evocative. Enjoy!
Imbolc 2023 : A Seasonal Poem
Imbolc is here With the first winds of spring Whispering in the trees and over the fields Telling us that the Maiden is starting to wake. The Cailleach will shake her fist and wail As the old crone fights to stay. She will lash us with cold and storms still As she knows her time is waning once more Just to let us know that she is still very much here For a just a little bit longer.
On the day before We clean the house and sweep the hearth We decorate the doors with garlands and bows. At sunset, we prepare the Brigit’s doll And set out the milk to welcome Brigit to our home For on the morrow, we will dance though the door While in the hills, the Druids will light the fires To welcome Brigit, the goddess of fire Brigit, inspiration for poets and bards.
We pray to her to bless the fields and animals To provide us with plenty in the coming season As we dance hand in hand through the doors to welcome Brigit into our homes. With Imbolc, we celebrate the coming of the Maiden And welcome the return of Father Sun to warm the Earth To chase the Cailleach back to her lair As we continue our cycle of the annual wheel.
By Irish American Writer Traolach (Terrance) Mac Earlyn O'Domhnaill
Happy Imbolc
Oh this is so beautiful, masterfully written, dear heart. Thank you so very, very much!!! Sending all love🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼🦋
Thank you for this offering Ann. I enjoyed the poem and I love the sound of "Cailleach" it seems to be to be one of those celtic words, when sounded, stimulates an imagination of what it describes - a bit like "dreich" when describing a particular kind of weather.