A seasonal note—I am not a pagan but I enjoy
the rhythm of the pagan holidays because they are based on the natural cycles
of the seasons and the earth. So not
only is this Superbowl weekend (hmm, is that a modern pagan
holiday?) but it’s Imbolc, or Candlemas.
It’s a holiday honoring the fire goddess, Brigid and the “seed” energy
of the light returning. I’ve posted more information and some
suggestions about celebrate and honor this time in the natural year. Take what resonates for you and leaves the
rest.
Some ideas for you…lighting candles, doing a cleansing
ritual, do an initiation ceremony, make something with your hands. Even if where you live it doesn’t feel to
springlike, the wheel of the year is turning and the light tells us spring is
coming. Enjoy!
Here's more information on this time of year. Source is this website: http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/the_wheel_of_the_year/imbolc.asp
“This holiday is also known as Candlemas, or Brigid's
(pronounced BREED) Day. One of the 4 Celtic "Fire Festivals. Commemorates
the changing of the Goddess from the Crone to the Maiden. Celebrates the first
signs of Spring. Also called "Imbolc" (the old Celtic name).
This is the seasonal change where the first signs of spring
and the return of the sun are noted, i.e. the first sprouting of leaves, the
sprouting of the Crocus flowers etc. In other words, it is the festival
commemorating the successful passing of winter and the beginning of the
agricultural year. This Festival also marks the transition point of the
threefold Goddess energies from those of Crone to Maiden.
It is the day that we celebrate the passing of Winter and
make way for Spring. It is the day we honour the rebirth of the Sun and we may
visualize the baby sun nursing from the Goddess's breast. It is also a day of
celebrating the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Brigid is the Goddess of Poetry,
Healing, Smithcraft, and Midwifery. If you can make it with your hands, Brigid
rules it.
She is a triple Goddess, so we honour her in all her
aspects. This is a time for communing with her, and tending the lighting of her
sacred flame. At this time of year, Wiccans will light multiple candles, white
for Brigid, for the god usually yellow or red, to remind us of the passing of
winter and the entrance into spring, the time of the Sun. This is a good time
for initiations.
This can be a time of purification after the shut-in life of
Winter, through the renewing power of the Sun. It is also a festival of light
and of fertility, once marked in Europe with huge blazes, torches and fire in
every form. Fire here represents our own illumination and inspiration as much
as light and warmth.
It is traditional upon Imbolc, at sunset or just after
ritual, to light every lamp in the house - if only for a few moments. Or, light
candles in each room in honour of the Sun’s rebirth. If snow lies on the ground
outside, walk in it for a moment, recalling the warmth of summer. With your
projective hand, trace an image of the Sun on the snow."
Happy Imbolc, see you soon,
Ellen
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