A Winter's Tale

Celebrate Imbolc and the goddess Brighid this week (Feb 1 & 2)

(Note to readers: I realized that my earlier post was too long with way too much information - so this is a shorter, edited version)

Imbolc - the mid-way point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox - is considered a time of purification: Cleaning house is a good way to acknowledge and honor this tradition. Imbolc is the precursor to Candlemas and Groundhog's Day.


Brighid - also known as Brigit, Bridget, Brigid, Brig, Bride ("breed") and "the exalted one" - is a Celtic triple goddess long revered for her abilities as a blacksmith, healer and poet. 

The Coming of Bride by John Duncan

How to honor Brighid and Imbolc: 

Place a food offering - milk and cake or bread - out on the doorstep tonight to be blessed by Brighid and her beloved white cow (with red ears!). Also, hang a white ribbon outside for Brighid to bless as she passes; it can later be used for healing purposes.

Light a candle for the goddess (any color will do, but I'm burning a red one and a white one) and say: Brigit, Brighid, Bride: Oh goddess, burning bright, We honor you this night. Please bless my creativity and help me serve humanity. Renew my body and inspire my heart. Throughout my life, your wholeness impart. So may it be. (loosely inspired by the book "365 Goddess" by Patricia Telesco) 

And there's this invocation from Susa E. Black's web page:

http://www.druidry.org

 

I kindle this candle in the name of Brighid,
Goddess of Smiths.
I sain this house in the name of Brighid,
Goddess of Healers.
I smoor this candle in the name of Brighid,
Goddess of Poets.
(kindle=light; sain=bless or protect; smoor=smother or smear)
 

A version of St. Brigid's cross (Wikipedia)

Making a "Brigid’s cross" will ensure bountiful blessings. This cross takes many forms, one of which resembles the ancient symbol for the sun. 

According to Mara Freeman's web site Chalice Centre for Celtic Spirituality and Western Inner Traditions:

  http://www.chalicecentre.net

A triskele made of straw brings good luck

"The crosses took shapes that are not traditionally Christian, but bear marked resemblance to symbols of the sun in cultures throughout the world. One kind was actually not a cross at all, but a figure with three legs, recalling the three-fold nature of the goddess-saint. It is, in fact, an ancient Celtic symbol known as the triskele."
 

(Some believe this three-legged "cross" could also refer to the triple deity aspect of Brighid.)

Triskele image from http://www.mcmahonsofmonaghan.org

Another interesting web site to visit is:  http://www.sacredfire.net

"Brighid is the goddess of all arts and crafts, and as such she is the feminine principle of the Ildanach, the counterpart of Lugh. She represents the potential of all women for she is the eternal flame that burns in the heart and hearth of every woman of the Gael, 'moon-crowned Brighid of the undying flame'.  

It is a common practise for the women of the Isles to hang rowan crosses over their cradles whilst reciting a charm or prayer to Brighid to invoke her protection."

A Rowan tree at Scorhill. The Rowan tree is linked to Brighid. (photo: TrekEarth)

I find it fascinating that so many of today's beliefs can be traced back to pagan traditions, or even further back, before recorded history. This ancient lore been told and retold in Greek and Roman mythology, and has survived down through the ages to be rewritten again and again until these tales now exist in many forms, including familiar Bible stories. I am always amazed at how far back these legends go!


I dedicate Feb. 2nd to Brighid and the ancient people who did good things in her name; I will honor Imbolc in my heart all month, especially on St. Valentine's Day! Happy February!