February 1 & 2 hold a few feasts associated with the Celtic calendar. It is the feast day of Brigid of Kildare, celebrated by the Christian festival of Lights (equivalent to Diwali of Hinduism). But it is also the first day of Imbolc, the pre-Christian celebration of the season of Spring, the passing of the darkness of the season of death (winter) and the coming of new life, where the goddess Brigid softened the earth and made it and creatures fertile. Imbolc is a very feminine festival, with great emphasis on the importance of women in the community. Imbolc is related to the production of milk by the mother for the sustenance of her young. The word ‘Imbolc’ can be understood as meaning ‘Ewe’s milk’. Brigid of Kildare was well known as the embodiment of the Celtic tradition of Anam Chara (Soul Friend). She is famed for saying that ‘a person without an Anam Chara is like a body without a head.’ Brigid was also known as a Spiritual midwife. Born in Ireland just before Patrick died, she is famed for being the person who brought Christianity ‘up’ in Ireland, after Patrick had ‘birthed’ it there. Brigid is also known for her great heart towards all who were spiritually open, with many encounters with Druids and others, one famous story is of her nursing a Pagan chief to health and telling him about the love of Christ by weaving a cross from reeds. The ‘Brigid cross’ is a lovely interwoven square cross that many people put into places that were not used over winter but will be used much in the spring and summer as a blessing to that place and the earth. As we move into the season of life and fertility, may we know the hand of God upon us bringing us ever more to new life. May the Light of Christ shine upon you and from within you May we embody ‘Anam Chara’ to all And may our hearts soften, as the land softens. I arise today in the presence of the Bringer of Light I arise today in the presence of the Brightener of the Seasons I arise today in the presence of the returning glory I arise today in the Light of the sun, radiance of moon, splendour of fire, warmth of flame. Lord, may I reflect the harmony and wholeness that you want for your creation. Bless the moon that is above us, the earth that is beneath us. May all creatures be happy and healthy.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:22:28 +0000
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