Imbolc and St.Brigid
The thrill of seeing the first flower of the season pop up is at the heart of the Celtic Festival of Imbolc: that time midway between winter solstice and spring equinox. Thus, the snowdrop is its symbol and green and white are its colors. Here is the US, it is Groundhog Day. But to the Celtic people it was lambing time. Since the Goddess Brigid was responsible for birthing, she was celebrated on this day which later also became known as St. Brigid’s Day.
Fire is part of all Celtic quarter festivals. Brigid was goddess of fire and hearth as well as birth. It is believed that the birth of St. Brigid is within a day of the celebration of Imbloc. The attributes of the goddess were attributed to or morphed into the legend and stories of St. Brigid. The Celtic Church and then the Catholic Church created this date as a Saints day. It is also known as Candlemas. Again, connecting the celebration of fire, of light and warmth.
Brigid/St.Briget (There are many spellings) is one of my guides, The spirit of Brigid has brought me to an understanding of the Divine Feminine. I have written about that influence frequently. I travel to her sacred wells. I support, visit and benefit from Solas Bhride, the center dedicated to her continuous Light. A number of my guest bloggers and I have shared aspects of our connection to her. I invite you to look at past blogs for more information:
Cindy Thomson
Guest Blog for Celtic Spirit Books
Readers Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/readersofCindyThomson/
Kenneth McIntosh
Guest Blogs on Celtic Spirit Books Part I, Part II
Pastor, Honeoye United Church of Christ
Author, Water from an Ancient Well
Kenneth R McIntosh on Facebook
Elaine Ní Chiardha
Guest Blog on Celtic Spirit Books
Musician, voiceworker and shamanic therapist based in County Meath, Ireland, near the sacred Hill of Tara.
Email: singingtheland@gmx.com
Facebook page: facebook.com/singingtheland.
In the next few days, I will be sharing many pictures of St. Brigid with you. More are available on my website.
I leave you with and Imbloc blessing from The Perpetual Celtic Calendar by Dolores Whelan. Note that the calendar was created by visual artist Cynthia Matyi. Also, note that neart is the Irish word for power or strength (not a typo.)
Prayer for Imbolc
May I feel and recognize the life force
“the neart” rising within me
breathing new life into my whole being.
And from the Brigidine Sisters of Solas Bhride regarding their Brigid’s Flame mission to bring the spirit of Brigid into our 21st century lives:
To keep it bright, to preserve the flame.
Your hands upon ours, Our hands within yours,
To kindle the light, Both day and night.
From harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness.
Blessed Be and Amen.