Imbolc Celebration

Song of Imbolc – Flora Ware

I said in November that I was broken and needed to put my life back together. The past three months have seen a lessening of the pain, but not a noticeable, to me, knitting of things back together. But, in the past ten days things seem to have gelled substantially. I appreciate the kind conversations I’ve had that got me to this place. The relaxation in Bradenton and Tampa seems to have un-stoppered things.

I recently read Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, by Katherine May. I think May has something to say for everybody, but it was especially timely in my case. At one point she talks about the Druid calendar of holidays. Not because the Druids have a lock on things, but because they divide the calendar into eight equal periods. This makes for a celebration every six weeks. A short enough interval to hold things together from one observation to the next.

February 2nd is Imbolc. Half way between the Winter Solstice, or Yule, and the Spring Equinox, or Ostara. I think it will be good to make a concerted effort to regularly celebrate the Wheel of the Year. And I don’t see any need to start from scratch. And as it turns out, Imbolc is the perfect holiday for me and for now.

Imbolc, also called St. Brigid’s Day, (and yes, also Groundhog Day in the US) is the time when the days start to lengthen and seeds start to germinate. It is a time to start fresh – to celebrate the spark of life. Hibernating animals are starting to wake.

Brigid, the Maid, was the young, beautiful goddess of summer, fire, inspiration, healing, childbirth and many other things. Each year, according to mythology, she defeated the Cailleach and enabled the return of the sun. Much as I think of Janelle and her picture that I carry with me.

I will celebrate Imbolc by lighting a candle to Janelle, listening to this song, and welcoming the return of life. I’d love to find a bonfire… I’ll do that on the second of February. On the 3rd, I’ll turn my car north, and start a long, slow trip home.

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