We are in the last week of the Dreamtime. In this last week stay gentle with yourself as you slowly allow the wisdom to unfold. We are still in the feminine half of the year slowly moving towards the masculine. We have an opportunity to reflect on the learnings we received during the darkness of Winter.
Can you take inspiration from nature? Growth is slowly visible on the land. The light is growing by a minute a day. The snowdrops are peeping out and the daffodil shoots are slowly emerging. Can you attune to this slow and steady motion? A minute each day, a moment each day. Step by step, slowly slowly, gently gently. Listen to your intuition for when you are ready. Let go of the noise outside as you connect with your own inner knowing.
What revelations from the Dreamtime visioning will you nurture into growth in this season?
As we move towards Imbolc, we prepare to say goodbye to the Cailleach as she shapeshifts into the maiden Brigid. Imbolc comes from the old Irish ‘imbolg’ and literally means ‘In the Belly’. Imbolc marks the cross quarter day between the Solar festivals of Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox and is a key date in the agricultural year as it signifies the coming of Spring and the return to light. It is one of the 4 Earth festivals of the Celtic Wheel and invites us to celebrate and nurture the seeds we are planting for the upcoming spiral. Imbolc is a time of emergence where we explore the potential and possibilities of the upcoming season.
These last few days of January are a wonderful time for a reflective practice. Here are some journal prompts for you:
What changes are you noticing in your own environment?
What inspiration can you feel begin to stir within you?
What dreams are calling to be brought forth into the world?
Goddess Brigid
Brigid, the Goddess and patron Saint of Ireland is celebrated on Imbolc with her feast day on Thursday 1st February 2024. In ancient Celtic spirituality Brigid is known as a triple goddess associated with water, fire and poetry. She may appear as the Maiden, Mother or Crone. Brigid as both Celtic Goddess and early Christian Saint is associated with spring, fertility, motherhood, wisdom, healing and abundance. In Ireland, we have a new annual public holiday in honour of her feast day.
Here are some suggestions if you would like to create your own ritual to honour Brigid:
Brat Bríde (Brigid’s mantle) - Traditionally, it was believed that on the eve of her feast day Brigid would spread her cloak as she walked over the land. Follow this tradition by leaving a small piece of material outdoors on the eve of her feast day and ask Brigid to infuse it with her healing powers. Place it on your altar as a reminder of the Divinity within you throughout the upcoming spiral.
Brigid’s Cross - Many of us will have memories of making a 3 or 4 armed cross out of straw or rushes in school. Brigid’s cross was traditionally woven to invoke her blessing and protection for the year ahead. If you have access to the materials, you could make the cross on the eve of her feast day and leave outside to receive her blessing.
We are looking forward to honouring Brigid with you next Thursday, 1st February at 8:00pm (GMT) and have crafted a beautiful new Yoga Nidra to help you reconnect with the Goddess within you. Purchase here.
