Deep within the hollows of the earth, there is a soft glow. It is the gentle and comforting flames of candlelight. There, in the stillness and silence, the Goddess Brigid sleeps. She is awaiting her moment to return to the surface, bursting with life and the energies of creation. Yet, in this moment of cold and snow and biting winds, she sleeps. She waits. The earth is not quite ready for her to return with darkness still holding its grasp over the land. However, we do see the sun rising earlier and retreating later in our day. That brings hope. It is the promise that everything changes and that change will be coming soon. We will feel the energy of life once again. In turn, we too will burst from our slumber, much like Brigid deep within the caves in the earth. What will you breathe life into when the times comes? How will you channel the power of life and creation into yourself? How will you bring that forward into the world?
Tonight, as the sun melts into the western sky, we begin the sacred time of Imbolc or Imbolg, a Celtic fire festival meaning, ‘in the belly’. It is the time where we notice the shift in the light with the warming sun, the longer days, and first stirrings of new life as snowdrops and crocus flowers pop through the cold soil. These are the signs of hope and promise of the changes yet to come. The time of rebirth will soon be upon us. What do you nurture in your belly? What plans do you dream of? How do you see yourself growing this year? Let us bear witness to the cycles of life around us and within us as the soil softens and seeds prepare to break their shells. For we too are as young and tender as the seeds of life deep within the belly of the earth.
As a sacred fire festival, Imbolc reminds us to kindle our inner fire. We all must remember that we are a part of the flame that has no beginning and no end. Sometimes as we hibernate in the long, cold winter, those fires may slowly and steadily burn. Sometimes they feel as if they are only embers. The truth of the matter is that the flame within us will not die. It is up to us however, to kindle those sacred flames. Even as she slumbers, Brigid, the Keeper of the Sacred Flame, burns within us. When we honor our flame, we honor the Divine within, and Brigid. This is the time to dream. It is the time to plan. Standing at the point between winter and the first breaths of spring, we can feel the desire to begin once again. Deep within us there is a stirring. There is a scared knowing. Together, we join in the song of life and sing ourselves awake. By taking the time to listen to your own unique song, you honor who you are and what you are here to do. What a blessing it is to be a part of this beautiful world at this time, in this place, with unique abilities.
So, as you continue to rest deep within the heart of the earth, what do you dream? What is it that your heart and soul are whispering to you? What seeds will you plant into the fertile soil of life? What do you choose to grow this year? The choice is up to you. Take your time as you reflect on where you have been, where you are, and where you wish to be. Allow your inner fire, your sacred flame, to warm you and offer you hope. Let it speak. Remember that you are an important aspect to the tapestry of life. How will you weave your Will into being when the time comes to burst through the boundaries and shine your light? Ask the Goddess Brigid assist you on your journey. She is the Goddess of smithing, healing, and poetry. She understands how you can create the life you dream of and inspire you to be all that you are. Take this sacred time to listen to what is written upon your heart. For you are deserving of this hope and are needed within this growing time.
Blessings to you as you awaken to your heart and entwine with the delicate, tender roots of life.
Renee Bedard, The Whispering Crow
Photos by Renee Bedard
The Whispering Crow 