Mid Winter Celebrations, Imbolc, Feast of the Goddess Brigit
Mid Winter Celebrations are certainly welcome right about now! Therefore, as the Polar Vortex descends, let’s follow in the footsteps of the ancient ancestors. Imbolc has arrived! February 1st, this Feast of Light begins at sunset on the 31st, and extends to sunset of Feb. 2nd. Perfect timing due to the fact this is the midway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. In addition, entire towns still gather today as the ancestors have throughout the ages. As a result, special dishes are prepared, candles are lit, and the mead flows. Most relevant, Imbolc traditionally ushers in the Spring with seedlings planted, pregnant sheep, and longer days of Sunlight. So let’s light the candles for this time of fertility, rebirth, and feasting
First of all, Imbolc is the first of four major festivals of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, dating back thousands of years. Also, the word itself means ‘in the belly’, pregnant with new abundance. Furthermore, rituals put everyone in mindfulness of the Season, their place in the world, and the future of their people. Bonfires light the way for processions to Sacred Wells, standing stones, and ancient Megalith monuments. Plus, offerings of coins, bundles of food, and carved talismans hang from trees honoring the ancient Spirits of place.
Brigit the Beloved
Secondly, Mid Winter Celebrations honor the most beloved Goddess Brigit, the Exalted One. Also, here we find yet another story of an ancient race of gods who bring civilization to the wild human laborers. Most of all, Brigit, Brigid, Brid, was the daughter of Dagda the good, Leader of the Tuatha De’ Danann. Furthermore, they were a race of ancient gods of light and knowledge. Brigit gave the gifts of healing, poetry, fertility, and blacksmithing to the people. Also, She is the Patron of Serpents, associated with healing, wisdom and high intelligence. Moreover, She presides over prophecy, divination, and the ‘site’ at Sacred pools and wells. She is mystical and a miracle worker. Women seeking fertility tie offerings and gifts to the trees around the sacred wells. Poets honor her as the Great Goddess of the Word.
Mid Winter Celebrations begin as every good feast, with a procession in Her honor. So Revelers carry a statue of Brigit from house to house. The Exalted One may visit one’s home on this night. Families make a bed for her, along with food and drink. They call to Her 3 times, inviting Her into their homes. Items are left at the door for her to bless. Families believe this assures good fortune and abundance for the coming year.
Most noteworthy, Brigits Tribe is credited with building the ancient sacred complex of 90 Megalithic Stone works, The Bru’. The seat of the ancient High Kings and capital of the Tuatha is the grand Hill of Tara. Also located here is the most famous ancient Neolithic monument, Newgrange. Covered with megalithic art, carved spirals, grids, and whorls, this Ancient Temple, built around 3200 BC, predates the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. Huge Stones mark the passageway at dawn of Winter Solstice , as a shaft of first sunlight pierces the passageway to the back wall. The Sun banishes the longest night of the year!
Mid Winter Celebrations are warming to the Soul. So let’s light the candles to banish the dark as we bring luck and light into our lives. What can you Birth new and beautiful into your life at this New Moon time? Until I can actually join a guided tour of the famous Newgrange site, I will celebrate Brigit the Exalted One and Imbolc with hearty soup, good wine, and gathering around the fire. The Ancients were really onto something here.
Brigit Enters the Pantheon of Moon Stories at Journey to the Dreamtime, Mystery School of Art. Each class runs from the first of the month to the last day. Each Moon offers Her Story, Life Intentions, and Art Play. Join us.
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