Even more so than the Winter Solstice, Imbolc in my part of the world (mid-Atlantic/ Chesapeake Bay region) feels even colder, darker, and grayer. We usually get snow in late January/ early February. And my body just wants the cold and dark to end already!
It’s hard to remember that the light is increasing and that life is returning to the world, especially for those of us living in the cities and suburbs. That is why honoring the Wheel of the Year is so important to me — it calls me to stop, reconnect, and reflect on what is happening in the world around me.
And so, looking out my window this week, I’ve seen and heard an uptick in bird activity around the house and I’ve seen so many animal tracks in the snow — deer, rabbit, and fox (or some other small mammal — maybe cats). I know that I also get more restless this time of year. I want to be out and about, or at least moving more around my own home. I start to think seriously about the projects I want to work on this year and plan how I might accomplish them.
This leads me to Imbolc, at least how we celebrate it in my group Connect DC. At Imbolc, we honor the goddess Brigid, especially as the blacksmith at her forge. In meditation we encounter her holy well and sacred flame on our way to visit her forge. We make pledges to the work we will do this year, and we offer them up on her anvil. We ask that she temper those pledges (and ourselves) to make them (and us) stronger to manifest the best possible world for all.
What do you plan to accomplish this year?
What weaknesses or obstacles do you need Brigid’s help in shoring up or removing to improve your chances of accomplishing your plans?
What do you need to strengthen within yourself or in the situation to accomplish them?
I wrote my first prayer to Brigid on Mohegan Island, Maine, in August 2000. I was just starting out on my journey as an artist and writer. Sitting on the cliffs overlooking the morning sun sparkling on the waves, I was inspired to write this invocation and dedication of my work to her.
I sing to you, O Brighid, queen of sacred poets, Burning flame in the night. Your light points the way out of the mental fog And towards a higher purpose. Every speck of paint, every smudge of charcoal, Every song written and sung, every word written and shared, Is within your power. I dedicate them to you. Let my words bring beauty, Let them move the people to the saddest, sweetest tears And to the highest cries of ecstasy. I dedicate my voice to you, Lady of bards, poets, and madmen. May I serve you with honor. May my songs make you proud. May my life make you smile. Hail, Lady Brighid, I honor you. Accept my sacrifice.
Here’s a short playlist for the Imbolc season on Apple Music.
May you be invigorated by the rising sap
to reach up to the sun and out to your community.
May Brigid’s holy well and sacred flame
purify you and inspire your work in the world.
Blessings from a strong and open heart,
Happy Imbolc!