Do you know the precursor to the groundhog story? Today is the day that the Cailleach was said to go out and gather firewood for the rest of the winter. Legend has it that if she intends to make the winter last a good while longer, she will make sure the weather on Imbolc is bright and sunny, so she can gather plenty of firewood. Therefore, people are generally relieved if Imbolc is a day of foul weather, as it means the Cailleach is asleep and winter is almost over. Apparently we felt it was more important to torture small rodents then go with the whole witch that controls winter concept.
Today is Imbolc, the Feast of Brigid, Candlemas a time to celebrate the first little stirrings of spring and the return of light and warmth. Its a time to shake off those winter blues and prepare for the year ahead. This is the time to set goals for the year, to come out of winter hibernation and greet the returning sun.
Imbolc is a Celtic holiday associated with the goddess Brigid. Brigid is a busy goddess being the patroness of healing, smithcraft and the arts. She brings fertility and inspiration, poetry and fire. Seems to me this holiday is a far better time for "resolutions" then the dark cold New Years Eve.
So tonight I'll take a nice quiet shower (in my house quiet is relative) to relax then sit down and put my goals of the year down on paper and probably make a focus board. A little meditation and some hard work and by this time next year I'll be a better version of me!
I wish upon the stars above
And on the moonlight's gleam
I ask the gods to send their love
And help fulfill my dream
Hard I've worked to get here
This magic time and space
I know my dreams are drawing near
At Fate's own measured pace
Bring to blossom dreaming's fruit
I ask from heart and soul
As flowers spring from planted root
Let me achieve me goal
I love the poem.
ReplyDeleteNot surprised at the plagiarism.