01/02/2024
Today, the 1st of February, is the festival of Imbolc, where Pagans celebrate the recovery of the Goddess Brighid, where she is returned to the Maiden after the birth of the Sun God (Yule), and where other religions celebrate the festival of Candlemas.
Imbolc marks the beginning of Spring, and in ancient times there would be a gathering of clans, tribes, and village folk to honour the Goddess Brighid and to ask for healing after the winter months. Brighid is one of the many Goddesses of hearth & home.
The word Imbolc means 'in the belly' and refers to the bulbs and seeds lying in the earth waiting for the right time to sprout.
We see signs of spring emerging everywhere, in my garden the snowdrops are out and the daffodils have their heads up ready to welcome the spring sun and open.
How many of you grow your own food and flowers?
This year as you plant the seeds I encourage you to set intentions so as the seeds grow so do your intentions.
'I plant my seed that it may grow,
my hopes within it, too, I sow.
Dear Goddess see what I pursue
and help me see my dreams come true
If I deserve it, through work and toil -
here symbolised by fertile soil -
the day will come, through my volition,
when I will see my works fruition.
so mote it be'
Jen x