There is no denying that there has been a lot of tension, pain and anger for many around the last few months, to the point of being palpable. Unfortunately I don't think that this is going away quite yet.
For those of us who are exhausted, ragged, and raw, Imbolc is a great time to do some purification and remedial work. Brigid can help heal our wounded hearts and grant us strength, and her day is one of hope and renewal.
Here are a few previous posts that might be of interest to give you some more information and ideas:
Should you wish to participate in something that is more ongoing, there is a lovely project that recently started called Tending the Flame of Hope, which will be ongoing over the next four years. It is promoting the act of daily flame keeping and devotionals:
If you are a devotee to Brigid {or wish to be} and are not already a flamekeeper, there are many groups dedicated to tending to her flame. Two such groups Nigheanan Brìghde {a sisterhood that I belong to} and Ord Brighideach International {cells that are mixed, brotherhoods and sisterhoods}.
I have found support and a sense of community in the group that I belong to and I am glad that I joined.
"Every day, until (at least) January 20, 2021, we'll be lighting up a candle to keep the flame of hope alive, physically and in our hearts. We kindle it with the intention to bring hope to all, and we encourage you to share the pictures we take of the candles. There may be additional intentions: Liberty, Joy, Unity... but always, "Hope" is where the kindling begins."~Tending the Flame of Hope
If you are a devotee to Brigid {or wish to be} and are not already a flamekeeper, there are many groups dedicated to tending to her flame. Two such groups Nigheanan Brìghde {a sisterhood that I belong to} and Ord Brighideach International {cells that are mixed, brotherhoods and sisterhoods}.
I have found support and a sense of community in the group that I belong to and I am glad that I joined.
Finally, I leave you with a lovely video about some of the Irish lore and traditions of Imbolc.
No matter how you may {or may not} observe this time, may Brigid's fire bring you comfort and may her waters be a balm to you. Beannachtaí na Féile Bríde agus Imbolc oraibh/ Brigid's Day & Imbolc blessings to you all!
Laurel
Thank you, Laurel, for this post! and I think the honoring of Brigid is a great idea for the next 4 years, as it may have unexpected influences in unexpected places, where a shift is badly needed. Particularly one that is not in the "real" world of everyday actions with negative effects...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laurel, for this post! and I think the honoring of Brigid is a great idea for the next 4 years, as it may have unexpected influences in unexpected places, where a shift is badly needed. Particularly one that is not in the "real" world of everyday actions with negative effects...
ReplyDeleteHi Thymia, thanks for stopping by! While I do honour Brigid already and will probably long past four years from now, I do think that she is someone who would probably provide comfort in the shorter term as well. Obviously I can't say for sure, but just a hunch. :)
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