Imbolc, (EM-bowlk) Gaelic term meaning ‘in the belly’ is the time of year when we celebrate the bringing forth of life from the barren soil. Also referred to as Oimealg (IM-mol’g), ‘meaning ewe’s milk,’ this is also the time of year when herd animals would give birth and their milk would flow. Ancient Celts, Druids, and other pagans, celebrated Imbolc as winter began to move into spring and life would return to the sparse lands. (I should mention the term pagan comes from the Latin word paganus, which means ‘rustic’ and ‘country dweller.’ It has nothing to do with religion.)
Imbolc is also known as the festival of the maiden, a time when Mother Earth calls forth the light and the sun warms the earth, waking it from is winter slumber. Another name February 2 goes by is Brigid’s Day (pronounced Breed’s Day), as she is the goddess we honor on this day.
According to Celtic lore, Brigid, a goddess of the sun, wells and springs, was born at daybreak then rose into the sky as the sun’s fiery rays streamed from her head, thus portrayed by her long, flame-red hair. As an infant the goddess was fed the milk from a white sacred cow, giving her the power to bring life wherever she walked. It is believed small flowers and shamrocks sprouted after Brigid passed by. Her other gifts include light, knowledge, inspiration, vitality, and healing. (Yes, the pagan Brigid is one and the same as Saint Brigid but was a pagan goddess long before Christianity claimed her.)
There is lore that Brigid will reward any sincere offering made to her. Coins are often tossed into wells throughout Ireland and Scotland in hopes that she will answer the person’s plea. (There will be a quiz later so remember this when I ask you how the custom of throwing a penny into a fountain originated.)
Where did Groundhog Day come from? Well, Brigid would call forth snakes from the earth to test the weather. If the snakes could survive then it was warm enough for her to awaken the young plants. Snakes. Groundhogs. You say to-may-to–I say to-ma-to. It’s all the same.
Here in my corner of the Concord River the goddess of fire and light is breathing life into the plants and animals around me. From the pussy willow bushes at the end of Elsie Avenue starting to bud to the lilac bush in Sparky Park, life is bursting open. (Yup, it’s true. February 2nd and they’re awake.)
Pushing aside the leaves revealed more wonders.
Even the ducks have returned, along with Franny of course.
May Brigid bless the threshold of your home; May she keep your hearth warm and your belly full; May she grant you wisdom and peace; May she guide your way; And may she light your world with the beauty of flowers, birds, and love. Blessed be. :}