We often feel blue in the northern hemisphere in February as winter refuses to loosen its grip. There can be the occasional day when spring tries to raise its head and thaw the cold, but we and our bodies long for more sun, warmth and light.
There is a wonderful Celtic tale which describes this. Once upon a time, the Goddess of Winter, Beira, held the young Goddess of Spring, Brighid, captive in her northern, icy kingdom.
Image by Ashe Walker – Unsplash
When Beira sent Brigid a freezingly cold stream, along with a brown cloak which she was instructed to turn white, Brigid despaired, knowing this was impossible. Fortunately, help was at hand. Father Winter took pity on her and turned the cloak white. Then he gave her a glorious bunch of snowdrops.
Image by Sunflair – Pixabay
Beira was furious. Snowdrops were a sign that her power was waning. Determined to keep her icy power for herself, she took her staff and set off across the land, banging it hard on the ground and creating snow and frost wherever she went.
Image by John Nature Photos – Pixabay
Beira might still have us in her grip but all is not lost. Brighid’s day, known as Imbolc in the Celtic calendar, falls this year on 2nd February. So Beira, beware. However hard you bang your staff to freeze the ground, you will eventually have to put it away for another year.
Brighid is an important Celtic Goddess, so important that Britain is named for her after the Romans changed her name to Britannia.
There are eight festivals in the Celtic Wheel of the Year and Imbolc is the first for 2025. Despite the often challenging weather, it marks the first stirrings of new life. Lambs are born this month and some birds begin to mate.
Image by Burkard Meyendriesch – Pixabay
The word ‘Imbolc’ – pronounced Imolc – means ‘in the belly’, referring both to pregnant sheep as well as the fertile earth who is preparing to re-awaken. At Imbolc, we strengthen the bonds of home, family and community by lighting white candles and honouring the blessed warmth of the hearth fire.
Christianity changed Brighid’s festival to Candlemas, marking not only the day when Mary and Joseph first brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, but also the lighting of candles in the darkness.
However we celebrate this time, let’s remind ourselves of the sacredness of life and light. We may still be in the time of rest and recuperation, but soon we will witness the renewal of nature, birth and increased energy.
So give yourself time to breathe, reflect and restore. warm yourself with love on 14th – Valentine’s Day – and dare to embrace nature again, however chilly, walking amongst the snowdrops to let Brigid know she is welcome.
Image by Ultra Nancy – Pixabay
