Imbolc is the day that we celebrate the passing of Winter and the return of Spring.
Imbolc marks the seasonal change, where the first signs of Spring and the return of the sun are noted.
A festival of light, to celebrate the return of the sun, now gaining power in its’ ascent from its’ low travail across the horizon.
I walked out across the gardens today, recording in image the day of Imbolc.
The rays of the sun, felt warm upon my face and as I walked away from it, warmed my back.
This renewal that is Imbolc has cast its’ energy upon the land and myself…here I am re-sculpting the beds near the veranda and creating more of a movable pot garden.
The hens in the hen-house are sitting against one wall of the building where the sunlight falls warmly upon them.
Even they are aware of Spring and have begun to lay eggs once more.
Lunaria seed-heads have finally scattered the next generation of flowers and seeds to come.
Sammy-Bear finds it is his time to be outdoors, almost invisible in the light dusting of snow on this Imbolc morning.
Many stems of shrubs and trees give off a vibrancy of colour as the sap begins to push up.
Later today, in the cottage, as the day closes, I shall light candles in each window to celebrate the return of the light and for a brief moment or two, illuminate my home with every light and lamp switched on!
It is heart warming today to realise that the snow will melt and the warm days lie ahead of us.
A time to contemplate changes and new beginnings…a time of hope.
And in tune with that hope, new wine bubbles and ferments in the warm kitchen, ready for warmer days and celebrations.
Winter projects, such as this knitted throw, are brought to a conclusion…soon to be finished off and gifted to its’ recipient.
The last days of candlelight are here.
The dark days are over.
The sun ascends…
Illumination, warmth and renewal lie ahead…
All is light and renewal…
I pray that the flame of Brigid may burn in my soul,
and the souls of all I meet today.
I pray that no envy and malice,
no hatred or fear, may smother the flame.
I pray that indifference and apathy,
contempt and pride,
may not pour like cold water on the flame.
Instead, may the spark of Brigid light the love in my soul,
that it may burn brightly through this season.
And may I warm those that are lonely,
whose hearts are cold and lifeless,
so that all may know the comfort of Brigid’s love.
************************************************************************
I write to encourage, help and inspire mindfulness for our beautiful world and have photographed and written over 870 blogs on the Bealtaine Cottage site, as well as over 110 videos on YouTube…all free from advertising!
You are very welcome and appreciated by leaving a comment, liking, sharing, or even leaving a small donation.
Blessings X
Happy Imbolc Colette. So nice to see these beautiful photos and see Sammy Bear again too. What a beautiful prayer and here’s to turning our minds and souls toward the light of Spring. Hope springs eternal.
Happy Imbolc to you too Colette. Each day as it’s light a little later I can feel the spring almost here – so exciting!
Carrie x
Reblogged this on Bealtaine Cottage ~ Home of Goddess Permaculture and Earth Healing.
Thank you for this beautiful post 🙂
Reblogged this on Ned Hamson Second Line View of the News.
Thanks for the Prayer for Imbolc. It reflects my feelings perfectly as the sun will soon be staying above the nearby mountain all day. Then spring will truly arrive here in the mountains!
Blessed Imbolc to you from snowy Goshen!
Blessings X
Hi Collette , It’s Patrick. I enjoyed your post today . Your cottage and gardens look lovely! As your theme today is ‘Hope’ , I thought it would be appropriate to give you and your community an update on how my partner Jess is doing . I’m delighted to say that she’s doing far ,far better than I could have hoped. She has all her mental faculties, can hold a witty conversation as good as you and better than me . She is now walking , and can climb a flight of hospital stairs . She is able to use the bathroom by herself ; can wash and dress herself. We are looking forward to a future in which all things are possible and we rule nothing out. We are hoping that Jessica will be discharged from hospital on Feb 9th, and she will come home to me supported by ‘care in the community’; exactly 10 weeks after her accident. We are excited about the future ; hope to be travelling around th U.K. after Easter, have an invite to the Shetlands next Christmas ; and dearly wish to visit Ireland in between! The dream of coming to live in Ireland is indeed still ‘warm’. Thank you Collette ; you and your community were a great comfort and support in the dark days when it was uncertain whether Jessica would survive , and the severity of disability if she did . Love and best wishes to you all , Patrick and Jessica .
Wonderful news, Patrick! There are so many people who have read your story, and all with wonderful energy who have wished Jessica well. Bless you bothXXX
Thanks for this beautiful post. Brigid is important to me -as one of the “Old Ones” as well as a Saint that literally provided a bridge for me! I am dealing with a broken heart as well as a broken body at this time, and this beautiful poem has uplifted me!
Blessings and hugs XXX
Peace within…peace without. Your life is such a beautiful reflection of this and I thank you for sharing it with me. The feeling that your comments and photos invoke is calming, hopeful and inspired. Blessings to you.
I thank you for your kind words. Blessings X