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Imbolc
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Ancestral wrote: "I have come across an interesting tidbit, which I intend to follow: Brighid's Mantle."Speaking of Brighid brought to mind an old meditation I'd like to share. You can hear it here: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Pagan...
The Forge in the Forest
Meeting Brigit--triple-goddess of healing, smithcraft, and inspiration.
BY: Mara Freeman: voice and zither
Gerry Smida: harp, keyboards, percussion
An Inner Journey to invoke Brigit : The Forge in the Forest
Light your candle. Gaze into the flame for a few moments, then close your eyes. You will still see the image of the flame against your eyelids. Now imagine it is growing brighter and brighter, and go one step further and imagine you are standing in a place filled with the warmth and red gold light of leaping flames… Imagine, in fact, that you are standing in the entrance to a forge in a forest, where a blazing fire is roaring, and in front of it stands a woman. Thick, auburn hair is tied back, but a few rippling curls have escaped around her face. She is dressed in dark green with sleeves rolled up to the elbows, revealing strong white arms. Brigit, for of course it is she, stands over a large anvil where all her concentration is focused on beating a sheet of soft gleaming bronze with a great hammer… At last, she looks up and smiles at you warmly. She has finished her creation and holds it up to the light of the fire for you to see. As you look at it, it appears to continually change shape: first it seems to be a leaf, then a globe, … and now it has become a star. Brigit laughs deeply, musically, and tosses the star into the air, where it sails into the night sky and takes its place among the glittering constellations…
And now Brigit turns towards you and asks: What have you come here to create? … You tell her of your vision, whether great or small, personal or for the wider community… and she beckons you over to the fire. As you look into the flames, pictures start to move and you see yourself at work, filled with enthusiasm and passion as you make your vision a reality… … You and your creation are surrounded and shot through with the golden light of inspiration. Brigit is there too, watching over you with love as you work, encouraging you and filling you with confidence and creativity… If any self-doubt or fears start to arise, see Brigit surrounding you with her mantle of protection: a warm soft cloak of green that makes you feel safe and inviolable… Now see yourself with your vision turned into reality, feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride… Thank Brigit for showing you this vision, and ask her to tell you what your first step should be towards bringing it into reality…. Listen carefully, and ask her questions if you need more clarity… When you have finished the conversation with her, see the forge suddenly glow even more brightly, so that all forms and shapes, including that of Brigit herself, melt into a suffusion of golden light… and now see that the light is just the candle flame reflected on your eyelids…Slowly come back to the room. Open your eyes and write down what she has suggested. In the coming weeks, call upon Brigit to help keep your inspiration alight.
I did my own thing, as I usually do. But I'm okay with that. :)
I waited till my house was clean and clear of people. Then just relaxed, said and did what needed to be done and started making what was a feast for all who were there.
It was perfect for me and that's all I need. My husband even asked me what the occasion was and he listened and talked to me about it. Meant more to me than anything.
I waited till my house was clean and clear of people. Then just relaxed, said and did what needed to be done and started making what was a feast for all who were there.
It was perfect for me and that's all I need. My husband even asked me what the occasion was and he listened and talked to me about it. Meant more to me than anything.
Why thank you Mawgojzeta!! I prepped more for Imbolc this year than in past years and well what do you know I had the best experience. It's nice when you can take your time to do it right. Who knew!? :D LOL
Haha - you mean rushing through something like a wild maniac isn't the best way to do things???? I am a wild maniac, and often have to (ok, my boyfriend has to) say STOP, SLOW DOWN, BREATHE, and then begin again. And it is so much better!
Wait! Who says being you can't be a maniac? I am one of those people who look all crazy! Haha!
What did you do for Imbolc...sorry I didn't ask before, so rude! :)
What did you do for Imbolc...sorry I didn't ask before, so rude! :)
I cleaned my house. Clean, clean, clean. Do this every year at this time. Also partook in some wonderful homemade chili that the boyfriend made. Mostly, I was sick, though, so shortly after I ate, I slept.
Oh no! Sorry to hear you were sick. I was sick the week before, I had strep, a bad sinus infection, tonsillitis, AND! laryngitis all with in the week. Bloody hell!
I better be done with that crap!
Hope you're feeling better! :)
I better be done with that crap!
Hope you're feeling better! :)
I used to turn on every light in the house, an ancient tradition, but about 3 years ago I felt guilty - what a carbon footprint multiplied by who knows how many other pagans. I was thinking about altering the ritual and asked Bridgit for ideas (since she is connected to the Earth I figured she would know best). Less than 5 minutes later an email popped right in my inbox. It was from a French group promoting a 'lights out' day on Feb 2nd (the date was pure synchronicity - they weren't a pagan group). I took inspiration and I made a simple obvious change. Every year at Imbolc I now turn OFF every light, meditate, and then turn the regular lights back on - same principle, much better from an energy perspective.
I work that night, but will take some time to meditate while at work. I'll probably relax with a small bonfire the night before, though.