Imbolc, (EM-bowlk) is a Gaelic term meaning ‘in the belly’. This is the time of year when Mother Earth celebrates life by nudging awake the frozen seeds slumbering within her belly under the barren soil. She whispers softly to them to wake and ready themselves for the coming spring.

This time in 2016 my bulbs were waking, breaking through the ground and peeking their tips into the sunshine.

2016

This year, no tender shoots. Just a blanket of white.

2017

Ancient Celts, Druids, and other pagans, celebrated Imbolc as the beginning to the season of spring–a time when winter began to wane and life returned 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 referred to as Oimealg  (IM-mol’g), meaning ‘ewe’s milk’, as this was the time of year when herd animals would give birth and their milk would flow.

Imbolc starts at sundown on February 1 and lasts into February 2, Brigid’s Day (pronounced Breed’s Day), named for the goddess Imbolc honors. 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 ‘toe-may-toe’, I say ‘toe-mah-toe’–it’s all the same.

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.

Brigid’s 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.)

It’s believed that Brigid will reward any sincere offering made to her. Throughout Ireland and Scotland, coins are often tossed into wells in hopes that she’ll answer the person’s plea. (There might be a quiz later so remember this when I ask you how the custom of throwing a penny into a fountain originated.)

As a way of welcoming the return of the sun, at sundown, a celebration of Imbolc includes the lighting of white candles in each room of the house  Next an offering of food is made in the name of Brigid. Since I’m still recuperating from my hysterectomy, I can’t shop for corn for the ducks. No problem. I gave them dried bread. Begging ducks can’t be choosy ducks and I’m sure Brigid didn’t mind.

By comparing Imbolc 2016 to this year, I gain perspective on what has passed and the blessings to arrive. It’s good to know that some constants remain…

…and some changes bring new beauty.

Oh, and the American goldfinches have started molting!

You guys need to slow down a bit.

In closing, 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. :}