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Celebrating Brigid: Simple Imbolc Ritual

2/2/2021

24 Comments

 
As Christianity spread across Europe, the Gods of indigenous faiths were either disregarded by the Church or absorbed into folklore. Some were demoted to demons in the new Christian lore. Others were transformed into heroes of a legendary past where they continued to be revered with magick and significance. Still others, particularly those of paramount importance, were adopted as saints. - Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess by Courtney Weber. 
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(photo: The Passing of St. Brigid, Smithsonian, but found on Wkipedia)

Whether you think of Brigid as a goddess, a Druidess, a Bishop of Kildare, founder of the Kildare abbey, a nun, a Saint, or someone who never existed, she is definitely a character who has taken a turn in every one of those roles.

Yesterday evening, Imbolc, or St. Brigid's Day, began, and it ends this evening. It's a day set aside to honor her.

Of course, it's also Candlemas and Groundhog Day, so it's a choose your own celebration day.  

In Celtic spirituality, it's a day that is said to usher in or herald the first signs of spring. Here, in the video below, I am virtually lighting a candle in her honor.


Imbolc invites us to look ahead. To reflect on how far we’ve made in through this winter, what seeds (literal and/or figurative) we want to plant in our daily lives and spiritual paths for the coming season and well beyond, and on ways we can honour the emergence of new life that will – true to the name of the season – soon begin to spring forth around us. -Autumn Zenith
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Here's the simple Imbolc ritual I did...

(1) Light a candle

(2) Brief meditation on winter and rest, and anticipating the light to come in spring. 

(3) Journal or reflection about the literal new life coming in spring, and the new things you hope spring will bring.

(4) Leave candle burning as long as you want.

(5) Say a prayer & blow out the candle to end the ritual.

​See you tomorrow!
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24 Comments
Brenda Fluharty link
2/2/2021 01:31:25 am

She is thought to be the keeper of the book of love. A book the is so powerful in love that if ever opened would united the world. One of my favorite stories.

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 01:39:29 am

Oh, I love that, Brenda!! And I believe it, too. I have heard and read about her gentle mother energy - which I sure need in my life. I feel that energy whenever I light a candle for her.

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Di Hill link
2/2/2021 05:18:26 am

Mmmms. I'm not into religion and spirituality. However, you've inspired me to film a candle burning. I don't often do video but will try it.

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 10:22:35 am

Awesome!! I love candles, whether I am smelling them nearby - like the one I have burning right now - or watching them flicker in a video.

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Frances Cahill link
2/2/2021 07:59:32 am

My Celtic roots flow deep Jeanine. Thank you for bringing Brigid into the spotlight.

Cheers F

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 10:23:52 am

Oh, you're so welcome! Well, I love her, so am happy to do it. I have Celtic roots, as well. Although I hear that many of us Americans do, one way or another.

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Roy A Ackerman, PhD, EA link
2/2/2021 10:00:57 am

Love the harbinger of Spring to be in February. Talk about the ultimate optimism!

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 10:25:26 am

LOL! Right??? I finally got it, that it's an encouragement, to know that even if you can't see it yet, it's on the way. But for a long time, I thought it was crazy to talk of spring. It's also meant to signal continued winter rest, though, and I can totally get behind that.

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Kathleen Port link
2/2/2021 12:31:46 pm

For some reason, Imbolc never caught my attention, but this year I see references to it everywhere. So I lit my candle, decorated it with bay leaves, lavender and black tea leaves and reflected/visualized/intended. Glad to join the Imbolc festivities!

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 12:51:41 pm

That's wonderful, Kathleen!! I'm so glad to hear it.

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Dr.Amrita Basu
2/2/2021 01:20:50 pm

A very interesting post.I didn't know anything about this.Very enlightening

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 09:39:31 pm

Thanks, Amrita!!

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Elena Sherwood link
2/2/2021 01:54:27 pm

There is a calmness, hopeful and celebratory feel to this read, for that I thank you! I've had Brigids and variations of her my life so this post holds much meaning for me. Thank you mostly for reminding us that spring is not far, and the gift of preparing for it!

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 09:40:21 pm

Oh, what a sweet thing to say, Elena!! Thanks so much!

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Barb link
2/2/2021 01:58:30 pm

Wow, talk about an interesting post! I will admit, I'm not familiar with this topic so I read this post a couple of times. I'm looking forward to your next post if you continue with this topic - I'll learn more!

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 09:41:00 pm

Well, thank you, Barb! I really appreciate that!!

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Will Burley link
2/2/2021 02:04:50 pm

I really loved this entry! I had never heard of this before and you’ve inspired me to do some more research. Thanks for helping me get another wrinkle in my brain today! ☺️

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 09:42:05 pm

Oh, that's great, Will!! I hope you enjoy finding out more.

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Martha link
2/2/2021 05:16:18 pm

I too haven't heard of this story, but I do like Brenda's comment! I'll have to look into this more.

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 09:43:47 pm

Thanks, Martha!! I think Brenda is right, in what she is saying about Brigid, though I hadn't heard that particular thing about her, either.

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Kebba Buckley Button link
2/2/2021 10:05:39 pm

Jeanine, I was never too clear on what Imbolc was, or who Brigid was. I'm strong on Christian history, but not what came before. I do love celebrating and welcoming new seasons! Each has its own special and sacred purpose. What a lovely ceremony you have here. Thank you!

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 10:38:38 pm

Thanks, Kebba!! I've only known about it, myself, for the past 10 or 11 years or so.

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Alice Gerard link
2/2/2021 10:07:13 pm

Ahh, spring. Just a dream here in this frozen wasteland. I'm still loving the snow, so it's good. And the story of Brigid. So interesting! I really enjoyed that!! thank you for the story of such a strong, powerful woman.

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Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2021 10:39:41 pm

It definitely is still a dream at this point! You're welcome!! I love her story, too.

Reply



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