In the Celtic calendar, the first of the four fire festivals of the year is Imbolc.
It is celebrated on the 1st or 2nd day of February.
The divinity acknowledged in these early Spring rites is the goddess Brigid, the queen of heaven. She is the greatest of the Celtic divinities and is closely associated with the land. She is the protector of the wells and springs. She is the guardian of nature, and therefore agriculture. As a fertility goddess, Brigid is also the patron of the poets, artists, and others who create. (The word Imbolc means literally "in the belly" in the old Irish Neolithic language.) Hence, her name is invoked at childbirth.
Brigid's protection of agriculture and poetry underscores the need to tend our inner fertility. Tending our forms of creativity is crucial to a fulfilling life. The ancients believed that gifts of expression were only on loan. We are reminded to remain grateful, and to be good custodians of artistic talents.
So, let us honor the Great Mother, the Queen of Heaven.
May we be open to her many gifts of inspiration in this season of renewal.
(Excerpted from Imbolc - A day for the Queen of Heaven by John Young)
It is celebrated on the 1st or 2nd day of February.
The divinity acknowledged in these early Spring rites is the goddess Brigid, the queen of heaven. She is the greatest of the Celtic divinities and is closely associated with the land. She is the protector of the wells and springs. She is the guardian of nature, and therefore agriculture. As a fertility goddess, Brigid is also the patron of the poets, artists, and others who create. (The word Imbolc means literally "in the belly" in the old Irish Neolithic language.) Hence, her name is invoked at childbirth.
Brigid's protection of agriculture and poetry underscores the need to tend our inner fertility. Tending our forms of creativity is crucial to a fulfilling life. The ancients believed that gifts of expression were only on loan. We are reminded to remain grateful, and to be good custodians of artistic talents.
So, let us honor the Great Mother, the Queen of Heaven.
May we be open to her many gifts of inspiration in this season of renewal.
(Excerpted from Imbolc - A day for the Queen of Heaven by John Young)
Queen of the Heavens 12x12 Acrylic on canvas sheet
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