Imbolc

Spring is in the air! Although we are at the beginning of the month of February, the trees here on the North Coast are already beginning to blossom. Daffodils are springing up from the rain soaked ground. The Aleutian Geese can be heard as they fly overhead on their migratory path.

Tuesday was Groundhog Day, and as predicted, the groundhog saw his shadow, foretelling six more weeks of winter. Although looked upon with amusement and jest, this day has a very interesting history. In fact, the groundhog seeing his shadow is an American tradition. A much earlier version from the Old World involved a snake!

I have always been an avid reader of Mythology, and more recently have found myself drawn to the myths of the ancient Celts. To these people of old, February 2 was a very special day known as Imbolc, or Ewe's Milk. It was at this time of year that the first signs of spring would appear, and the sheep would begin to lactate in anticipation of giving birth to their little lambs. This day was sacred to the Celtic Goddess Brigid, the Goddess of the Hearth, Smithcraft and Poetry. This Goddess was revered and honored throughout the Celtic lands and was known by many names. It was said that on the eve of Imbolc that Brigid would travel the world with her Faery Cow. The people who honored her would leave a libation of milk and sometimes food. They would also leave a green ribbon on their doorstep, hoping that Brigid would bless it during her travels and it would be used for healing throughout the year. Leaving milk and goodies on the eve of a holiday... hmmm... where have we heard that one before?

As Christianity became the dominant religion, those who followed the Old Ways were forced to change their traditions and rituals. But the people loved Brigid so much that they would not let her memory die. Along came St. Brigit, one of the most beloved saints of the people of Ireland. Brigit had miraculous powers to heal the sick, to bring dead animals back to life, and she was even said to be the foster mother of Jesus. There are many legends about the beloved saint and she was said to have built churches on the old sites where the Druids used to gather to worship. St. Brigit's holy day was called Candlemas, also celebrated on February 2.

The Caim of Bride was a charm or prayer that was recited to call upon the protection of Brigid.



The Caim of Bride


Be the compassing of Bride around me
Keeping me from ill and evil,
Keeping me from death and doom,
From malice and misfortune.
Be the fiery sword of Bride
Defending me from all black swarms.

Be the shield of blessed Bride
Protecting me from all sharp edges.
Be the cloak of gentle Bride
Encircling me.

Be the compassing of Bride around me,
Keeping me from hurt and harm,
Keeping me from wound and woe,
From darkness and despair.

Be the compassing of Bride around me
This day and every day,
This night and every night.

This is an obscure holiday but happens to be one of my favorites. Perhaps it is because if is completely devoid of commerciality. Most people who I come into contact with are clueless about the origins of this day.

No other figure builds the bridge between Christianity and Paganism like Brigid, or Bright Arrow as she was known to her devotees. Beloved Goddess, Blessed Saint, Brigid's flame continues to burn as we await the awakening of the Earth in the Spring.