It was late by the time everyone sat down, but we wanted to just take a few minutes to reflect on a few of the spiritual traditions that lend meaning to the day [to us].
We are at the midway point between Winter and Spring.
Candlemas or Imbolc is a day of hope and light. It is a time to honor the Lord as the Light of the World (Christian), or the Sun as Light of the World (Pagan) and to remind us that we too have that light within us.
Brighid, is known as the Goddess of healers, poets, smiths, childbirth and inspiration, fire and hearth.
Saint Brighid of Kildare (c451 to 523ce) is venerated as the patroness of farm work and cattle, and protector of the household from fire and calamity. She is often called, “Foster Mother of Christ” and “Mary of the Gael”.
We revisited the visions we wrote in our family journal in January, and talked about our progress, and how during the time to plant seeds of intention.
We ended with a closing prayer:
This day, as I kindle the flame upon my hearth,
I pray that the flame of Brighid may burn in my soul,
and the souls of all I meet today.
I pray that no envy and malice, no hatred or fear, may smother the flame.
I pray that indifference and apathy, contempt and pride, may not pour like cold water on the flame.
Instead, may the spark of Brighid light the love in my soul that it may burn brightly through the day.
And may I warm those that are lonely, whose hearts are cold and lifeless, so that all may know the comfort of Brighid’s love.
And, of course, it’s Groundhog Day, too. It looks like we’re in for six more weeks of Winter!