Mama Renew

Today is the first day of Spring, or at least traditionally it has been celebrated as such within the Celtic calendar.  And February 2nd, of course, is our modern equivalent – Groundhog day. Whether you’re still buried in snow, or seeing the first signs of spring (we found a crocus today!), here are a few musings on this ancient celebration.

February 1st is the festival Brigid, called Imbolc, which translates as “in the belly”, referring to the ewes who begin to lactate at this time of year in preparation for the birth of their lambs.  Brigid is the Gaelic goddess of poetry, healing, smithcraft (metal working) and fire.  Imbolc is known as a festival of the hearth and home, where candles and fires burn bright on this day to represent the pending return of the sun and the warm days to come.

Winter can be a long and cold time.  It can bring isolation for some, and getting out of the house sometimes feels overwhelming (20 minutes to put on snow pants, hats, gloves & boots and then they announce they have to pee – been there?  I have…) Spring is close, but it may not feel close enough.  Our culture is woefully lacking in ways to honour this transition from winter to spring, helping us feel the warmth that is ahead.  Here are a few ideas of our own:

Bask in the warmth and glow of some candles or a fire tonight.

Get out the seed catalogs & start planning this year’s garden!

In honour of Brigid, read through a favorite book of poetry.

Go out for a family walk & search for signs of spring –

green buds, snow drops, cherry blossoms preparing to bloom…

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