Imbolc \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Garden Planning Moon<\/p>\n
On the Great Wheel we have moved past winter now and have arrived in a season dedicated to Brigid, the triple goddess of smith, hearth and poetry. \u00a0Her fiery inspiration fills the kitchen, the world of artisanry and of the poet.<\/p>\n
Her fertile presence in the world is also reflected in the name of this cross-quarter season, Imbolc, or in-the-belly. \u00a0In Ireland of old this was the season when the ewes became pregnant, that is, had a lamb in-the-belly. \u00a0This meant the ewes freshened and could be milked.<\/p>\n
(see more of Wendy’s work at paintingdreams<\/a>)<\/p>\n After a season of bleakness and no growth fresh milk and the cheese made from it would have added a lot to the diet, protein and calcium in particular, and done it with no need to diminish stores or kill an animal. \u00a0This was a seasonal miracle.<\/p>\n In our time we can walk or ride to the grocery store and pick up a half gallon of milk in any season. \u00a0Imagine what it would have been like to have had only stored vegetables, probably a lot of porridge made from whatever was still left in the root cellar or pantry, and then, suddenly, to have fresh milk. \u00a0And cheese.<\/p>\n A glorious thing, I’m sure.<\/p>\n Today we might look in our pantry and check what’s almost gone. \u00a0That is, what in your life has gone out of supply. \u00a0Energy? \u00a0Love? \u00a0Imagination? \u00a0Motivation? \u00a0Friends? \u00a0Family. \u00a0Consider those the result of a fallow time, a winter of emotional or relational resources. \u00a0We all have them at different times and in different seasons of our life.<\/p>\n Look, then, for the new milk. \u00a0What’s quickening in your life? \u00a0Perhaps a new project. \u00a0A new friend. \u00a0Maybe a child. \u00a0Could be a feeling of confidence, of new direction.<\/p>\n What do you need, after the fresh milk has invigorated you to bring your little one into the world? \u00a0More time to devote to it. \u00a0More affection to bestow. \u00a0More time with yourself for ideas to emerge? \u00a0More time with family and friends to allow your relational life to blossom?<\/p>\n Whatever it is, Brigid is the goddess who represents the creative force necessary to freshen your life. \u00a0You might look at her and what she means. \u00a0Google Brigid. \u00a0There are lots of articles. \u00a0Don’t get into the ontological question. \u00a0Look at how a presence like Brigid might move into your life and give you new perspectives, new images, new paths.<\/p>\n Open yourself to the things you need to have a fruitful and productive new year. \u00a0The season awaits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Imbolc \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Garden Planning Moon On the Great Wheel we have moved past winter now and have arrived in a season dedicated to Brigid, the triple goddess of smith, hearth and poetry. \u00a0Her fiery inspiration fills the … Continue reading Imbolc 2012<\/span>