It's the 2nd February - Imbolc or Candlemas or Brigid's Day - bright blessings to you.
Today is the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is the day we celebrate the small signs that Spring is approaching; snowdrops, hyacinth and crocuses blooming, daffodils in bud. These all herald the return of the Goddess. (Not that she ever left here...)
I'm chuckling a little to myself as I write this because this is a Fire festival (!!) and Brigid is another Fire goddess.
Brigit is Lady of the Sacred Flame, the Flame of Inspiration, the Flame of Creative Consciousness. Her bright, fiery energy is the energy of creation. She is patroness of all creatives - poets, writers, metal workers and crafts people. She encourages us to tap into our own inspiration and our own creative power. Brigit reminds us that we are connected always to Divine Inspiration and the creative Source.
I started this painting on the Solstice; family time at Christmas and a busy January with my other business meant that it has been neglected. But inspired by Brigit this weekend, I have reconnected with the fiery red energy. It feels so luscious and rich and I'm ready to finish this painting and its sister canvas that I started at the same time.
It's still winter outside but Brigit's energy brings brings hope, renewed enthusiasm, renewal, and new beginnings; Whichever way your spirituality lies, today, whatever the weather, take a walk and look for those small signs of the goddess - perhaps some green shoots appearing or snowdrops in bloom.
And to honour Brigit's fire, llight candles around your home tonight and celebrate with her.
I'm off to Yorkshire Sculpture Park with my beloved for this week's art date to marvel at the Henry Moore's and see the Angie Lewin exhibition. But also to look for celandines and crocus and the goddess.
From my goddess heart to yours
Rachel xox
ps don't forget you can read all about my Glorious Goddess course for 21 Secrets here