Ahh, I wish I’d seen this post before I did a Brigid’s Day Guided Walk! Interestingly I discovered that the tradition of gathering rushes was done by family groups on the eve of St. Brigid’s Day, and always in a ‘neighbour’s’ field, as the presence of them indicated poor land and no-one liked to admit they had poor fields!
Thank you for this, Ali. In my world of the northern US, we have just passed what is typically midwinter. After nearly 90 inches of snow last winter, we have had only 7 the entire season thus far, which is very unsettling and wrong. Earth needs our blessings, rituals and care now more than ever. Even so, we can feel subtle shifts in the season, as what I imagine as Brigid's serpent uncoils from her cave, sensing the first stirrings of life in the embers.
I tried to find something that would pliantly form a Brigid's Cross, but failed. Didn't search too hard, as I am still busy packing. I loved the paragraph about the Cailleach handing over to Brigid! Lovely way to address the process. P.S. Just resent email to you.
Lisa, you just gave me the shivers with that comment... my best and closest friend once said exactly that to me years ago, which started me thinking, what is my church? I wouldn't be here, writing and doing all the things I've done lately, if she hadn't said that to me. I realised that my church is landscape, always had been since I was a child. And that was what brought me to the Cailleach, initially, the Creator and Protector of the landscape. Everything since then has fallen into place. Thank you for the reminder. I am seeing this friend again soon. You have reminded me to thank her for it. 🥰
Loving your description of turbulence as the season changes hands from an Cailleach to Brigid - I’ve been feeling the promise of warmth amid the harsh switching this time contends - always anticipating the bitter criss cross that happens up until and beyond mid March this time offers a glimmer and it’s easy to understand the Brigid of the blacksmith right now
Unfortunately, living in Canada, these early signs of spring are still under snow. Your writing allows me to know that new life is waiting under the white.
What a lovely post. The seasonal transition (although most welcome) doesn't quite feel like it's found it's rythm yet. For me, I still feel a little out of sorts. I suppose that's a lesson we learn in these between times - go with the flow, and trust that Nature will do her thing all in good time.
Ahh, I wish I’d seen this post before I did a Brigid’s Day Guided Walk! Interestingly I discovered that the tradition of gathering rushes was done by family groups on the eve of St. Brigid’s Day, and always in a ‘neighbour’s’ field, as the presence of them indicated poor land and no-one liked to admit they had poor fields!
😊
Beautiful piece, Ali! I hope the early days of Spring are treating you well :)
Thank you for this, Ali. In my world of the northern US, we have just passed what is typically midwinter. After nearly 90 inches of snow last winter, we have had only 7 the entire season thus far, which is very unsettling and wrong. Earth needs our blessings, rituals and care now more than ever. Even so, we can feel subtle shifts in the season, as what I imagine as Brigid's serpent uncoils from her cave, sensing the first stirrings of life in the embers.
I tried to find something that would pliantly form a Brigid's Cross, but failed. Didn't search too hard, as I am still busy packing. I loved the paragraph about the Cailleach handing over to Brigid! Lovely way to address the process. P.S. Just resent email to you.
Beautiful exposition of how the Calleach and maiden Brigid tussle at this time of year. And splendid craft idea for Imbolc.
Such a beautiful description of these restless, liminal times, Ali ✨🏹🔥. Also, "I had been looking with unseeing eyes" - so true, so poignant 💛
Lisa, you just gave me the shivers with that comment... my best and closest friend once said exactly that to me years ago, which started me thinking, what is my church? I wouldn't be here, writing and doing all the things I've done lately, if she hadn't said that to me. I realised that my church is landscape, always had been since I was a child. And that was what brought me to the Cailleach, initially, the Creator and Protector of the landscape. Everything since then has fallen into place. Thank you for the reminder. I am seeing this friend again soon. You have reminded me to thank her for it. 🥰
Loving your description of turbulence as the season changes hands from an Cailleach to Brigid - I’ve been feeling the promise of warmth amid the harsh switching this time contends - always anticipating the bitter criss cross that happens up until and beyond mid March this time offers a glimmer and it’s easy to understand the Brigid of the blacksmith right now
Unfortunately, living in Canada, these early signs of spring are still under snow. Your writing allows me to know that new life is waiting under the white.
What a lovely post. The seasonal transition (although most welcome) doesn't quite feel like it's found it's rythm yet. For me, I still feel a little out of sorts. I suppose that's a lesson we learn in these between times - go with the flow, and trust that Nature will do her thing all in good time.
Thank you 💚
Such beautiful imagery from your day. Thank you!