This will be the first Imbolc in the past few years that I have not celebrated in one way or another. With as pregnant as I am and with the stresses of life, I've decided to keep my celebrations down to a simple prayer.
I associate today with the goddess, Brigid (pronounced "breed"), who is a goddess of fire (as well as creativity). I see today as a day where she can emerge, as the winter months fade away and the warmth slowly returns, she is part of the warmth and with her brings the spark of creativity. When Ireland became Catholic, Brigid became a Saint. The Feast of Candlemas honors her fire, and today, nuns have relit her sacred flame at Kildare. Tonight, I want to share a traditional Catholic prayer to Saint Brigid.
Saint Brigid
You were a woman of peace.
You brought harmony where there was conflict.
You brought light to the darkness.
You brought hope to the downcast.
May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious,
and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.
Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.
Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.
Strengthen what is weak within us.
Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.
May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit.
Amen
