As the light returns

Slowly the days in Glasgow are getting a bit longer. We've had a very wet winter so far with lots of dark cloud cover. Days where you could see the sun or a patch of blue sky have been rare but slowly, so slowly the light is returning.

And as the days begin to get longer although it is still often cold, wet and windy our thoughts turn to the changes in the land and the Goddess whose names include "Seeks beyond". Imbolc is both a time for searching out the first signs of spring and a day devoted to the Goddess Brighid, known by many names and titles.

She is the named deity of this group, special to many of us in different ways.  She is Lady of hearth and home to some, midwife and healer to others and source of the flames of inspiration to many. To some She is Goddess of Spring, to others Lady of the Dawn. She enfolds all of these and more still. She is Brigantia, Bridey and Brighid.  And Imbolc is the festival most devoted to Her in her many guises.

We will be gathering on Sunday 2 February in Pollok Park at 1pm for our Imbolc celebration. Hope to see old friends and new there.

Please note that if the weather is unsuitable for gathering outdoors there is an alternative venue that we use in the social area of the Bishopbriggs Media Centre.  Please contact us to ensure you attend the correct venue.

The Song of Imbolc

photo by Viralbus on Flickr.com

I am the unopened bud, and I the blossom,

I am the life-force gathering to a crest,

I am the still companion of the silence,

I am the far-flung seeker of the quest.

I am the daughter gathering in wisdom,

I am the son whose questions never cease,

I am the dawn-light searching out glad justice,

I am the centre where all souls find peace.

From the Celtic Devotional by Caitlin Matthews