Dame Julian
ADF Membership No.
THE HIGH HOLIDAYS - IMBOLC
Imbolc this year was special for me as it marked the first anniversary of my decision to pursue the pagan path. It has taken me this year to find my way to the Druids even though I knew I was drawn to that path from the outset.Imbolc means to me a time of cleansing, purification and re-dedication. This year I began the Dedicant program, and began to explore the Druid path in a more experiential way.
Imbolc heralds the spring. The ewes come into their milk, and the hope of spring surges in the earth, the air and in our hearts. It is time to shed the darkness of winter, to light the candles to continue the strengthening of the sun begun at Yule. Traditionally, houses and barns were cleaned and readied for spring activity.
Brighid is central to this month and to this holiday. Although I am familiarizing myself with her for the first time through meditation, it seems I have always known her; that she has always been with me. As I aspire to write a novel, my connection to Brighid seems quite fortuitous. I have also for the first time become interested in crafting, so I believe she has been working in my heart these past few months.
The Imbolc celebration at the Summerlands Stone Circle in Tucson this year deepened my desire to move out of eclecticism and more deeply into the Druid path.
I spent the morning preparing for the celebration, gathering my offerings and taking a ritual bath. I dressed carefully: a white chemise for the celebration, topped with my green cloak for practical purposes of a breezy day, and to remind myself of my Druid connection.
Upon arriving at Summerlands, I enjoyed greeting those who had also come to fellowship. I always enjoy the pre-celebration time as it allows me to relax and get into a festive mood. We exchanged pleasantries, and the Bard went over the music with us and passed out rhythm instruments.
We then moved to the top of the hill for the procession. As one who is easily moved by music, I felt the last of tension drain away and my spirit began to fully engage the purpose of my being there, for the moment to shed the world, to join in the ways of old - to come home.
As always, it was only a brief moment after entering the circle that I began to feel the energy rising. I fully engaged as we were purified, then felt the surge of healing waters and sunlight in the Two Powers visualization. When the gates were opened, and the entities welcomed, I felt peace and balance become complete.
It was with fascination that I watched ritual elements that were new to me performed, such as the showing of the Brideog, yet felt a connection as if I had always been a part of it.
When it came time for offerings, I gave nine hazelnuts to the World Tree in praise of the wisdom given me to seek out the Druid way. I offered water from the Chalice Well in Glastonbury to the Well because the Chalice Well was instrumental in my finding my way to the Sonoran Sunrise Grove. Lastly I gave to the Fire a piece of handmade paper inscribed with thanks for my new granddaughter, and all my desires for her. I had rubbed it with oil dedicated to Brighid, a combination of oil of frankincense & myrrh for Aurora's (my granddaughter's) purification and for her to be imbued with spiritual awareness and sight, rose for her feminine aspects, and sandalwood that she may always delight in quiet.
It was also lovely to hear the others' praise and to participate by affirming their offerings with Biodh Se!
The omen was read and our offerings found acceptable. We then shared in the waters and bread of life, experiencing the connectedness of the community.
The gates were closed and we recessed, carrying what we had received with us, walking out with newfound wisdom to share in more fellowship. Afterward we shared in a potluck and shared our hearts in community.