“You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.
Don't turn away from possible futures before you're certain you don't have anything to learn from them.”

~ Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull ~


Friday, January 6, 2012

Imbolc/Welcome Spring

This year is decidedly different from last year. The energy feels different. And the way I'm viewing certain aspects of my life is different. Rather than focusing on a single idea, I find that my mind is stretching farther - out of it's limits you could say. I'm expanding, growing and learning things about myself I didn't know before. And part of that growth and change includes my beliefs and spirituality.

While I was clearing away my Yule altar and thinking on what I wanted my altar to represent for Imbolc, I decided that while I respect and admire Brigit, setting up an altar to her this year didn't seem to fit for me. I was quite perplexed and at one point thought that setting up an altar for this Sabbat was going to go the way of the Dodo. And as usually happens in these moments of uncertainty, when I clear my mind of any thought on a thing, is when Divine inspiration hits. 'Spring' said inspiration - set up an altar for spring.

And while it seemed a little early to be celebrating spring in my neck of the woods, I heeded inspiration's voice and started setting up an altar for spring. And as usually happens when I start working on an altar, I am led by Divine guidance. I never know how an altar is going to turn out until it is done and I'm lighting the incense and candles. I stand back and look in awe and amazement and what has been created. Not of me, but by me.

I had originally thought that I'd be placing one of my Goddess figurines on the altar, but as happened last year at Ostara, Mary called saying that she wanted and needed to be on the altar. And as I always do, I listened to Mary's gentle urgings and placed her on the altar.

And so whether you're celebrating Imbolc, Candlemas or Spring, tune out, listen for Divine inspiration and get ready to set up your own altar in whatever way inspiration leads you. You can't make a mistake . . . Inspiration won't let you.

If you're looking for more information on this Sabbat, I came across a wonderful website by Mara Freeman. She elaborates deliciously on Brigit, Imbolc and Candlemas.

Happy Imbolc! Happy Candlemas! Happy Spring!


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9 comments:

jill said...

Hi,looks lovely,all fresh and clean.Love Jill xx

Anonymous said...

Oh I think Mary goes so well with th lighting .this is so calming , it really represents light returning slowly and gently .
I too live in a not spring yet location . heck spring can not show up til mid May lol
Our eldest ds is born on Feb.2nd and I just discovered it is year of the dragon both he and my dh have the same sign ☺ so I'm thinking of dragon fire to represent light perhaps ☺
I sort of like the not so big bang holidays like Mabon & Imbolc they seem more quiet .I do like to try and make the crosses I found an Irish lady on youtube making them in her home . I do not have reeds this time of yr. but I found if I thaw out frozen banana leaves they don't do to bad .
again I love love your altar. Thank You

Maggid said...

I'm in agreement with everyone else - still - even though it's repetitive - I just HAVE to say:
"So Beautiful!"
-g-

ArtSings1946 said...

Oh, your altar is so beautiful...I love all aspects of the Goddess and for me Mary is the Mother aspect. Thank you so much for sharing

Love and Light and Happiness to ALL

Tara said...

Your altar is amazingly beautiful! As it always is :) I love creating an altar from divine inspiration. Our Goddesses call to us for a reason, and we should always listen :) Imbolc Blessings to you! )O(

Cytrine Love Ravenfire said...

The only thing I can say, is that your posts are absolutely "Enchanting". I love your blog and how your true spirit comes through.

Quen Creative said...

I can totally relate to your comment about the changing of energy, it is like everything is speeding up, or we are allowing ourselves to connect to more events that will shape us and help us to grow and evolve at a faste rate.

Your altar is absolutely stunning. Thank you so much for sharing.

xxLaurie (QueenCreative)

Lisa Erin said...

I've just discovered your blog, and have added myself to your 'Followers'. Lovely altar. Bright Imbolc blessings.
Cheers!
~ Lisa

http://musingsfrommarsh.blogspot.com

Fiona said...

What a gorgeous altar - mine looked quite sparse in comparison x