At the Midpoint
What's on my mind this week . . .
In the Celtic traditions, Imbolc (February 1-2) marks the midpoint between winter and spring. It is ruled by the Celtic triple Goddess Brigid, and is a time of purification and renewal as the light within and without grows stronger.
This year, the midpoint feels different to me. Spring seems far away indeed and the grasp of winter feels never-ending. But I am speaking of my soul-self not the literal turn of the wheel of the seasons.
I cannot help but feel the effects of weather extremes that have become recurring reminders that the borders of countries don't matter when sweeping weather changes bring home the fact that our common life on this spinning globe is deeply interconnected. Our physical world is a mirror - reflecting the truth that each of us contributes to an intricately complex global family, and that our precious earth is the sustaining, life-giving force.
And in the midst of a deep winter of body and soul, I marvel at the power of a group of Buddhist monks on a Walk for Peace. As they walk from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C., a steady stream of people from all segments of society and belief systems come out to greet them, and are profoundly changed just by the experience of being in their presence. But it is the photos of the children, their faces rapt with attention offering flowers to the monks that fills me with hope and joy.
The walk is a call to each of us to awaken to the power of peace. And that means, here at the midpoint, it is time for me to figure out how I can nurture myself so I will reach my fullest potential. With the beautiful Snow Moon full in the night sky yesterday and today, I celebrate where my creativity has brought me and where it needs my energy in the coming weeks so that it may blossom.
Rachel Carson: “In every outthrust headland, in every curving bay, in every grain of sand, there is the story of the earth.”
And, I believe, the story of us.
Join me in lighting a candle to welcome Imbolc.
May you be blessed with the light May the seeds you plant for your life take root May your home be blessed with the flame of warmth and love May your heart open to the growing light of love and joy May healing be yours And may the whispers of the light guide your path
With love,
Cathleen
Dear Cathleen, your beautiful reflections on this midpoint feels like a gentle lantern held up in the deep winter, reminding us how closely our inner seasons echo the outer world ... as above, so below. The image of those monks walking for peace and the children offering flowers, brings such needed hope.
I’m lighting a candle with you today, welcoming the slow return of light and the quiet blossoming of what’s waiting within. For reasons I didn't fully understand I chose a red candle earlier. And after reading Andrea's mention of the Fire Horse in her reply, it suddenly makes perfect sense.
Full Moon and Imbolc blessings to you and yours. 🙏💖🔥🐎
You express the compex significance of this powerful 'turning date', Imbolc, beautifully. A marriage between psyche and earth. Personal soul-work, and the amplified expression of Gaia. To tend both is the work of those standing in and marked by the fluctuating energies of these powerful winds of change. This 'holy day', Imbolc... definitely amplified by a full moon and a shift from the year of Snake into the Fire Horse energies. Not to be taken lightly, casually, or experienced on automatic pilot! Thank you...