Thank you for taking an interest in my “ Luminous Letter. May you find the information useful and nurturing in your magickal-spiritual journey. When you are open to receive the knowledge given to you by The Goddess, she will awaken your light within. Many are called, however, few are chosen but always keep in mind “ She changes everything she touches and everything she touches changes forever!” Blessed Be, Unarei Hps of ISIS

Please check every month between the first and the seventh day, for updated information on my newsletter.

Imbolc is a holiday known by many names.  It all depends on the culture of its celebration and location around the world.  The Romans on this particular time of year would celebrate between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.  It was known to them as Lupercalia.   This was a time of purification rituals in which they would sacrifice a goat and a scourge would be made of its hide.  Imagine back then thong clad men would run through the city, smacking people with bits of the scourge hide!  Folklore had it that if you were amongst the people struck by these men good fortune would come your way.  Although, this particular Roman celebration was  not associated with any particular temple or deity, it simply focused on the founding of the great city of Rome by the twins Romulus and Remus.  Legend has it they were suckled by a she wolf in a cave known to them as Lupercale.  When Pope Gelasisu 1 presided he ended the celebration.  The Catholic Church replaced this festival with Candlemas Day on February 2, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features candlelight processions.

The powerful figure of Brigid the Light-Bringer over lights both pagan and Christian celebrations.  In the Irish Gaelic culture it’s called Oimelc, this term translates to ewe’s milk.  It was a precursor to the end of winter when the ewes are nursing their newly born lambs.  For the people it meant Spring was just around the corner and planting season would soon be underway. Back when the Christians converted Ireland to Christianity, it was very difficult to convince the people to get rid of their old beliefs in their gods, so the church allowed them to worship the goddess Brighid as a saint which created St Brigid’s Day.  Actually today there are many churches around the world which bear her name. 

In Egypt, this time of year was known as the Feast of the Goddess Nut, whose birthday falls on the February 2 in the Gregorian calendar (which is an arithmetical calendar.)  Go figure this time frame was created by non-other than Pope Gregory XIII.  Makes you wonder what the heck those priests are really worshiping in those robes, burning incense, breaking bread and drinking of the wine? 

Although Imbolc isn’t even mentioned in non-Gaelic Celtic traditions, it’s still a time rich in folklore and history. The Celts celebrated an early version of Groundhog Day on Imbolc too – only with a serpent, singing this poem:

Thig an nathair as an

toll la donn Bride
Ged robh tri traighean dh’an
Air leachd an lair
 

(Translation in English)

The serpent will come from the hole
on the brown day of Bride (Brighid)

though there may be three feet of snow
On the surface of the ground.    

Truly the beginning of February belongs to Lady Brighid, the Celtic goddess who in later times became revered as a Christian saint.  In Ireland, the land was prepared to receive the new seed with spade and plough; calves were born, and fishermen looked eagerly for the end of winter storms and rough seas to launch their boats again.  In Scotland, the Old Woman of winter, the Caileach, is reborn as Bride, Young maiden of spring, fragile yet growing stronger each day as the sun rekindles its fire, turning scarcity into abundance. Of her, Alexander Carmichael wrote:  Bride with her white wand is said to breathe life into the mouth of the dead Winter and to bring him to open his eyes to the tears and the smiles, the sighs and the laughter of Spring. The venom of the cold is said to tremble for its safety on Bride’s Day, and to flee for its life on Patrick’s Day. 

The celebration of Brigid, for many is a festival of the hearth and home.  Good ways to celebrate this day is to burn a nice warm fire in your fireplace, or gather special foods to share and honor the Goddess, do magick or watch for signs of new things to come into your life.  Lighting a white candle in honor of Brigid or building an outdoor fire in her honor would make her happy.  To honor the goddess on her day use the following- You will need a white cloth for your altar, a frankincense stick, one white candle ( doesn’t matter what size) and some spring flowers such as Iris or Lilys.  Take the time to write a petition on parchment paper.  Keep in mind this is a time for change, new beginnings, opening up your creativity, ask for better health, flowing prosperity, etc. 

Make sure you are precise in your request to the goddess Brighid.  When you are done take a few minutes to light her candle and place your request underneath it.  When the candle has completely burned out then you will burn your petition in your cauldron,  BBQ grill, or fireplace as the fire will be lit in her honor.  When it has all turned into ashes you will gather them up and spread them outside on mother earth, while thanking  goddess Brighid for hearing your request.   Blessings and much happiness while working your magick!   

Legends and Folklore

Imbolc in the Gaelic tradition is the day of Cailleach, the old hag who gathers her firewood for the rest of the winter.  Legend has it that if she intends to make the winter last a good while longer, she will make sure the weather on Imbolc is bright and sunny, so she can gather plenty of firewood.   The tale goes to say that the people are greatly relieved if the start of Imbolc is a day of foul weather, for it means the Cailleach is still asleep and winter is almost over.  On the Isle of Man, she is known as Caillagh ny Groamagh, the Cailleach is said to have been seen on Imbolc day in the form of a gigantic bird, carrying sticks in her beak. 

Inspirational Corner

A young lady once told me that her life was miserable due to having developed some trust issues with people.  I asked her why she felt that way.  Her response was that it seemed every time she had a relationship with a new boyfriend or close friend she seemed to get hurt emotionally.  She also mentioned her family thought she didn’t make enough time to see them because she stayed  so focused on her new love relationship or friendship she was not around when they needed her to be.  Looking towards the floor she went on to say her life would be better off if she would not have to deal with anyone period.  Her life would be “drama free”!  My life would certainly be peaceful and I wouldn’t have to deal with all these emotions.     

That afternoon I couldn’t shake what this young woman had shared with me.  Wow, imagine life certainly would be much easier and manageable without all the mistrust, resentments, anger, forgetfulness, people not reciprocating to your wants/needs and the list can be endless wouldn’t you say?  Keeping ourselves away does sound good however; it would be rather boring and lonely after a while.  Let’s face it every one of us struggles with our partners, friends and family.  Things always seem to be at the top of the world when we meet someone for the first time until the new fades away and things that were not apparent become crystal clear and it no longer feels right to us.  As for our families well, they are who they are but we know they will be there for us in our time of need. 

We just have to make sure we are there for them as they are for us not only in our time of need but in the good times as well.  As for relationships with others they will certainly come and go.  The few the loyal ones will be there no matter what and those will be the ones you will cherish until we leave this plane.  I can’t imagine life without the experience of having shared a new love or friendship, without having had some drama or getting hurt.  Pain can be a good motivator and push us back into the right direction.  One this is certain life will throw us all curve balls and Forest Gump said it best in his movie- life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you are going to get. 

We need to appreciate all the people who will come our way and give thanks for the lessons we encounter along the way during the lasting relationship.  If you don’t like the way one tastes move on to the next surprise in your box of chocolates.  Who knows we may get lucky and find the one that will bring a huge smile to our faces, warmth to our heart and fill us with  joy and sweetness in our life.  As for me I am going to take that encounter with this young lady and be grateful for everyone in my life.   Gratitude is a lot easier to have in my life than for me to always keep looking at the negativity of what I don’t have.  Blessings, Unarei   

Copyright Unarei©2009

MySpace address- Askthewitches@att.net

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