Did you think about a new beginning as 2023 began? Did you make some resolutions, maybe? The desire to start afresh is as old as the first spring, eons and eons ago
In the northern hemisphere, our ancestors celebrated a holiday during the time of year when the light begins to increase, before the energy of spring has really taken hold. This sacred day was, and still is, Imbolc, celebrated on the 1st of February in our modern calendar. In times of antiquity, this was a very difficult time in the year with food stores dwindling and people hanging on until the weather improved. Hope was present with the lengthening days, but that was about it. Today, with modern conveniences, I think of it as a gentle holiday to celebrate the growing season that is still a ways off, but assured. Our ancestors blessed the seeds that would be planted when the soil was warm enough to promote growth. They welcomed the goddess, Brigid, into their homes and hearths, reset the communal village fire, and brought coals into their own homes from the fire at the center of the village. They dreamed of the coming warmth, longer days, and the planting the year’s food. They harmonized with the season and anticipated the spring to come. (For more information about Brigid read my blog from January 31, 2015. Scroll down.)
Harmonizing with the Seasons
Ritual to Bless My Life's Fruit that I am to Bear in 2023
East: Intellect and Wisdom
Does this gift want to be given through writing, speaking, behaving, or by example?
South: Life Force and Passion
Is this gift one of service, advice, help, or something else?
Considering what I feel strongly about, does this gift need to be strengthened or tempered in order to be most effective?
West: Feelings and Emotions
How can I give the gift of empathy along with empowerment?
North: Form and Substance
What supply, goods, organizational skills, or physical gifts can I give to benefit others?
How can I practice generosity?
I want to give support to my children in terms of empowerment, self-fulfillment, courage, and sufficiency.
I want to generate support for a foundation to help animals who are abandoned.
I want to restructure my workplace relationships so that trust and peace are paramount for all.
I want to create a bridge between politics and human kindness.
It doesn’t matter how these dreams are going to be fulfilled. The apple tree cannot describe how the sun, soil, pollinators, and rainfall go together to make the apples, but some wisdom in the universe does. This same wisdom will direct you.
Write your seed idea two times. Plant one written dream in some soil near your home with words of blessing and put the other in some place of power that you can see each day. Notice when the universe offers you means to fulfill your seed-dream and follow through.
May the universe bless and magnify the gifts of your soul and may many, many beings benefit from your willingness to be all you are meant to be.