The Promise of Imbolc

There is no doubt, whatever your beliefs, that all living beings are experiencing or observing chaos present in the world. It's palpable and it may be making you feel unsettled, as well as uprooted. It is my wish to remind you of the timeless wisdom that things are not always as they seem and that the natural world promises us better times within all of its cycles ...

This year is especially auspicious and action packed! 2026 Imbolc is not just the very first stirrings of Spring but the visible emergence of the Shift we've been waiting for. Evolution. The last full moon of the Chinese Year of the Snake gives the shedding of the old a last blast as we enter the year of the Firehorse!.... Spirituality meets Action. Are these the Shift Years? Will we see a very different world emerging through unspeakable horrors? Love not fear, compassion not hate.... and the Firehorse is approaching to bring it all in ... can you hear hooves thundering already?

In the Celtic cycle of the year, we are at Imbolc, the time of new growth emerging out of the dark depths of winter, symbolised by the snow drops that are blooming in the British Isles. For those of you who are not aware, the 'British Isles' is a geographical grouping of islands off Europe's northwest coast, comprising the large islands of Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and Ireland (Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland), plus thousands of smaller islands like the Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. The term is geographically focused and excludes political definitions (like the UK), and I consider these isles to have Celtic roots; the Celts were known for taking action as spiritual warriors, passionate and motivated.

Imbolc is dedicated to Brigid, first the Goddess and then the Saint. In all fairness they are one and the same, with people from different times explaining her in the way that they can relate to her. One of the Brigidine Sisters, Mary, told us that if you scratch a Saint you'll find a Goddess. Brigid was loved by young and old, rich and poor, and tended to her flock as far as she was able to spread her mantle (cloak). There are many legends that we hear on our pilgrimage to Ireland. As St Brigid, she is one of the three patron saints of Ireland, the other two being Patrick and Columba.

In 2023 Ireland declared Imbolc/Candlemas on February 1st, to be St. Brigid's Day, a national holiday to honour her spirit. There is a song 'Gracious Brigid' by Monica Brown, in which the singer invites Brigid to spread her mantle of blessings upon us.... It is precisely at this time, one of the four cross quarter days, that the sunlight is expanding and offers the first warm glow of hope. It is the time for farmers and gardeners to work on the land again, sowing seeds, knowing that the seeds' journey is miraculous. Soon it will be breaking through the hard soil of winter and growing into a glorious crop, as life is renewed.

If you're reading this article, it's more than likely that you've been on a spiritual path for some time. As we look back on our experiences, we'll recognise that it was usually 'the dark night of the soul' that challenged our beliefs, fuelled our growth and illuminated our way, assimilating our experiences into our roots and foundation. Everything that we see in nature informs us that darkness is an illusion, it's simply the absence of light.

The time periord we are entering signifies energy, freedom, determination, and a time for action and ambition, characterised by enthusiasm and resilience. We are witnessing it, personally and collectively. No matter where you are in your life-cycle this energy is here to support you with personally achieving your dreams and collectively energise the shift that we've been waiting for. This is a massive time, which will be supported by the momentum of the cycle of the year. I can feel it!

With the cosmic vibrations of the Firehorse approaching, along with the promise of Imbolc, we can already see the changes in action globally. There are peaceful protests happening around the world, as people stand up for what they believe in. We've been watching the walk of the monks across America and have been touched by their commitment to Peace. They have continued walking through all weathers and hardships, and daily offer thanks for the journey, all the assistance they've been given and the welcome that has blossomed as they have continued their pilgrimage and touched so many hearts. Although their walk is for 'Peace', their actions are those of the Spiritual Warrior'. We are grateful for their shining example of how to be in the world.