I spent the week deep in the feels with Brigid celebrating Imbolc which is the cross quarter mark on the wheel between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Imbolc pronounced EE-molc means in the belly. It’s a threshold when we begin to see signs of spring emerging from the earth and we feel the the promise and hope of new growth.

She is known as many things but the one common thing she embodies is TRANSFORMATION & INSPIRATION. She is a triple goddess-the goddess of healing symbolized by water, goddess of alchemical force of fie, and goddess of poetry. She is also know as, Brigid of Kildare, St.Brighid, Brighe, Bride, Brigit, and Marys best friend. Her name means “Exalted One” or the hight one. It also translates as noble power. Bri means virtue or vigor. I was introduced to her 25 years ago as I was ready to give birth to my first daughter who’s name I gave her through the goddess oracle deck by Amy Sophia Marashinsky.

I try to learning more about her ever year at this time, Feb 1st - I love so many things about Brigid, but what's really special is that she is both feminine and masculine, holding both the elements of Water and Fire in balance. Her symbols are the flame and the well, swans and snowdrops, which are the very first flowers that bloom later winter early spring.

So this week I honored Her, by reading and writing poetry, taking photos of green shoots emerging from the still half frozen ground, looking for a blue bird which I saw!! Listening to stories and podcasts like the one below 💚 as well as attending an on line circle where brave creative woman shared their woven words and colorful imgery. I love Brigid’s energy and being with her at this threshold. She represents the land, Ireland the home land of my ancestors and the eternal flame of inspiration that burns bright within us all.

I recently realized that this mixed media portrait above, which is the first mixed media piece I had ever created back in 2014 is in fact Brigid! She has been hanging I didn't know it was her while I was making this piece, I was in the flow and trying to have fun after loosing myself being a mom and caregiver to everyone around me! I was lost and she found me on the page. She is represented here in her maiden aspect young and ready to journey out on her own to explore new territory’s, to find her way just as I was finding my way back to my creative path.

She has the key and a map to guide her, the green hills of Ireland and her ancestors behind her supporting her blue cloak or mantel to protect her. I didn’t know it at the time but there’s a beautiful little folktale & blessing about Brigid’s mantle! The birds are symbols of hope and the works Remember Journey & Trust which is my WOTY FOR 2024! I love that the word trust is right at her throat chakra-saying trust your voice!! I was loving stamps and stencils back then so we have the clock in the upper right symbolizing that it is time for this journey its is time too trust time to let. your creativity guide your way! This piece also contains phrases "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined" And "Do not follow the where the path may lead Go instead where there is no path and leaves a trail."

This piece is really saying exactly what I needed to hear then and now!!

I hope you enjoyed taking a peek behind the scene of this very meaningful piece and its wisdom emerging years after it was created! . Let me know if you’ve ever experienced something like with your art? Or any thoughts!

HERE is the link to the Knotworks storytelling podcast that’s all about Celtic Myth & Folklore

She is Brigid!

Dreamuary