Post by robincragin on Jan 6, 2016 19:02:01 GMT -5
When thinking about Imbolc and learning to decipher its inner meaning for our contemporary lives, it is important for us to first consider the sabbat name itself. As you learned yesterday, the word Imbolc literally means “in milk.” One of the primary mythic themes of the great wheel of the year is that of succor; it is the celebration of consuming nourishment from the goddess’ body. Since the dawn of time, one of the primary images of the goddess is that of “she-who-nourishes.” Mythologist Joseph Campbell writes that the ancient goddess myths and rituals can inform us how we might come into perfect union with the female principle and her unique, spiritual form of nourishment. Regarding this, Campbell states:
“The woman with her baby is the basic image of mythology. The first experience of anybody is the mother’s body. And what Le Debleu called participation mystique, mystic participation between the mother and child and the child and the mother, is the final happy land.”
Milk holds tremendous symbolic value as a basic nourishment. We first experience milk as children, whether we are bottle or breast-fed. Both literally and symbolically, we are children of the goddess, children of the earth. We rely on this great mother to sustain our lives, just as the infant relies upon the mother to nourish with milk. It is important at this time of year to honor the earth and acknowledge our direct reliance upon her.
Imbolc is also an important time for you to get in touch with whatever nourishes your soul. Have you left your interest in art or music behind so that you can focus seriously on your real work, your career, monetary gain, or daily routine? What nourishing interests have you abandoned—no matter what they are—simply because you cannot seem to find the time for them?
The goddess bids you to awaken to your whole self. Feed yourself with the nourishment of enjoyment, the sustenance of life. You are not complete when you repress your talents, your interests, your sense of fun and curiosity. Imbolc is a time to return to simple pleasures, good food, good sex, good friendships, and whatever nurtures your tender soul. These are what quicken the flame of Candlemas, and what stir the seeds of full potential within you.
The earth first awakens at Imbolc, according to Wiccan lore. Likewise, the festival should be about your own awakening. But to what must you awaken? Awakening always consists of becoming present to life as it unfolds before you. Life is not something that is happening to you. It is something that you are. Don’t hold back at Imbolc. Join in. Become one with life that is happening right now. Use all of the ingredients of your life. Once you connect wholly with life, you find that even without trying, the goddess’ nourishment is there in abundance.
Imbolc Practice: My Favorite Things
What’s been missing from your life? It is easy to lose track of what is important to us when we shift our attention to family, children, work, and responsibilities. These are important, but since you don’t get a second chance at this lifetime, you might consider making room in your life for the things that bring personal enjoyment—things that nourish your soul. What are your favorite foods, hobbies, types of friends, clothing, etc? Make a comprehensive list of these items and attributes. Once the list is complete, review it to see how many of the listed items are part of your life right now. Check off the words that currently apply to your life and spend the day actualizing parts of the list. Go to a dance class. Write a poem or a story and read it to a friend. Try out a new recipe; or better yet, enroll in chef school. Start learning a new language, paint, sculpt, or create an origami figure. Bring back the “Funky Chicken”; just do something that awakens your innate sense of joy and enthusiasm.
“The woman with her baby is the basic image of mythology. The first experience of anybody is the mother’s body. And what Le Debleu called participation mystique, mystic participation between the mother and child and the child and the mother, is the final happy land.”
Milk holds tremendous symbolic value as a basic nourishment. We first experience milk as children, whether we are bottle or breast-fed. Both literally and symbolically, we are children of the goddess, children of the earth. We rely on this great mother to sustain our lives, just as the infant relies upon the mother to nourish with milk. It is important at this time of year to honor the earth and acknowledge our direct reliance upon her.
Imbolc is also an important time for you to get in touch with whatever nourishes your soul. Have you left your interest in art or music behind so that you can focus seriously on your real work, your career, monetary gain, or daily routine? What nourishing interests have you abandoned—no matter what they are—simply because you cannot seem to find the time for them?
The goddess bids you to awaken to your whole self. Feed yourself with the nourishment of enjoyment, the sustenance of life. You are not complete when you repress your talents, your interests, your sense of fun and curiosity. Imbolc is a time to return to simple pleasures, good food, good sex, good friendships, and whatever nurtures your tender soul. These are what quicken the flame of Candlemas, and what stir the seeds of full potential within you.
The earth first awakens at Imbolc, according to Wiccan lore. Likewise, the festival should be about your own awakening. But to what must you awaken? Awakening always consists of becoming present to life as it unfolds before you. Life is not something that is happening to you. It is something that you are. Don’t hold back at Imbolc. Join in. Become one with life that is happening right now. Use all of the ingredients of your life. Once you connect wholly with life, you find that even without trying, the goddess’ nourishment is there in abundance.
Imbolc Practice: My Favorite Things
What’s been missing from your life? It is easy to lose track of what is important to us when we shift our attention to family, children, work, and responsibilities. These are important, but since you don’t get a second chance at this lifetime, you might consider making room in your life for the things that bring personal enjoyment—things that nourish your soul. What are your favorite foods, hobbies, types of friends, clothing, etc? Make a comprehensive list of these items and attributes. Once the list is complete, review it to see how many of the listed items are part of your life right now. Check off the words that currently apply to your life and spend the day actualizing parts of the list. Go to a dance class. Write a poem or a story and read it to a friend. Try out a new recipe; or better yet, enroll in chef school. Start learning a new language, paint, sculpt, or create an origami figure. Bring back the “Funky Chicken”; just do something that awakens your innate sense of joy and enthusiasm.