Always a joyous time when the days are getting longer and the first signs of spring emerge. Time to set your intentions for the year and nurture them. Clean the cupboards and start to make room for those new projects. In your heart and your home! After a challenging year, and I’m sure we’re not out of the woods yet for a while, it’s good to think about what you want to achieve this year.
Last year one of the things that I manage to do is lose weight and reaching my goal weight. This year one of my challenges will be; maintaining it and start to exercise more.
I need to finish book three. Nicole and I are working hard on the finishing touches for book two to move on to the next stage. And I need to write book four and part of book five as well this year.
On a smaller scale, I can see the first buds bursting open on the magnolia trees. Here in New Orleans spring is always early.
Today is Imbolc and Bridgit’s Day, the Goddess of fire and flame, change, inspiration, transformation, wisdom, childbirth, healing, and learning. You can imagine that it has a special place in my heart. As it is from her that Bridget in the Madigan Chronicles got her name. The powerful Celtic Goddess Brigid (spelled in various ways) has proven not only as a powerful but also as a durable Goddess. And has represented all three aspects (maiden, mother, and crone).
I’m lucky to have a small holiday cottage in Ireland close to Brigit’s garden; http://www.brigitsgarden.ie/ . It is a beautiful garden representing the four Celtic holidays of Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnassadh, and Samhain. When I’m there, I try to visit as often as I can. It’s a special place. The woods around them are magical, and they never fail to lift my spirit and feeds my soul.
Called the Goddess of the Eternal Flame, her flame is still guarded and burning in Kildare in Ireland. As the catholic faith embraces Brigit, the flame is tended by the Brigidine Sisters. Another memorable visit I made; I had the privilege of lighting some candles from the ever-burning flame. The whole building is full of Brigit’s crosses, and it was raining heavily that day, so I didn’t visit the grounds around them. But I would love to go back and see the other sites in the town related to Brigit.
Here in New Orleans, the city is gearing up for another festival, Mardi Gras. It will be a very different one this year due to the pandemic. The traditional parades are canceled, and to still express the feeling and special occasion, people are making extra efforts to decorate their homes! Now lovingly called house floats. They are truly amazing!
Every day, I draw a tarot card for that day and also one for my husband. I use different decks as you never know if you would pull the same card. It doesn’t happen very often, but this week we had one day that we both pulled the 5 of wands. Currently, I use the Marchetti Tarot https://www.ciromarchetti.com/, and for my husband, I use the Shadowscapes Tarot from Stephanie Law https://www.shadowscapes.com/ .
I love the difference in the images; together, they tell a story. For me, the 5 of wands is a happy card in my creative process. It means something or someone will challenge me and pushes those creative juices. Maybe finally, today, I will snap out of my train of thought and find a path forward.
Wishing you a lovely Bridget Day and hope you stay healthy and safe!
Marieke