The Quickening

The first couple of days at the beginning of February belong to the ancient Celtic goddess Brigid, sometimes called the Bride, known as the young maiden of spring who breathes life and warmth into the Old Woman of winter. Her return each year was celebrated by the indigenous people of the British Isles long before the coming of the Romans and Christianity. The celebration was called Imbolc or Oimelc, names that refer to the birth of lambs in the spring and the lactation of the ewes. It is the time when gentle rains bring green grass, even when there is snow still on the ground.

This time of year is also called “the quickening.” I love the images and sensations that are brought to mind by the word. It reminds me of that special moment during pregnancy when a mother feels the first fluttering movement of the new life that is growing inside her body. There may be no visible, physical evidence, but new life is stirring just the same.

This is true also for the Earth. Although February can be a harsh and bitter month, there is a quickening that is happening as the soil begins to warm and vibrate. This is the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox. This is a time when some of us grow impatient for the coming of warmer weather.

It is a good time to light some candles in honor of Brigid and her return. Meditate upon what you would like to see sprout and blossom and grow this coming year and ask for her blessing upon you, your family and the Earth, and then watch for her return if in fact you have not already seen it.

As I walked this morning I saw that Brigid has already been passing through my neighborhood. There are small clusters of crocuses, delicate yellow and lavender, gently pushing up through the damp soil. The buds are beginning to swell on the trees and small birds twitter as they splash in the puddles left from yesterday’s rain. Tonight I will light some candles to welcome her.

Ingrid Kincaid is an internationally known storyteller, teacher and spiritual mentor. She is an intuitive reader of ancient runes. She gently shows her clients how to tap into their own inner wisdom by weaving together creativity, spirituality and ancient knowing. Ingrid is available for interviews, private consultations and group presentations. You can contact her at ingk@ingridkincaid.com or 415.652..