The Promise of Spring

February 1st - St Brigid's Day and Imbolic. Spring, bringing new life, is just around the corner.

Today is St Brigid’s Day. It’s also Imbolc, an ancient festival to mark the arrival of Spring. Celtic in origin, it is symbolised by the image of Winter as an old crone being handed over to a young maid, Spring.  Nature was central to Celtic life and beliefs and Brigid, though a nun and founder of churches and schools, was close to nature.  Unlike other European countries, Ireland welcomes the first day of spring on  Feb 1st.  The days are gradually lengthening and the darkness is being slowly pushed back.


We are living through dark times at present, not only in terms of the natural cycle of the year, but economically, socially, politically, spiritually and morally.  We are in desperate need of light, life and a new beginning. Though of different traditions, one Christian and the other pagan, the ideals are strikingly similar. 


Below are 2 blessings – one from each tradition.  They hope and pray for peace, charity, mercy, wisdom and love – all things we and our world desperately need now. If we all hold these ideals in our hearts, we too can push back the darkness and create a new spring and new beginnings.



Happy Feb 1st to you all, whoever you are, wherever you’re from, whatever the colour of your skin, whatever your beliefs or religion. 

"I would like an abundance of peace. I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy. I would like cheerfulness to preside over all."

St. Brigid of Kildare (451 - 523)

"Blessed be the earth, and all who dwell upon it.
We give thanks for the season now departing from us,
For the blessings it has bestowed upon us,
And upon those with whom we share this world.


Blessed be the new season.
We pray that it will be a time filled with peace,
With abundance, with prosperity,
With wisdom,
With love.


Blessed be all who share this feast.
Let us now prepare for the time ahead
By opening our hearts, and our minds, and our spirits.

Blessed be."


(Imbolc Blessing)