Ahhhh, February is here and even though you can feel Spring tickling around the back of your being, often you are looking at snow, rain or something that doesn’t invoke the feeling of creation and expansion. (That’s when I plant a Hyacinth bulb or bring some Forsythia inside to bloom earlier than normal, or just grab a bunch of daffs from the supermarket).
In most areas of the Northern Hemisphere, the month of February can be the coldest time of the year. In fact in my little town we do have a “Coldest Night of the Year” walk to help raise funds and support for housing, homeless people and food for everyone. So February to me invites me to curl up with a good book in the safety of my home and hearth. Which brings us to Imbolc, which is the celebration of the growing light but also all things hearth and most certainly the glorious Celtic hearth and fire goddess, Brigid.
Now I know the phrase “hearth” can be confusing for some people. “But I don’t have a fireplace, I don’t have…..”. Most certainly in days of yore there was a hearth, a fire and when building a home one of the most important stones was the hearthstone, the stone in front of the fire. But we are 2018 and I don’t know that many of us have great big fireplaces and a huge hearthstone to gather around.
However, think about it – you have a gathering at your home, food, games, friends – and where do people mainly hang out? I am guessing the kitchen – yes? I have had to shoo people out of the kitchen so that I can move around quickly and efficiently so that we all get fed, but yet, they all dribble back to that place. So if you have a stove, a kitchen and prepare food for loved ones and yourself that can be considered a hearth. Maybe it is the dining room table where you all gather, share your stories of the day, that is a hearth. It could be the coffee table that you lounge around as you chat and drink tea together, or it could be your altar.
Don’t get fixated on the word “hearth”, but realise that hearth is more than a physical location it is the feeling and has its own spirit. Does that make sense?
The spirit of the hearth is more important than the physical manifestation of it. The spirit is about feeling safe, loved, nurtured and cosy and to honour the spirits of the home. For example, every night I fill my nebuliser with water and the essential oil that I want to work with, light a white candle and say a blessing over it to hearth, home, health, happiness and harmony. Very simple. (Also makes my home smell fabulous and the candle makes it feel cosy).
Another one I love is from Blake Blair and it is a quick and simple ritual honouring the spirit of home and hearth, designed to raise the vibes and fill it with the blessings of the season and create a welcoming environment for you and those you love. Because of the rite’s simplicity, it is easy to personalise and embellish.
All you need to gather is a small white candle, and a simple offering to the spirits of hearth and home that conjures a cosy feeling, such as fresh baked cookies, a mug of a favourite drink, favourite incense or in my world, essential oil. Go to the place you consider to be your hearth. Light the candle and focus on calling in the spirits of hearth and home, invite Brigid in. Ceremonially place the offering (whether it’s a mug of tea or a cookie) near the candle as a gift to the spirits. Envision the purifying and radiant light of the candle growing, filling, and permeating your entire home.
Then say:-
Spirits of hearth and home, with this light may your presence here be grown. We ask to bless and protect our/my cosy home; with this offering our gratitude be known.
Hold the vision of the growing, radiant light bestowing the requested blessings upon your household. When you feel it’s reached its peak, clap your hands together three times and conclude the simple rite. If you feel inclined after this, make a list of your goals, both expansive and mundane and pop them under the candle and everyday until Spring Equinox light that candle. (It doesn’t have to be for a long time).
May you experience all the warmth and cosiness of the hearth in this delightfully chilly time of year.
