Happy Imbolc & Blessed Brigid's Day!
The mid-point between winter solstice and spring equinox
Ya’ll today is an important day for me. Throwback to Feb 2020, when I sent a colleague this…
And told him the world, as we knew it, was about to end and I was making a plan to blow up my life. He laughed, while I looked back in a cold-dead stare and well, here we are….
^gratitude^I’d like to report that colleague is still a dear friend of mine who has helped me tremendously through this ‘staged’ transformation I’ve embarked on.
There is more to this backstory, I assure you….
For now, I focus on the WHY behind why 1 February marks an important date for those living in the witchy-woo world.
Back in the fall of 2019, when I was working on plans for changing why my life sucked so bad (despite of having everything I said I wanted), I dusted off a few old books from my past, while adding news ones.
Astrology and esoteric topics became the fuel behind rebirthing an imaginary childhood friend, Bridget she was named. This helped while embarking on my own heal-the-inner-child-journey.
I made up this archetype when I was a wee kid playing in my big midwestern yard(s) full of the elements of nature, animals and often random old men with fat wallets. Sometimes carrying guns and Double Bubble gum. Often produced from the same pocket.
Anyway…. I digress…
The name Bridget name came to me from a character on a tv series in the 80s which was a modern uptake on Little Orphan Annie. She was one of the various orphans taken in by a wealthy man who fostered 8 girls to enhance his public image. Later, he fell in love as their father and adopted them.
I mean, seriously. What part of that narrative WOULDN’T have caught my kid-self’s attention?! This IS part of my real life backstory ya’ll.
The funny part was my kid brain only remembered her real name, when in the show she was called something else. During the intro, her name would flash across the screen and I saw this…
And just like that, I was inspired to name my imaginary friend that I role played with intensely as a child, Bridget.
But then teenage years happened, requiring much focus, so she slept until circa 2001 when I re-birthed her at clubs and dive-bars back in Denver. Bros then, could either not pronounce Audra correctly, or I simply didn’t want them to know my name as I feel strongly in the powers that be behind name assignments.
During my recent years, Bridget turned into an alter-ego I continue to use to represent my forever-healing inner child, and I also use as my pen name for writings published elsewhere.
During the pandemic, I quit life and went on a burn out. I took the time to rest, heal and take care of myself for the first time in over a decade. People pleasing and living in various masks I found to be exhausting, and was ready for less chaos and permanent change.
Infusing the learnings, experiences, and eventually credentials, of my past allowed me to containerise during rebranding post divorce and career/industry change.
Part of that, was practicing magic as I understand it, and invoking my craft into my civic actions to ensure branding stayed focused on dismantling the patriarchal order that continues to fight its way into surviving this “post-apocalyptic world”… «according to evangelicals…
I use my “magic” with my published writings across various channels of social media, and under two names to support my own beliefs that promote healthier unified social democratic measures from old fashioned ideals.
INCOMING BOOK REC!!
As not to spend time discussing this book, but rather linking you to Sarah’s backstory, I’d like to take a moment to thank her for being an inspiration in my own journey.
Imbolc happens annually on 1-2 February, respectively.
I use this time during the winter, based on the Wheel of the Year , to work with principles of nature while rolling out my own intentions and goals. More on this another day.
Imbolc is represented by when life begins to awaken from winter sleep and we prepare for warmer, longer days ahead by planting seeds both literally and/or symbolically.
This is another moment in celebrating a new year. A time to look ahead and leave reflection behind for a bit. Using inspiration from the signs of nature to inject motivation into the bones.
To help pay tribute and seek for guidance from the ancients, many folks call upon Brigit, a fiery goddess who tirelessly protects those that call upon her, invoking inspiration.
Pronounced BRIH-jet, Brigit is a Celtic triple-goddess, which means she represents all three aspects of the woman: maiden/mother/crone. She is the female counterpart (yin) to Archangel Michael’s warrior (yang) energy, and is celebrated annually in Ireland with her temple in Kildare.
This goddess has been one on my radar for over a decade as I’ve used the archetype to cultivate strength during what I consider to be the hardest months of the year.
It’s cold, dark and offensive outside. Often hard to operate in. Hibernation feels natural but in a western world, this isn’t possible.
I even commissioned a friend to make a painting of Bridget’s backstory as the archetype speaks volumes to my soul. She continues to remain close by, protecting those that work hard to protect everyone else.
“First, be quite clear about your intentions. If you’re unclear, then confusion will lesson your power and force. Light a candle in the dark, be very clear and bright in what is acceptable to you in this situation.”
- Doreen Virtue (accepting work from this author's past)This season, annually is a time for rebirth. The signs are there. Notice the early spring flowers poking through the muddy earth. Collect any snowdrops and catch them in jars. Make SOUP. Celebrate your pets! Celebrate the ancient wisdom that is Imbolc!
In light and darkness,
Bridget xx
