Imbolc Blessings & Special Invitation
Lá Fhéile Bríde Shona Duit! Happy St. Brígit's Day
February 1st is a potent date in the Celtic calendar—the first day of spring in Ireland (half way between winter solstice and the spring equinox), the day of the pagan festival Imbolc, and also the feast day of St. Brigit, the only female patron saint of Ireland. Since 2023, it’s also been an official bank-holiday (a long weekend) in Ireland—the only holiday named after a woman. More than 12,000 people signed a petition asking the Irish government to make an official holiday in her honor!
St. Brigit was said to be rasied by a Druid and has the same name as the Celtic goddess Bríd. There are many supernatural events associated with her, all to do with healing, generosity and abundance. She could turn water into beer and once blessed a tree, doubling the fruit it produced. On another occasion, when no water could be found, she told her brothers to push her staff into the earth; there a stream sprung forth. Brigit is the patron saint of poetry, learning, healing, and protection. In her honor, a perpetual fire was kept burning at Kildare for centuries.
Want to learn more about Bríd (Brigit) and Imbolc? Poetry Sundae will focus on both this week! It will include a video (as Bearla agus an Gaeilge, in English and Irish) showing you how make a St. Brigit’ s cross—plus other cultural treats! Be sure to check your inbox on Sunday. Meanwhile…
In honor of Imbolc and Bríd, and the return of spring and longer days, I also am sending a special invitation. Throughout this weekend (through midnight, Monday, 3rd of February), you are warmly invited to support The Gaelic Effect and its mission—of inspiring the best in human potential through the Irish language—at a special rate. This is a way to show your grá (love and appreciation) for how The Gaelic Effect enriches your life. It’s also a way to show your commitment to the larger vision of keeping the flame alive for indigenous Irish culture and the Irish language.
All subscibers are much appreciated. Go raibh míle maith agat (thank you so much) for being here! And if you’re willing and able to show your support by also becoming a paid subscriber, I am very, very grateful indeed. I spend about twenty hours a week researching, writing and producing The Gaelic Effect. I am also now working on a book, based on the same concepts. By becoming a paid subscriber, you give very practical sustenance to this project. You also support the bigger vision—the book and other related programs (in the dream pipeline)—by demonstrating a committed community of public interest in this work.
Show your Support at 20% Off! GRMA! (Thank you!)
Le grá mór don domhan (with much love for the world),
Dian, i mBaile Atha Cliath (in Dublin)
A good day to ask for alignment with the ancestors!