Imbolc 2022

Intention: Together we will create a sacred space and make time to acknowledge the changing moon and changing season as the Earth begins to awaken from the winter slumber. In Celtic traditions this is the celebration of the goddess Brigid: healer, poet, blacksmith and bringer of light/spark of inspiration. She is know as the goddess Freya in Norse traditions.

The invitation for this ceremony is to release the things that we have been sitting with during the darkest time of the year. Those ruminations, habits and thought patterns that no longer serve us.  In this way we make space for the spark of inspiration to rise up out of our darkness so it can germinate into new ideas, plans and projects with the coming spring. What is it time to let go of? And what seeds for the future do you wish to plant?

Trance dance, in one form or another, is practiced amongst indigenous people around the globe and is still represented in most religions. In evolutionary terms, it wasn’t that long ago our ancestors participated in gatherings and rituals involving trance dance. The emphasis is on music with repetitive beats. Such rhythms can cause a change in the our brainwave patterns and an altered state of consciousness. Our bodies remember what to do. With eyes softly focused or closed or wearing a blindfold if you wish we allow the rhythm of the drums to work through us. Participation in trance dancing has been shown to change the neurophyisiological activity of the brain and promote brainwaves forms associated with meditation, lucid dreaming and a shift away from the everyday persona to access usually hidden insights and knowing. People may experience both a heightened awareness of and release of physical discomfort or pain and emotions. We might laugh cry, shout...or just get down with the beat and dance. All is welcome and all is perfect.

We will begin the ceremony by grounding, setting intentions and making a dedication. There will be an offer to share a special drink containing native plants, a small amount of alcohol and local honey specially chosen to help with the process of connecting to our bodies, spirit and the music (all legal and unlikely to interfere with prescription medication or the ability to drive but if in any doubt speak to me beforehand).

There will be time for integration and re-connection with each other at the end.

Please be mindful of your own health and that of others and don’t come if you are feeling unwell or think you may be ill.

With love and blessings,

Anna