Menu
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • About Annie
    • How to Read FAQ
    • Interviews
    • Press Kit
      • Testimonials
      • Press Kit
  • BOOKS
    • Getting-Started Guide for Annie’s Books
    • The Poetry Witch Little Book of Spells
    • Spells: New and Selected Poems
    • Among the Goddesses
    • Calendars
    • Eve
    • The Encyclopedia of Scotland
    • A Poet’s Craft
    • A Poet’s Ear
    • The Body of Poetry
    • The Ghost of Meter
    • Best Books for Poets
    • Edited Anthologies
  • POETRY
    • Note on Reading These Poems Aloud
    • Spiral of Annie’s Poems
      • Brave Women’s Amulet
      • Moon for Our Daughters
      • Walk With Me
      • On Poetry and Architecture
      • “The Naming”: Memorial Poem for 9-11
      • Keys
      • A Wedding on Earth
      • Spells for the Wheel of the Year
      • Summer Solstice Chant
    • Listen to Poems
    • Essays on Poetry
      • What is Poetry?
      • How to Create a Poetic Tradition
      • More Essays on Poetry
    • Stuff for Poets
      • A Blessing on the Poets
      • Best Books for Poets
      • 60 Places to Publish Formal Poetry
      • How to Edit an Anthology
    • Collaborations
    • Translation
    • Commissions
    • Poems by my Mother Maggie Finch
  • CHOICE
    • Choice Words: Writers on Abortion
    • Among the Goddesses Epic Libretto
    • Visit Choice Words Action
    • Download Choice Words Toolkit
  • WITCHERY
    • “Are You a Good Witch …or a Bad Witch?”
    • Rituals
    • Chants
    • Poetry Witch Ritual Theater
    • The Magic of Rhythmically Writing
    • Healing Rituals
    • Witchy Workshops
    • Women, Poetry, and Spirituality
  • EVENTS
    • Upcoming Appearances
    • Previous Events
    • Poetry Performance
    • Theater Performances
  • TEACHING
    • Upcoming Classes
    • Best Books for Poets
    • Private Consultations
  • COMMUNITY
    • Poetry Witch Community
    • Support Annie’s Work on Patreon
  • CONNECT
    • Bookings
    • Contact Annie
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
    • Online Visit
    • Shopping Cart
  • BLOG

Annie Finch

  • NEWS
  • CALENDAR OF CLASSES
  • SEARCH SITE
  • SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
  • BOOKSHOP

Faith, Risk, and Authenticity at Imbolc

My packed boxes of books, reflecting against the view out the apartment window

This is the multi-layered, reflecting view on the last night before leaving our little apartment in Portland’s Old Port for DC–and on the eve of the subtle and strange pagan holiday called Imbolc. Imbolc marks the first stirring of life, literally meaning “in the belly,” since in the Celtic year this is when ewes become pregnant. But, especially in Maine, that miracle is not apparent on the surface. It’s a mysterious and delicate moment when we need to take promises on trust–that seeds will sprout though they look small and dry, that spring will come although there’s snow everywhere. If you have experience learning to let the flow of the universe in, you will know that that level of trust is not easy to find. It is earned by being exacting about everything we _can_ control. I think of Imbolc as a time to test sincerity, to make sure that my goals are in harmony with my best self–and if not, to let them go. How appropriate that this challenging and inspiring day celebrates Brigid, powerful goddess of poetry and healing–surely a Goddess of authenticity and risk. I love a good deadline, and this Imbolc, I have honored Her in the midst of moving by officially completing the ms. of my next book of poems. May Brigid’s magick keep my Muse true. How are you planning to mark Imbolc? I hope you will share your thoughts with me and other readers in the Comments.

A View from the Chute by Charlene Spretnak
It's not a Vagina, it's a Vulva!
Share this content instantly via the share buttons. Thanks for spreading the word!

2 Comments Categories: North: Earth & Witchy Living, All

Comments

  1. Annie FinchJill Tabbutt-Henry says

    February 1, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    Wow–this timing cannot be coincidental! Yesterday, I was about to delete yet another email from an organization that I almost accidentally got in touch with last year, but decided to read it first. It was about a “career development forum” and the last day to register at a discount! I have been hemming and hawing for over 6 months about reaching out for new job prospects (I’m a consultant)–and suddenly this offer made perfect sense! So I immediately registered, with the event many months away. And now today I’m reading about Imbolc and the planting of small, dry seeds with faith that they will sprout and grow in time–and that’s exactly what I did yesterday. I feel like I just got a hug from the universe…and thank you for sharing that, Annie! Happy trails! I wish I had spent more time with you in Portland, but I plan to follow your newsletter and stay in touch, at least.

    Reply
  2. Annie FinchAnnieFinch_Admin says

    March 1, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    Jill, I am so happy that this post spoke to you at the right moment! Best of luck with the training and job search and I look forward to hearing how it goes!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • BOOKS
  • POETRY
  • CHOICE
  • WITCHERY
  • EVENTS
  • TEACHING
  • COMMUNITY
  • CONNECT
  • BLOG

Copyright © 2021 · SITE DESIGN BY LSC STUDIO

Copyright © 2021 · Style Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Close