Observances at Oimelc / Imbolc

'Tis the season of re-kindling, re-birth. The brightest flame, the Candlemass, most holy day of Brigid: to thee I bear witness. A blessed Oimelc, Imbolc, or Candlemass to you!

I recently received distressing news of a good friend from Colorado, a kindred soul with whom I created music and song stories, who wrote to inform me that she had been dealing with the hardships of addiction to methamphetamine. Having gone through rehab, and now faced with the consequences of her actions, everything from legal to family strain to her own personal demons, I wanted to let her know that I would support her as I was able--at this point I can give only prayers, positive energy, and an ear to listen. So I added prayers for her to my Oimelc observances, 01 February.

2010 is shaping up to be a big year for internal work and rectification for me. I am pleased with the progress I've made in the first month, and it looks like February will not ease the momentum. Having recently been in contact with my father, I've committed to doing what needs to be done in order to be present in each others lives. For the last five years, maybe more, he and I have lost what used to be quite a close and trusting relationship. I miss what we had, and while we may never be able to get back to that exact relationship, I am willing to selvage what I can. The strain on our relationship has taken a toll on me, and I know it has made its mark on him as well. We are not getting any younger, nor are we doing anyone any good by ignoring or avoiding the difficult subjects that keep us apart. I have his commitment to work towards remedy, as he has mine. I have warned him in advance that I will not hold back when I feel snubbed, disrespected, or angry, and I hope he will do the same. I know there will be a lot of agreeing to disagree, compromise, and challenges ahead, but I am ready to see the benefits, knowing that I could have my dad back.

My candle dedicated to Brigid was carved with runes representing the name of my friend, and my hopes for her and I in the coming months. They are not dissimilar. I prayed for inspiration, strength, and guidance home. I know my friend will need these tools, these blessings for the road ahead. Inspiration for change, for healing, for creation; strength of self, of conviction, of body, mind and spirit in order to persevere; and a guide home, to herself and to what is most important to her, her daughter and her life.

For myself, much the same. Inspiration to create, as inspiration is the motivation I feel lacking most in my life, and not having it leaves me feeling rudderless on the great deep sea of myself; strength to fight for what I want, deserve, need in order to feel whole and happy, strength over complacency and self-doubt, a strength of self to persevere; and a guide home, to myself, to my legacy, to all the things that are important about familial ties and tides, the true hearth, and Othila.