Welcome to February

Welcome to February, the month of love and creativity!

February is aflame with the festival of Imbolc as the kickoff! This celebration of light is also known as Candlemas. Imbolc centers around the gradual returning light of the sun. It honors Saint Brigid who evolved from the Goddess Brigid who preceded her by millennia. Her eternal flame is perpetually tended by the Brigidine Sisters of Solas Bhride, a retreat and hermitage center open to people of all faiths. Solas Bhride is located in Kildare Town, County Kildare, Ireland. Candlemas celebrates the presentation of the Christ at the Temple of Jerusalem, referring to him as the “Light of the People.”

Imbolc celebrates the return of the light at the time when we arrive at the halfway point between winter solstice and the first day of Spring. At this time in the year, we begin to notice the sun rising a little earlier and setting a little later. Foremost, Imbolc is a festival of hope; that even in the still dark times of winter, light will return. Feasting and fire are both significant parts of the honoring of the Saint and Goddess so loved by Celtic peoples.

Honor this sacred time by doing something you are inspired to do. Take a different look at the common things and experiences around you and seek new insights and joy. Shed a little light on something you have always wanted to learn or experience. Another idea might be to brighten your world with a “pay it forward” moment.

At A Sandy Place, we are honoring this month by offering a workshop which explores the creative connection between the natural world and our humanity through the written word. We will learn a little bit about different forms of Haiku and how to capture moments in the natural world through self-expression. It can be quite liberating and a powerful connection to the world outside us. If nothing else, write a Haiku dedicated to your Beloved for St. Valentine’s Day! What a unique and wonderful way to express your love!

If you feel so moved, please consider joining and engaging with us in this experience. Connect with us in this wild time of disconnection. Get to know us and find a little of yourself in the process!! Registration and workshop information are located on the events page of www.asandyplace.com.

Respectfully,

Sandra Place