Gathering the Embers: An Imbolc Circle

Imbolc (translated as "in the belly") is an ancient Celtic tradition from Neolithic Ireland and Scotland to welcome the first sparks of light and growth of spring. Celebrating the half-way point between Winter Solstice (Yule) and Spring Equinox, we gather the embers, what Martin Shaw calls the fire seeds, to illumine and guide us in the threshold of the new year. 

Imbolc has long been associated with the Celtic goddess, Brigid, the "fiery arrow," most likely later christianized as Saint Bridget. She's been known by many associations - fire, poetry, wisdom, healing, and domesticated animals. Also the patron saint of midwives and babies, fugitives, blacksmiths, farmers, sailors and scholars. She is a rich archetypal energy for this in-between time. 

We will gather at Hone Quarry - either in a camp site or in the open meadow beyond the picnic area - to sit among and with the trees, stones, waters, land and creatures, hopefully around a fire! 

What to Bring:

• Folding chair or blanket to sit on. 
• Extra blankets to wrap in if you'd like.
• Your reusable hot-beverage mug.
• A poem to share, if you'd like, related to this seasonal initiation of light or Brigid.
• Any dried herbs or plants that don't mind being in the cold for our altar.
• A candle in a glass jar or protected container if you'd like.

Dress as warm as possible, in layers. Please RSVP! We will be sending out more information and perhaps an invitation to participate in a Brigid-honoring activity prior to our gathering. 

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A FEW NOTES: 

Finding Us: Your GPS will bring you directly to Hone Quarry Rd. However, if you don't know the area, set your GPS before you're close as there is no WiFi or cells service there. Look for our Shenandoah Valley Church of the Wild sign stuck in the ground as an indicator of where we are meeting. If it's not near the Hone Quarry picnic-area sign (where the large open parking area is), keep driving to the campground just beyond the picnic area. Drive through the campground (it makes a small horseshoe) to find our sign. You'll see us! 

Donations: We are grateful for donations, as our work with Church of the Wild involves a lot of dedication, time and energy. We believe in the natural law of sacred reciprocity, and that the feedback loop of giving and receiving creates an energetic movement of abundance for both giver and receiver. If you don't feel led, or can't, give in this way, it's okay! This is a free and open gathering. 

Venmo: @Valerie-Serrels

PayPal:  @churchofthewild

Questions? Send via text 540-405-9201 or email svchurchofthewild@gmail.com