Blessed Imbolc and Candlemas! Brigid was the first goddess I dedicated myself to, and she is still the one I look to for inspiration the most. She has so many characteristics that admirable, so that makes it easy to find a way to connect with her. The local hearth of the women’s group I’m in has been reading and discussing Lunea Weatherstone’s book, Tending Brigid’s Flame. Through that contemplation, I realized the only reason I pulled away from Brigid as a goddess is because she seemed too widespread – like she could be anyone’s goddess. Now, of course, I realize that was my ego getting in my way. While I am dedicated to another goddess, Brigid is still a huge part of my spiritual foundation and a touchstone for me.
But whether you are a devotee of Brigid or not, you can still enjoy her day with some appropriate foods for the day or just by lighting a candle. We’ve set up our altar for the occasion (the box on the right is not related to it – it’s the ashes of our sweet dog Kaitlyn and we simply want to honor her on our small altar space as well). We’ve made the Brigid’s cross from some local grasses as we do not have the traditional reeds.
Many folks like to overlook their employment when it comes to matters of spirit. A good workplace and work that is fulfilling (note that I didn’t say “that you love” – because that’s often hard to get) can create a work life that feeds the spirit. Wayland, the smith of the gods, proves a good example of this. If you’re not there, perhaps focus on your skills, creative project, or some connection that might help you achieve that.
Blessing and have a blessed Imbolc!
Eight of Shields – Wayland
Meaning: Employment, commissions, craftsmanship. The positive, productive use of one’s skills. Focusing one’s energy on work. Employment that brings self-satisfaction. Intense labor. A creative endeavor. Learning a new skill or trade. Having a modest attitude toward accomplishments. Enjoying work and the rewards it brings.
On the flip side, this card could indicate that in the workplace, you feel trapped, despondent, or unmotivated. An unfulfilling profession. Producing poor quality work. Exploitation, vanity, and hypocrisy.
The Story: Deep within the earth, Wayland practices his craft.
The Saxon smith Wayland is the Norse smith Volundr who became incorporated into the mythology of Britain. Wayland was the master craftsman to the gods, whose weapons were so fine that they sang in the air. The coveted work of this god of smiths led King Nidud to abduct him. Nidud hamstrung the smith to prevent his escape and then forced his lame prisoner to work.
The art of the smith and magician were thought to be closely related, and it was by magic that the smith eventually escaped the clutches of Nidud, after which he sought a terrible revenge upon the king’s family.
Over time, Wayland became associated with many of Britain’s ancient sites, and appears in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s The Life of Merlin. The spirit of Wayland is said to haunt a neolithic burial chamber known as Wayland’s Smithy in Oxfordshire. Tradition maintains that if one were to leave a horse and coin at the chamber overnight, on returning in the morning one would find the coin gone and the horse shod.
Legend: An Arthurian Tarot by Anna-Marie Ferguson
Parting the Mists 