Outlining the goals and preparations for the Vernal Equinox.
(Image description: A close-up of an aged cauldron in a hearth. The fireplace’s structure is made of white brick and has a light brown, wooden mantle. A small pile of firewood is placed on light gray bricks in front of the cauldron. A small pot holding apples hangs from a hook next to the hearth.) Credit: Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash
The spring equinox isn’t traditionally celebrated in a Scottish or Irish context, but I still want to observe it from a pantheistic and animistic point-of-view. Also, my next flamekeeping shift happens to fall on the sunset of March 20th and will go until the sunset on the 21st.
From a personal standpoint, the general themes of the season are the continuation of new growth that started with the arrival of Imbolc and the cleaning out the old to bring in the new.
As I’ve mentioned before, hearthcraft feels like an appropriate practice that intertwines nicely with Polytheistic Monasticism. I haven’t been focusing on it as much as I would like since starting this blog, and I would like to change that. Consider it to be the new growth for my practice as nature hits its stride after the long winter weather (even with occasional chilly cold fronts still to come).
Part of this increased focus is incorporating my altar/shrine more. Within hearthcraft, I’ve learned that finding your hearth is an important aspect, and my shrine to Brighid serves as more of a hearth than the kitchen that’s more common in kitchen witchcraft. I also plan to expand on this concept in my practice.
In The House Witch, Arin Hiscock-Murphy indicates that a spiritual hearth can be created as well, in order to take it with you wherever you go and with no limitations as to how it can look. I really love this idea, as I feel the two hearths can mirror each other but also include things I can’t naturally include around my shrine.
I will be doing my best to work on this as a project of sorts over the course of spring and the following months.
Beyond that objective, I’m still deciding on exactly what to do for the celebration. I have some ideas, but my observation will become more concrete as the time approaches.
Cleaning Her shrine is also reflective of the spring-cleaning theme. As part of my objective, I plan on creating a simple ritual for recognizing of my hearth as a spiritual focal point. It signifies my dedication of moving forward with the development of my practice.
I also received some inspiration from fellow Clann Bhríde member Johnny’s blog post, which is found here. I have an ocean-scented candle that I would like to use and possibly decorate, and lighting it will connect to Brighid’s elements of fire and water very well. Additionally, I hope to have a seasonally-appropriate meal to help welcome in spring.
Until then, may the changing weather be gentle and inspiring to you!
Leave a Reply