It is a cold Imbolc day in the countryside, and wintertime restlessness has made your feet wish to wander. Bundling yourself up against the chill, you don thick socks, warm long underthings, a heavy jacket, mittens, boots, and a hat. Bidding farewell to your warm home, you venture forth into the cold afternoon air, and begin your journey.
You are newly come to this area, and have not had the opportunity to explore much beyond your own yard. The harvest kept you busy, and the snow set in early. Heading west, you set an easy pace, enough to keep you warm but not enough to wear you. There are small clouds, some which seem to threaten snowfall, but the ground is nearly bare in places due to a January thaw.
Continuing for some time, you wander past stone walls and open fields, past small forests and frozen streams. Then ahead, in a meadow, you spy a building standing alone. It has begun to snow lightly, and the wind has picked up, so out of curiosity and the desire to rest from the cold, you venture forth.
It is a stone building, a small chapel-like structure with a thatched roof. The path to the door is wide and well kept. The windows are of stained glass, and the door is heavy oak hinged with large iron pieces. Seeking respite from the wind, you grasp the large iron handle and pull the door open.
You enter a small antechamber and pull the door closed against the elements. The noise of the wind is greatly muffled here, and it feels good to be out of the cold. You shake the snow from your shoulders and move forward through the archway into the larger chamber.
The light from outside makes the stained windows glow with a multitude of color, spilling a rainbow on the stone floor. Low wooden benches line the walls, inviting rest for the weary traveler.
On a wooden table in the center of the room, there is a stone lamp, lit. The flame is bright and warm, and dances in the slight breeze. Also on the table, you see flowers – white roses, daisies, lilies, all fresh and alive despite the winter’s cold. It is then that you realize that you are relatively warm in here, not just the simple warmth that comes from being out of the wind, but almost comfortable enough to remove your outer layer. You wonder at this, since there is no visible heat source other than the small flickering flame of the lamp.
You move from the table to one of the benches and release a sigh of contentment as your feet no longer bear the full weight of your body. You adjust a little, finding the right spot to relax. Now at rest, your mind wanders to events in your life that have been troubling you; frustrating situations, difficult decisions, and painful processes. The dancing flame catches your gaze again, and your eyes are drawn to its glowing presence. The flame waves gently, back and forth, like a shining fish’s tail through calm water. It lulls you into a state of well-being, and your lips form a half smile. Your eyes grow heavy but do not close, though your lashes cause the candle flame to soften and blur.
Then, between one breath and the next, there is a shimmer of tiny bells, and you realize that a white-clad figure, a woman, is standing beside the table, looking at you. Your eyes open fully, but you are not startled. Indeed, Her presence is calming, gentle. You wonder how She came to be here, for you did not hear the door open, and it is the only entrance into this small stone building. Then you notice that Her feet are bare, and She has on no warm outer things, only a white gown and a garland of green gracing Her head. A question forms on your lips, and She smiles, drawing a breath to speak.
“Welcome are you, child, to this sacred place, on this holy day. Here does My flame ever burn; here do I hear those who beseech Me.”
In wonder and awe, you realize that you are in the presence of the Goddess Brighid, and She smiles again at your expression. You rise quickly, and stammer an apology for your intrusion.
She laughs gently. “Indeed, fear not, for this is a place of safety and rest for those who are weary. Ever is this a sanctuary for those seeking rest and hope. Though you spoke not, I heard the storm within your heart, and I respond.”
“Oh my Lady,” you cry out, “how is it I can bear the troubled times facing me? There seems to be no hope, no answers. I’m lost.” Your voice breaks on that last word, and tears come to your eyes.
Brighid comes to your side on silent feet and takes you within her arms. She lays a hand upon your head, bringing it to rest on her shoulder, and She strokes your hair.
“I am the promise of Springtime. Within Me lies the purpose and power of new life coming and dark times passing. Though at times your strength is truly tried, keep My flame alive in your heart. Balance your actions with compassion; keep words of love in your mouth, for truly do I listen. You are never alone, Beloved; you need only call to Me, and My light shall shine forth from the depths of your darkest night. The flame into which you gazed is as constant as My love for you, and never shall it be extinguished. You are precious to Me, dear one. It is through your own acts of love that you draw strength, so love and love well, even when it is hard to do so. Every act of anger brought against you is an opportunity to be answered with love. I say that not lightly, for it is those times that shall surely try you, but in those times will you gain your highest power. Answer anger with grace, hatred with compassion, fear with light, and always shall you be borne by My flame.”
Your breathing slows as you listen to Her words, and the tension drains from your body. Though your troubles are still present in your mind, you can see more clearly now, and feel that you have the strength to endure, if not succeed. You expel a deep sigh that seems to lighten both your spirit and your physical form, and you lift your head from Brighid’s shoulder. Smile answers smile, and you drop your eyes, feeling a bit shy in such a sacred presence.
“Return here when you wish,” She says, “for this door is always open to you. Bring your troubles and your joy; come in calm or in turmoil. Here shall you ever find peace.”
“Thank you my Lady, with all of my heart,” you say, and slowly, She fades from view.
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