Morning Light

The Festivals of Light and Fire

It’s that time of year again. Time we Pagans honor the change of seasons and celebrate Father Sun.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere we’re moving into the first of the Spring Festivals with Imbolg, the Festival of Light.  Father Sun begins his return to warm our hearts and extend his light in our day. This first spring holiday, is linked to the return of longer and warmer days that melt the snows and bring forth the rebirth of the world. Pagans honor Imbolc, Imbolg, Brigid’s Day or the Festival of Lights as the growing seasons returns and Mother Earth begins to bloom.

In the Southern Hemisphere we’re moving into the Fall Festivals with Lammas, the Festival of Fire. Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas is the Fire Festival that honors the Celtic hero Lugh who is often seen as the patron of the Sun.

It is the first of the Pagan Harvest Festivals and the time of year to thank the Tuatha Dé Danann (the Faeries) for their help in our gardens. Bon fire dancing is common and encouraged during this festival to bring the warm of the Sun into the world of the Humans.

Those who recognize February 1st as the observed holiday, will begin their rituals on January 31st. And for some places in the world, that’s already tonight.

Everyone here at Springwolf Reflections and Spring’s Haven extend our wishes to you and yours for a wonderful and joyous celebration of the warmth. Where ever you are in the world,

May Your Season Be Blessed with Abundance and Happiness

© 2015 Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D. Springwolf Reflections / Springs Haven, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Face Plant!!

Giving Credit

Last year on June 8th 2014, I posted a Homily about “Have Faith, Not Hope” – A Powerful Change In Perspective. The inspiration for the article was a video I had seen of Jim Carrey’s Commencement Address at the 2014 MUM Graduation.

I truly have become very fond of that Commencement address and especially two key sections that inspire and encourage anyone. Not only the graduates he’s speaking to.

The first was related to being contained by others. Setting your own limitations by stepping outside the limitations of others. “You can’t contain the container” he said. I love that!

The second statement is one that really impacted my perspective in life about hope. He said:
“Take a chance on faith. Not religion, but faith. Not hope, but faith. I don’t believe in hope. Hope is a beggar. Hope walks through the fire and Faith leaps over it.” ~ Jim Carrey © 2014

I was really struck by that perspective. It changed a good many things in my life. But his words were not easy for me to relate to and share with others. I wanted to be able to impart this bit of wisdom with my own students. And if I couldn’t remember it and say it well, the concept would be lost in the retelling. Continue reading →