To know that life is a constant cycle of life, death, and rebirth

snowdrop2As the dark, cold morning gives way to light,
And the world shows its face dazzling in her nakedness,
So the twigs and leaf-bare branches,
Bow to the passing dance
Of old Jack Frost.

His crystal breath on the earth,
And the corners of houses weep icicles of joy.
But where is the Sun’s warmth?
Where is life?

A small flower, delicate and pure-white,
Looks to the earth,
As if talking to the waiting green,
“Not yet,” it seems to whisper.
“When I fall, then you can return.”

And she nods her head, 
as the Lady passes by,
Leaving more flowers in Her wake.

ImbolcDamh the Bard

As I look at the natural world I see many signs of life, death and rebirth. The cycles of days and nights, the waxing and waning of the moon and sun, the turning of the seasons in the Wheel of the Year. As each year passes so I’ve found that my life also reflects these cycles.

Within the darkness comes the opportunity to return to the earth, to gestate, gather my thoughts, re-assess, regroup. Then as this time of year arrives, Imbolc, with it’s gentle significator the snowdrop, my thoughts and actions begin to turn towards a more outward expression. A gentle rebirth.

In life people go through many rebirths. From large, life-changing ones like the end of a relationship or moving house, to small but potentially equally powerful moments such as waking to greet each new day. Single moments or thoughts can bring a rebirth – they don’t always have to be dramatic and grand – the new day brings with it new potential, a fresh start.

I have found that bringing my life into a more microcosmic experience, making sure I look at each passing moment as a new opportunity, brings with it a glorious sense of hope. It helps to makes sure that I am, as much as possible, connected with the now, and living in this moment. Maybe rebirth is the wrong word for these moments. Maybe renewal is more apt. A sense of rejuvenation. A lust for what is happening right now, and for what might come next, moment to moment.

Imbolc brings with it the opportunity of a more dramatic rebirth. From Samhain through the Winter Solstice I have been going through this gestation process – re-assessing, and gathering my thoughts. Imbolc is the time when the seed I have nurtured will send forth its tentative new shoots – reaching out for the light, and down into the earth for stability.

Since I found this path and began to actively work with the Wheel of the Year this has been the pattern of my life. In tune with the seasons, and the coming of each new day. To me this is one of the most important gifts of the Pagan path.

To know that life is a constant cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

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