Where Energy Flows

February 1 is the Festival of Brigit, Goddess of the Growing Light. One of Brigit’s aspects is the Weaver Goddess. Here she connects with weaving the web of destiny. Brigit is said to have put healing threads into the first piece of cloth woven in the Celtic tradition.

True healing is not just treating symptoms of problems - emotional or physical - but re-weaving those subtle threads together again.

Fortunately, we live in a self-correcting universe that is perpetually doing just that, mending the tears in the fabric of our world using the inexhaustive skeins of light energy, another name for which is - Love.  ~    Mara Freeman, Kindling the Celtic Spirit

On the Eve of Brigit’s festival, Celtic country people will perform an old ritual where they replicate Brigit’s healing cloth for their own healing uses.

Brigit is a goddess of many attributes. She is known as a woman of great wisdom, healer, shepherdess, guardian of health, and winter’s flame keeper. She brings Hope; Hope of Spring and a new beginning, Hope of bravery and Love. She walks in Peace and Love and offers those blessings to all the world’s people.

In preparation for the celebration of Brigit’s festival, I purchase 100% cotton fabric (I like to have a selection of colors and usually get all the chakra colors, a quarter yard each, with an additional yard of white). Upon bringing it home I gently wash it to remove any chemicals used in the fabric weaving and preparing process. I iron it lovingly…and wait.

On January 31, generally at dusk, I take my precious bundle to my oldest, most sacred tree. There I call in the wise ones to honor Brigit. Then I tie the fabrics together and wind them around the tree. I do a blessing prayer to the Goddess as I do this. When complete, I finish with a blessing prayer of thanksgiving.  During the night as I sleep, I imagine the Goddess coming to my house and putting her healing energy into the cloth, which can then be used for healing purposes.

I use the fabric to wrap my sacred treasures for Seven Star Blessing Space Clearings; it can be used to wrap sacred gifts and sometimes, I will gift a piece of the appropriate color to a client to use for color healing.

If you do not have a tree, you can drape the fabric on a bush, or even tie it on a fence post. If you don’t have fabric, use a ribbon. She will find it and fill it with her love.

 © Roberta H Binder. All rights reserved.

Did you ever wonder why pine is so intertwined with holiday decorations? Pine gets rid of negativity. It opens the door for new starts as it cleanses the old and removes communication and creative blocks. It brings understanding, patience, acceptance, healing and forgiveness. It also helps with exhaustion and inadequacy. Pine needles can purify your home when burned - great idea to add some to the holiday fire in your wood- burning fireplace. Pinecones are old symbols of increased abundance when carried in ones pocket. Rose is great for calming and it also washes away negativity. Roses are beautiful and add elegance to any holiday décor. They are a great hostess gift. Remember to keep them fresh and well trimmed. As soon as they begin to droop, refresh and replace.

Essential oils in discreetly placed diffusers are a wonderful way to bring the scent of the season into a specific area. 

• Rose Geranium is a powerful protecting agent. It uncrosses, or removes negativity, burdens and worries. It brings blessings, protection, love and courage. It also has a high spiritual vibration.
• Rosemary sends away bad vibes, nightmares, headaches and even symptoms of old age. Generally it gives a sense of strength, being loved and well-being. It provides centered energy and motivation.
• Clove, cinnamon and nutmeg invoke the warm joy of the holiday season.
• Lavender used gently brings calm and relaxation. A drop or two on the pillow of young and old alike helps to calm the excitement of the season and turn restlessness into a great nights sleep.

You can generally find aromatherapy blends that will invoke holiday scents. And candles, placed in safe locations and never left alone - can light up the spirit of holiday cheer.

© Copyright Roberta Binder, 2007. All rights reserved.

From a Feng Shui standpoint, the most important gift giving practice is to connect your purchases to the ‘heart personality’ of the individual who will receive your gift. Choose the gift with awareness of the meaning of the colour:

Red is all Energy. It is great to give a red gift to someone who needs a boost of courage, confidence, vitality or strength. Red socks and sweaters stimulate one’s circulation creating the fire that is needed to keep the body warm and active. A red cap stimulates the circulation in the head to keep one warm. A perfect gift for anyone who needs an extra boost of vitality!

Orange is about Joy and Happiness - for anyone who gets the winter “BLUES” give the uplifting colour of orange. Orange is known for its anti-depressant qualities. It is the energy center that connects us to living in the moment with an enthusiasm for life. Orange energy promotes a desire to feel life and live life to the fullest. An orange gift is great colour for a gift for the teens and young adults on your list, a bright scarf, soft cashmere gloves, or sweater.

Yellow is wonderful for Optimism. Couldn’t we all use some optimism at this dark time of the year? Yellow keeps us mentally alert and our spirits high and our mind sharp, it brings sunshine into our day. Bright yellow towels would present a great morning greeting for building high spirits.

Blue connects to Inner Truth and Universal Knowledge. Blue carries anti-inflammatory properties that are known to reduce fevers and aid in alleviating flu symptoms (great colour for grandma and your great aunt. A blue silk scarf or a denim shirt can be a great security blanket during this season. Blue also helps to enlighten your personal connection to Spirit and the spirit of the season.

Indigo strengthens Intuition, so it is the perfect choice to wear as you head out on your shopping trip. Not only will it wrap you in inner knowing of the perfect choice, it will let you see choices from a new perspective - and make perfect selections for everyone on your list!

Violet is Inspiring - it is great for developing new beginnings, so it is the perfect colour choice for any couples on your list who have just started into relationship. It is also great for anyone who is making life transitions as it helps manifest new beginnings.

Turquoise helps Expression - it is most helpful to help one to express emotions, and is a great gift idea for teens, speakers and those wandering without direction. Turquoise also builds your immune system, so when you feel that cold coming on, wear turquoise to help ward it off.

Copyright Roberta Binder, 2007. All rights reserved.