Natural Standing Stones, Dulnain
I found these naturally standing stones, on the top of a small hill in the birch woodland, near the River Dulnain. The hilltop had a lovely feel to it, and it felt as though there should be something magical there!
There has been a noticeable increase in the amount of light in this last week, and indeed we are now at the cross-quarter point, halfway between solstice and equinox. This is marked by the old festival of Imbolc, dedicated to Brigid (or in Scotland, Bride).
This is traditionally a time of cleansing and purification, especially of the house. Any lingering christmas greenery is burnt or thrown out. Light a candle to symbolise and welcome the growing power of the sun.
In Gaelic folklore, Imbolc is also the day “the old woman of winter” (the Cailleach) — gathers Her firewood for the rest of the winter. Legend has it that if she intends to make the winter last a good while longer, she will make sure the weather on Imbolc is bright and sunny, so she can gather plenty of firewood. Therefore, people are generally relieved if Imbolc is a day of foul weather, as it means the Cailleach is asleep and winter is almost over.
So, given that its been bright and sunny this last few days, and I spent the weekend gathering firewood yesterday!
“It is a fact that myths work upon us,
whether consciously or unconsciously,
as energy-releasing, life-motivating,
and directing agents.”
– Joseph Campbell.