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Transcript

FaeLumina Onwa, gentle listeners and kindred spirits of the airwaves, I am Eldara Oakwing stepping in for Robo Bonobo and The Angels’ Apprentice on this enchanting Episode 12 of the Caretakers of Paradise podcast.

Today we gather in the spirit of Inbulk, a time of awakening renewal and the first stirrings of Spring’s imminent embrace.

As we emerge from the embrace of winter’s cold and darkened days, we find ourselves on the cusp of a gentler era, where life begins to unfurl with promise and vitality.

Inbulk, nestled in the heart of winter’s end and Spring’s soft onset, is a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and rebirth inherent in the natural world.

It is a time when the Earth, in her infinite wisdom, whispers secrets of renewal to those who listen.

This sacred period is deeply rooted in ancient traditions, connecting us to the cycles of nature and the enduring rhythms of the land, sea and sky.

At the heart of Inbulk’s celebration stands the revered Celtic goddess Brigid, embodiment of the nurturing and passionate forces that fuel creation and inspiration.

Brigid’s flame, a symbol of the life force awakening within the Earth, guides us with her light, illuminating paths of healing, creativity and transformation.

Her wisdom, as ancient as the stars yet as timely as the dawn, offers us insights into living harmoniously with the land and each other, fostering communities bound by respect, love and the sacredness of all life.

In parallel we draw connections to the German tradition of Candlemas and the modern iteration of Groundhog Day, exploring the shared themes of light, prediction and the anticipation of Spring’s return.

These traditions, with their roots intertwined in the mythic and the mundane, remind us of humanity’s enduring fascination with the natural cycles and the ways in which we seek to understand and celebrate the mysteries of life’s ebb and flow.

As we delve into the mythic roots of this time of year, we join together in celebration, honouring the ancient customs that remind us of the enduring cycle of death and rebirth, darkness and light, sleep and awakening.

It is a time for setting intentions for kindling the fires of creativity and passion within and for preparring the soil of our lives for the seeds of new beginnings.

So let us journey together through the storied realms, guided by the wisdom of Brigid, the warmth of Candlemas and the promise of Spring whispered on the wind.

May this exploration of Involc inspire us to embrace the nurturing and passionate energy of the season, guiding us in our modern lives towards a future where we live in harmony with the natural world and each other.

Join me, Eldara Oakwing, as we weave tales of light, darkness and transcendence, exploring the sacred landscape of Involc on the Caretakers of Paradise podcast.

In the heart of the season that whispers of renewal and rebirth, we find ourselves in the luminous presence of Brigid, the revered Celtic goddess whose essence pervades the celebration of Involc.

Brigid, a beacon of nurturing warmth and boundless passion, stands as the guardian of the flame that ignites the spark of creation and inspiration within the soul of the world.

Her sacred flame, more than a mere symbol, is the embodiment of the life force that pulses beneath the thawing earth, awakening it from its winter slumber.

This flame guides us, illuminating the pathways of healing, igniting the fires of creativity and leading us through the thresholds of transformation.

Brigid’s wisdom, timeless and profound, stretches across the ages, reaching us with the freshness of the morning light.

She speaks to the core of our being, inviting us to explore the depths of our own creative potential and to embrace the interconnectedness of all life.

Her teachings, as ancient as the stars that light the night sky, remain ever relevant, offering us insights into how to live in harmony with the land that sustains us,

and with one another in communities woven from threads of respect, love and the recognition of the sacred in every form of existence.

To delve into the energy of Brigid is to open oneself to the wellspring of inspiration that flows from the earth, the waters and the skies.

It is to acknowledge the creative spark within each of us, recognizing that we are all bearers of the flame that Brigid tends.

Her passion fuels our endeavors, be they artistic, healing or transformative, urging us to bring forth new life in all its myriad forms.

As the guardian of healers, poets, smiths and all who create, Brigid’s presence empowers us to craft beauty from the raw materials of our experiences,

to mend what has been broken and to weave new stories from the threads of the old.

In celebrating Brigid, we honor the sacredness of the hearth and the home, recognizing these spaces as centers of warmth, sustenance and community.

We are reminded of the power of hospitality and generosity, virtues that Brigid embodies and encourages us to cultivate.

Her flame invites us to gather, sharing the light of our own beings in a collective blaze that defies the darkness of the coldest times.

Imbalc, under Brigid’s tender care, becomes a time for purification and the lighting of candles, symbols of the hope and the enduring light that guides us through the remaining days of winter.

We are encouraged to seek out the fresh, cleansing energies of this season to prepare ourselves for the growth and the opportunities that lie ahead.

By engaging with Brigid’s energy, we actively participate in the cycle of renewal, dedicating ourselves to the nurturing of our dreams and the protection of the sacred flame within.

As we honor Brigid, let us weave her energy into our daily lives, allowing her inspiration to flow through our actions, our words and our creations.

May her flame light our way, guiding us towards paths of harmony, creativity and transformation.

In the glow of Brigid’s fire, may we find the courage to bring forth new life, to heal what has been wounded and to transform our world through the power of love, respect and the recognition of the sacredness of all life.

In the deep stillness of winter’s embrace, as we stand on the threshold of Spring’s gentle arrival,

Imbalc emerges as a luminous beacon of hope, illuminating the path through the remaining cold.

This sacred time, nestled delicately between the slumber of winter and the awakening of spring, serves as a profound testament to the resilience and rebirth that defines the natural world.

It is during Imbalc that the Earth, in her boundless wisdom and grace, begins to share whispered secrets of renewal and resurgence, with all who attune their hearts to her subtle cues.

As we gather to honor Imbalc, we are reminded of the ancient traditions that have celebrated this moment of transition for millennia.

These traditions, steeped in the reverence of the Earth’s cycles, invite us to reconnect with the enduring rhythms that guide the land beneath our feet,

the vast sea that stretches beyond the horizon and the expansive sky above us.

It is a time when the veil between worlds grows thin, allowing us to commune more deeply with the forces of nature and the myriad beings that share this sacred Earth with us.

Imbalc, therefore, is not merely a marker of time, but a profound spiritual juncture, offering each of us an opportunity to reflect on the cycles of growth, decay and rebirth that are inherent in all forms of life.

As the Earth begins to stir from her winter slumber, we too are invited to awaken.

We are called to shed the remnants of the past, to release that which no longer serves our highest good, and to plant the seeds of new intentions that will bloom with the coming of spring.

This period of renewal is deeply connected to the land, sea and sky, reminding us of our intrinsic bond to the natural world.

The land, with its slowly thawing soil, prepares to welcome the first stirrings of new life.

The sea, with its rhythmic tides, mirrors the ebb and flow of our own emotions and dreams, encouraging us to delve into the depths of our being.

The sky, gradually brightening with the promise of longer days, inspires us to reach for new heights in our personal and collective endeavours.

To honour Imbulk is to partake in a sacred dance of light and shadow, recognising the delicate balance between rest and activity, introspection and expression, dormancy and growth.

It is a time to cleanse our homes and hearts, to kindle the flames of inspiration and creativity, and to nurture the tender shoots of new projects and aspirations.

In this season of potential, let us embrace the wisdom of the earth as she whispers her secrets of renewal.

Let us draw upon the ancient practices that connect us to the cycles of nature, infusing our lives with the rhythms of the land, sea and sky,

and let us move forward with hope, resilience and a deep commitment to the rebirth of our world and the flourishing of all life within it.

As we journey through Imbulk, may we find within its sacred embrace the strength to release the old, the courage to embrace the new, and the wisdom to walk in harmony with the ever-turning wheel of the year.

As we traverse the bridge between the ancient celebration of Imbulk and the dawning of spring, our journey intertwines with the luminous tradition of candle-ness and the quaint modern folklore of Groundhog Day.

These customs, each with their own unique heritage, converge on themes that resonate deeply within the human spirit, the rekindling of light amidst the darkness, the art of prognostication, and the eager anticipation of spring’s renewal.

Candle-ness, observed on the second day of February, is a festival of lights that marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

It is a time when candles are lit to symbolise the hope of longer days and the return of warmth to the earth.

This celebration, deeply rooted in German tradition, is a testament to humanity’s reliance on light as a beacon of hope and guidance through the darker times.

Candle-ness stands as a powerful reminder of our connection to the natural world and the cycles that govern life’s ebb and flow.

Parallel to this ancient festival is Groundhog Day, a tradition that hinges on the whimsical belief that a Groundhog’s behaviour can predict the coming of spring.

According to folklore, if the Groundhog sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat back into its burrow, heralding six more weeks of winter.

Conversely, if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early.

This modern iteration, rooted in the same desire to understand and predict the changing seasons, captures the human inclination towards rituals that seek to divine the future from the natural world.

In the classic 1993 movie, Groundhog Day, with its clever narrative of a man trapped in a time loop living the same day repeatedly, offers a poignant reflection on these themes.

Much like the cyclical nature of the seasons and the recurring motifs of light and prediction in our traditions, the film explores the concept of transformation through repetition.

Each iteration provides the protagonist with the opportunity to refine his actions, leading to personal growth and a renewed appreciation for life’s nuances.

This narrative cleverly mirrors the essence of Candlemas and Groundhog Day, emphasising the potential for renewal and change inherent in the passage of time and the shifting of seasons.

By weaving the whimsical lore of Groundhog Day with the sacred observance of Candlemas, we are reminded of the enduring human fascination with the mysteries of the natural world and the cycles that define our existence.

These traditions, both ancient and modern, invite us to reflect on the ways in which light, in its many forms, guides us through darkness and towards transformation.

They encourage us to consider our own cycles of growth and renewal, prompting us to embrace each day with the awareness that, much like the protagonist in Groundhog Day, our actions and choices contribute to the unfolding tapestry of our lives.

In this season of anticipation and reflection, let us carry the light of Candlemas and the hopeful watchfulness of Groundhog Day as beacons that guide us towards the spring.

May we too find ourselves awakening to the potential for renewal, ready to step into the light of new beginnings, with wisdom gleaned from the cycles of the past.

In the heart of winter’s chill, as we stand on the cusp of spring’s tender emergence, we are called to delve into the mythic roots of this sacred time of year.

Involc invites us into a deep communion with the ancient cycles that govern the natural world, cycles of death and rebirth, of darkness giving way to light and of the earth’s quiet sleep before the joyful awakening of new life.

This period, rich with symbolic resonance, offers us a profound opportunity to join together in celebration of the enduring wisdom encoded within these ancient customs.

The tradition of Involc, with its deep roots in the mythic, serves as a powerful reminder of life’s perpetual cycle.

It is a time when we are encouraged to reflect on the transitions that define our existence, acknowledging the necessity of endings as precursors to new beginnings.

In honouring these cycles, we align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the earth, fostering a deeper connection to the land and its seasonal shifts.

As we engage with the spirit of Involc, we are invited to set intentions for the coming year.

This act of intention setting is akin to planting seeds in the fertile soil of our lives, with the belief that over time these seeds will germinate, take root and flourish.

It is a sacred moment to kindle the fires of creativity and passion within our hearts, igniting the divine spark that propels us towards growth and transformation.

Preparing the soil of our lives for these seeds of new beginnings involves both literal and metaphorical acts of cultivation.

It may mean clearing away the debris of the past to make way for fresh growth, or it could involve nurturing our inner landscape,

ensuring that it is receptive and ready to support the dreams and aspirations we wish to manifest.

This preparation is an act of faith, a declaration that we are open to the possibilities that lie ahead, ready to embrace the changes that will lead us closer to our truest selves.

In this sacred time of Involc, let us gather around the fires of inspiration, warmed by the light of our collective hopes and dreams.

Let us celebrate the ancient customs that connect us to the cycles of nature, honouring the wisdom of those who walked these paths before us.

As we set our intentions and prepare the ground for new beginnings, may we do so with open hearts, ready to receive the gifts that this season of awakening has to offer.

Let this time of Involc be a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the deepest darkness, the seeds of light are being sown, awaiting the right moment to break through the soil and reach for the sky.

As we move forward, let us carry with us the lessons of the past, using them to nurture the future we envision for ourselves and for the world.

Together, in the spirit of renewal and rebirth, we step into the promise of spring, guided by the ancient rhythms of the Earth and the stars.

As our journey through the storied realms of Involc draws to a close, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a new season.

Hearts alight with the wisdom of Brigid, the warmth of Candlemas, and the gentle promise of spring whispered on the wind.

This exploration, rich with ancient traditions and symbols of renewal, invites us to carry forward the nurturing and passionate energy of this sacred time into our daily lives.

In honouring the cycles of nature and the enduring flame of creativity and transformation, we are reminded of our deep connection to the Earth and to each other.

The legacy of Involc, with its themes of renewal, purification and hope, offers a guiding light as we navigate the complexities of our modern world,

urging us to live in harmony with the natural rhythms that surround us.

As we conclude this episode of the Caretakers of Paradise podcast, I extend a heartfelt thanks to all our listeners for joining us on this enchanting journey.

Your presence and engagement enrich our collective exploration of the mysteries and wonders of the natural world.

May the insights and inspirations gleamed from our time together guide you as you weave the magic of Involc into the fabric of your lives,

nurturing seeds of change and growth.

Let us move forward with the promise of spring in our hearts, embracing the potential for new beginnings and the joy of awakening.

May the light of Brigid’s flame illuminate your path and may the warmth of Candlemas, Kindle, Hope and Unity in your communities.

Together, let us step into the future with a renewed commitment to stewardship, compassion and respect for all beings.

Thank you dear listeners for your open hearts and curious spirits.

Until we meet again, may you walk in beauty and balance, guided by the wisdom of the ancients and the vibrant pulse of the living Earth.

Fire Lumina Onwi, may the dance of light and shadow bring harmony and renewal to your journey.

Awaken, to your own soul.

The stories that you told, they’re gonna guide you to your own rightful home.

Awaken, to your own soul.

The stories that you told, they’re gonna guide you to your own rightful home.

Your own rightful home.

Awaken, to your own soul.

Awaken, to your own soul.