The Wheel Turns..

…and I think about changes in February. In recent years I’ve tapped into my own Cultural heritage (which is an eclectic mix, see below)) and I’ve felt a closer affinity to ancient Irish/Celtic/Indigenous Irish traditions that follow seasonal changes.

In Celtic tradition - February 4th is the date for Imbolc which is the mid-point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. In more temperate Celtic climates there’s a palpable change with longer days and small signs that Spring is coming. The Christians adopted the Celtic Goddess of Brigid and claimed St Brigid as the mother saint of Ireland.

Here in Canada, it seems far off. Those signs are many weeks away and I miss the early green shoots in February. I think about the Indigenous People here - how they lived longer Winters in the past (and now) - looking after one another, preparing for Spring, witnessing stars, solar flares (Northern Lights), the Moon and the sunrises… all the signs from Mother Earth who provides for us.

If we had not lost this connection to our ancient belief systems, how would things have evolved here and in Ireland too..or in any country colonised by others?

Indigenous people across the world who are still in touch with their roots, can attune to the timbre of the seasons, re-learn ways to live in a modern world. For me, that means listening, taking more time to think and making decisions with purpose. For now I’m painting quietly in my studio ….this Spring I hope to show & sell work, and help my art business grow by developing stronger relationships and collaborating with others.

February is almost here !

RW

x

P.s. If you’re still reading.. my DNA is : 50 % Irish, 38 % Sri Lankan mixed with other things ..My cultural influences are strongly Irish and moderately Sri Lankan…I still go home to visit my family at least once a year - I’ve been to SL 4 times ever but never had an extended stay there. It’s on the list. The DNA is accurate knowing how the Sri Lankan side evolved from the British, Dutch and Portuguese colonialism of Southern and Eastern Asia and Indonesia. But. That’s a seriously long conversation for another day.