the raven

Our Imbolc ceremony will take place at Alexandra Palace in North London. I suggest we meet at Alexandra Palace Station, at the Buckingham Road exit. There is a pub opposite where we could gather if the weather is cold. I suggest 2 p.m.

Trains run from Kings Cross to Alexandra Palace – though check times and engineering works closer to the day. The station is a 15 minute walk from Wood Green Tube on the Picadilly Line (see Map). If you are driving there may be some parking in nearby roads and there is a large car park at the Palace itself. From the station we can walk onto the hill and around the path to where I am visualising the ceremony taking place.

Please bring anything you would like to include in the ritual. I have some Imbolc incense (from Star Child in Glastonsbury – where else?) and it would be good if someone could bring a small metal bowl to burn it in. (I also have charcoal discs.) Snowdrops or other early spring flowers would be lovely (white for preference but doesn’t really matter). I shall bring some. I will also bring candles.

I will plan a basic structure but, following our custom, there will be space to talk first and see what themes are arising for each of us as we move into the lighter time of the year and to discuss how these could be incorporated into the ritual. Imbolc is particularly associated with Brighid, goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft as well as it being a time of renewal.

So, I look forward to seeing you. Messages as to whether or not you can come would be appreciated.

Blessings of buds and early lambs to you all.

For those in close proximity to Richmond – we have several druid friendly story-telling events coming up for National Story Telling week. Giles Abbot – a richly fruity voiced man, who took up story telling when he lost his sight a few years ago, will be performing Viking and Celtic stories at Castelnau library (south of Hammersmith bridge near Barnes station) on Saturday 27th Jan at 2.30 and at Richmond library (little green) on Weds 31st at 6.30 p.m.
Ghislaine Walker will be telling Norse and Icelandic tales on the same days and times but at Heathfield library – Sat. (percy road, whitton) and Hampton Hill – weds (windmill road, hampton hill). On Sat. 3rd Feb. Margaret Lord will be reading her story-versions with a harpist to accompany her at Hampton Wick library – at 3 p.m. Directions and full addresses can be found on the libraries page at www.richmond.gov.uk
Hope to see some of you there enjoying the spirit of Brigid.
Love
Anna