Seasons and Reasons

The uniquely archetypal journey of our lives

Photo by Madara Moroza on Unsplash

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap that which is planted….”
~ ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’ by Pete Seeger (from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Imbolc, also known as Brigid's Day, is a sacred celebration at the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It marks the increasing daylight and the gradual return of warmth.

Imbolc holds deep roots in ancient Celtic traditions and is associated with Brigid, a goddess of fire, poetry, healing, and fertility.

The first tender shoots of the snowdrops pushing up through the soil reflect the inner stirring that is happening within {at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere}.

The rhythms and cycles of life

I am feeling all the feels during this potent time of Imbolc ~ here at the intersection of birth, life, death and renewal.

My very first grandbaby ~ Elle Marie ~ made her debut into the world three days ago. And, I just learned that one of my dear friends and mentors is in hospice, preparing to make his transition out of this world.

I am shedding tears of joy that are mingling with tears of grief.

I am revisiting memories of my own maiden and mother phases, and beginning to embrace this new {gulp} crone phase. I’m also calling in a meaningful and stylish alternative to “grandma” and wondering htf could I be old enough to be someone’s grandmother?

At the same time, I am bubbling with the urge to create something new, while still feeling the stillness of wintering that is asking me to spend more time inward.

The stories of our lives

In all of this, I am filled with awe and appreciation for the seasons and reasons at play in Nature ~ the patterns, rhythms and cycles that are mirrored in our individual and collective lives.

I am in love with the utter perfection and divine order in the seeming chaos. The universal patterns that appear in the rise and fall of the sun, the turning of the seasons, the moments of ecstasy and of heartbreak in our personal stories, and the rise, fall and renaissance of civilizations….

These patterns are woven beautifully throughout the mythology of the ancient Celts {and many other cultures} and the Arthurian lore of the knights, maidens and the Grail treasure.

There is a reason these mythic legends are so timeless and deeply resonant. They are depicting the archetypal stories of our own lives ~ the universally common and deeply personal quest for our own liberation and transformation.

A new and ancient story

Joseph Campbell called it the Hero’s Journey, saying that it was a journey that only men needed to take. So Maureen Murdock tailored a version for women known as the Heroine’s Journey.

Now it’s time for a new take on this timeless tale ~ the Heroic Journey ~ recognizing that what we’re really doing is healing and integrating the masculine and feminine aspects within us all into harmony and wholeness.

Understanding the arc of this epic quest brings tremendous clarity, insight and appreciation for the grand design of our unique path. Mapping out the milestones in our lives ~ making sense of where we’ve been, where we’re heading, and why ~ allows us to orient to and operate from a much deeper place of peace, wholeness and thriving.

Join me for an adventure

This is my little snowdrop peeking its tender shoots above ground, right on cue with Imbolc….

I’m guiding a 4-week group trek through the phases of the Heroic Journey {my updated and synthesized version of the classic Hero’s Journey and Heroine’s Journey}.

Together we’ll explore both the archetypal quest and the treasure map to your own personal Wholly Grail, supporting you in thriving by reclaiming your unique gifts and embodying your fullest potential.

The adventure begins April 1st! Will you join me?

Big love to you and your courageous heart & soul!
Holly McCann