Celtic Winds: Spiritual Spring

In thinking about this topic it occurred to me that it might be easier to draw or paint this title than to write about it. I used to paint quite a lot before I took color and words to the web.  I can see lots of green (for Celtic and Saint Patrick’s Day), blue/gray silvery winds and even  brown crosses and perhaps lilies in the background up on a hill to remind us of Lent and an early Easter this year.

The term “Celtic” refers to the Celt Cultures that emerged from the expansion of the Roman Empire and the Great migration of the Germanic peoples (some refer it to the Barbarian Invasion). Iron Age to Medieval times…a group of people who finally distilled into the insular Celts (Gaels- Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man) and the Brythonic Celts (Wales, Cornwall, Breton) of the Medieval and Modern period. *

Saint Patrick being the Patron Saint of Ireland (and reportedly the first Catholic Christian to land in Ireland and teach about Christ) undoubtedly “ran into” the early Celts  and changed the nature of Celtic Spirituality forever.  So for those who celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day it is important to consider not only the “wearing of the green” but also Celtic Spirituality which draws us close to nature as well as the mystical and deep inner parts of ourselves which yearn for that unique connection with God.

This year, our “Spiritual Spring” begins  almost immediately after St. Patrick’s Day with an early Holy Week followed by Easter. We make an immediate jump from Celtic Spirituality into remembering the last week of the life of Jesus Christ, culminating with Good Friday/The Crucifixion, Holy Saturday (celebrated by some Christians) and then Easter. It is a busy month for our minds and hearts.

I will be quite honest. I have to “task myself” as my mother-in-law used to say, to intentionally give myself a “to do” list each to  read and reflect (this time of year) on what  is important to me as a Christian. What it is about Saint Patrick and Celtic Spirituality that fascinates me. To reflect during Lent especially during Holy Week, the last week of the life of Christ; that deliberate movement toward the cross and resurrection.  To remember the journey to the cross yet reclaim the promise that God’s Love is stronger than Death.

To return to the images of “Celtic Winds” and “Spiritual Spring” we could add the symbol of the shamrock or clover as some would say. A deep green, three-leaved image which symbolizes the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  It is another picture which gives us immediate connection to Ireland/Scotland/Wales/St. Patrick, and the totality of the Christian Faith celebrated so magnificently this time of year.  If we add that to our wind, crosses, and lilies, we have a colorful picture of the Christian faith for this time of year. It is a much easier way to “paint” the images that help to tell the story of faith and “frame it” for others.

Blessings for you and yours this March, 2016

Just Janine

 

* information on Celts is from “Celts – Wikipedia”

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