The In-Between Places

The In-Between Places

"Celtic mysteries occurred in twi-states between night and day, in dew that was neither rain nor river, in mistletoe that was not a plant, or a tree, in the trance state that neither sleep nor waking."
   ____ Elizabeth Sutherland, 'Ravens and Black Rain'

    For every one of us there are moments of revelation at the nexus point where opposites meet: dark and light, joy and sorrow, knowing and unknowing, keeping and losing, making and unmaking, silence and singing. In these days of growling light, when spring is still far ahead and the grip of winter is ever present, the opportunity to sample the opposites and stand at their still center is potent. These experiences do not have to be sought after; they arrive, magically blending elements together to seek us out. These are thresholds of power where neart* and soul are fused in one vision of wholeness, unity, and often ecstasy. These in-between places are the creative nexus at which vision and craft come together in embrace; this is where poetry, song, art, beauty, and inspiration uncoil from their hidden domain.

   The in-between places are neither fearful nor horrific, as popular opinion has so often depicted them, nor are they filled with monsters and demons, rather, they are thresholds of awakening where the soul is alert and watchful for omens of change, auguries of joy, promises of belonging.

"Be attentive to the thresholds and boundaries of your life - the places where change happens. What is your most ardent need for transformatory and revelatory change right now?"
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]

* neart - January 28th entry - The Irish word neart (NYART) is one for which there is no English equivalent. It means 'strength' or 'power' in the sense of 'the energy of life.'  This sacred energy is the source of all movement in the universe...