Light in Darkness

Light In Darkness

"There are three candles the illuminate
every darkness: truth, nature, and knowledge."
   ancient Irish triad

  Truth has been the mirror and shield of all seekers since life began. The primal integrity of all beings shines out like the light of a diamond, sharp and clear; but when truth is hidden, we are aware only of a dimness, and obscurity that cloaks our perception. Our unique sensitivity of soul to truth is inbred. It tells us what is good, well-aligned, and perfect. If we return to recognizing truth in ourselves, our actions, our speech, and our thoughts, we relate to ourselves and to the universe with better respect.
   Nature is the shining garment in which all life is clothed. The vigor, strength and power of life are
nature's gifts. We experience nature through our physical senses, and this experience is often ecstatic. We tend these days to rhapsodize nature, after a long era of neglect and abuse. we are each part of nature: if we abuse it, we abuse ourselves and those we love. If we observe and learn from nature's beautiful and balancing continuum, we live lives of harmony and justice.
    Knowledge is the glory that arises when truth and nature are properly welcomed and respected. It cannot be given to another; it can only arise when Mother Nature and Father Truth conjoin in union. Knowledge is the glorious child stored in every cell of the universe. If we search for glory in our thoughts, motivations and experiences, we align ourselves with knowledge. But neither truth, nature, nor knowledge can be owned: this is why they are the eternal candles. Let us always be on guard, therefore, for anyone who attempts to trade these three, for such action heralds the approach of absolute darkness. But with the three candles of truth, nature and knowledge to light out way, we need never be in darkness.

"How do these three candles illuminate your own darkness?"
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]

Imbolc

The Spring quarter of Imbolc brings

the gift of insight and inspiration and is

a time of beginnings and of essential truthfulness.

Begun in the dark and often icy days of

early Spring, it is traditionally the time to

appreciate innocence, truth and justice, to

make resolutions and plans and to prepare

for the enfolding year.

In the human growth cycle,

Imbolc corresponds to the period

of childhood when all things are questioned or

enjoyed for their own sake.

Imbolc is a good time to celebrate the

lives of all 'soul-midwives'  who have

taught and prepared us, all who have been

upholders of justice and truth,

all holy ones who have gone to the heart

of the matter with great clarity and insight." 

[From: "Celtic Devotional" by Caitlin Matthews]