“Bridie’s Flame” (12″ x 12″) – Sold Click for PRINTS
I had tingles down my spine and a warm smile in my heart when I realized the bigger picture behind my new painting “Bridie’s Flame”.
I’ve got my friend and modern shaman Regina Wright to thank for that.
I’d started the 6 base layers in 2015 and waited until it spoke to me again to create its imagery. That happened on January 31st, the eve of St. Brigid’s day. I just didn’t know it at the time.
You may have read in a previous post that I’m feeling called to Ireland lately. This is just another piece of the puzzle.
When I first received a vision for this painting, I believed it to be a piece on Self-Love and positive body-image. The generously curved double heart-shaped figure was held in space by two hands.
As I was working on her, however, I realized she was also a flame – a radiant light surrounded by the halo of the sacred feminine glow.
The Celtic knots in the corner completed the piece before I had any idea of its timing.
I then blessed and varnished it for protection on February 1st – the day when the Irish celebrate St. Brigid of the Sacred Light, one of their two patron saints.
That’s also when I saw Regina’s Facebook post. I knew my timing wasn’t a coincidence. I was unconsciously celebrating St. Brigid’s Day through the creation of Bridie’s Flame.
I love the new normal!
Instead of repeating everything I then read about Brigd, I’ve invited Regina to share in her knowledge and experience of this saint and goddess. Thanks Regina!
Homage to Brigid by Regina Wright
I’ve been immersed in the energy of Brigid for the last few weeks as I prepared for an annual retreat that I’ve been holding for the last four years. Each year, I learn more about her – both goddess and saint.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t connected to Brigid. As a child, I heard stories of the saints, one of them being Brigid. My best friend’s mother when I was growing up was Irish and an amazing storyteller. I was eager to hear stories about the land of my ancestors.
I did a course in university in the 90s that explored the role of the goddess in religion and researched different goddesses in several cultures. I’ve been travelling to the UK for many years and found wells dedicated to Brigid in England, Scotland and Wales.
Regina Wright at Brigid’s Well in Kildare, Ireland
When I finally made it to Ireland in 2010, I really felt the energy of Brigid permeate the land – I was guided to her sacred wells to ask for her blessings and to Kildare, the home of her fire temple and sacred flame. Brigid keeps inviting me back. I’ve been to Ireland five times since 2010!
Who is Brigid and why is she so important, not only to the Irish, but to many around the world? I’m discovering many answers to these questions.
In the beginning, people revered the Great Mother Goddess, the energy of Earth herself. These ancient Celts knew that life sprang from her loins as she mated with the Sun, the Energy of the Heavens.
In Springtime, she showed her young, fresh beautiful Maiden self, as new life appeared all around the earth. Crops started to push up form her rich dark soil and young animals and babies were born.
She became known as Brigid – noble, exalted and respected One.
Customs and ways of honouring her wove into the very fabric of Celtic life.
She’s associated with healing springs, wells and streams. She’s the Lady of the Sacred Flame – the flame of creativity, inspiration, and creative consciousness. She’s the patroness of poetry, healing, smithcraft, midwifery and animal care. Brigid is the bringer of prosperity, the goddess of fertility, new growth and birth.
Brigid is considered a Triple Goddess, not only of the stages of life of mother, maiden and crone, but also of the roles she plays – that of Lady of the healing Waters, Goddess of the Sacred Flame and Goddess of the Fertile Earth.
In the 5th century, a truly beautiful and loving soul was born who personified the gifts of the Goddess.
She grew up to become Saint Brigid and established her abbey at Kildare, which became a great centre of spirituality and learning.
The story of how Brigid got the land for her convent is often told in Ireland today. She approached the local chieftain and asked for land to build her abbey. He laughed and didn’t take her seriously. Brigid didn’t take no for an answer and kept asking. The chieftain admired her courage and daring and told her she could have as much land as her long cloak would cover. Brigid nodded to her followers and gave a corner of it to four women and asked them to walk in the four directions – North, South, East and West. The chieftain was astonished as the women walked for miles and the cloak kept expanding over the lush green countryside.
This land in Kildare is where Brigid founded her Abbey and a perpetual flame was lit in a fire temple that remained lit for generations. It was extinguished by Cromwell’s men and remained unlit for centuries until it was relit by the Brigidine Sisters in 1993.
Today the flame is tended to in a beautiful new building, Solis Bhride, shaped like a Brigid Cross. I visited Solis Bhride in October and was gifted candles lit from the perpetual flame to bring back to Canada to share Brigid’s light and keep the fire alive.
Since the relighting of Brigid’s eternal flame in 1993, there’s been great interest in Brigid as goddess and Saint, not only in Ireland, but also in many other parts of the world.
This revival is seen in the number of books, songs, organizations, and events dedicated to her. Many traditions exist in Ireland from the early times of Brigid’s Abbey. Her day is celebrated on the first day of the Celtic spring, known as Imbolc (meaning in the belly) – there’s a whole week dedicated to the celebration of Brigid at this time – a festival of Brigid!
I feel it’s a reflection of us womenfolk reclaiming our power and our stewardship and responsibility for the healing of Mother Earth!
There are many sacred wells dedicated to Brigid around the British Isles and Ireland, but it is with Fire and her Sacred Flame that she is most frequently associated – the eternal flame of life, the flame of inspiration, and the flame of our creative consciousness.
She’s a solar goddess, and it’s said she was born at the exact moment of daybreak with her head radiant with rays of illuminated light.
I keep an altar dedicated to Brigid and light candles that have the energy of her flame that I brought back from Kildare.
Our ancestors brought Brigid with them to this land and this is reflected in some place names including St. Brides and Kilbride (which means church of Bride/Brigid).
I’ve heard stories of Brigid traditions been kept alive here in Newfoundland, including putting a small piece of cloth outside on January 31 to be blessed by Brigid during the night. This cloth was taken in before sunrise and kept in a safe place to be put on an injury, etc. It is said that this cloth is a strip of Brigid’s cloak.
For the past several months, I’ve been studying with a wonderful Celtic wise woman and shaman, Karen Ward, and have connected more deeply to Brigid through her.
I’m looking forward to going to Glastonbury in May – a place associated with Brigid – and back to Ireland in the fall – the seeds have been planted for me to offer my Brigid retreat in Ireland at Solis Bhride.
Brightest Blessings from Brigid,
Regina
P.S. Prints available in many sizes & mediums.
New Chakra Jewel Painting Series
/in PaintingsWhat a great week!
The result is seven 9″ x 12″ paintings that I’ll reveal to you. one at a time, in the next few weeks.
Or, if you’d rather see them all now for your Easter giving, they’ve already been added to my online shop.
I started with the 7 colours of the chakras, the centers of spiritual power in the human body. You can still tell which chakra was being worked on in some of the final pieces, but there are so many layers on others that you couldn’t guess if you tried.
Of course, each layer is filled with meaning and energy. Trust what you feel as you contemplate these paintings. They each hold a mirror, a message, and energy to support you on your Path.
Face to Face As One
When we look at ourselves straight on without our illusions and delusions, we open the portal to a fuller, more authentic life.
I used a drawing I’d made at The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art in 2014. We’d been studying the Hieratic Style: The ‘Eastern’ Canon of Ancient, Islamic & Hindu-Buddhist Art.
We then reflected on what sacred geometry underlies our own art and how to apply this to a makara, a figure which is recognizable straight on, but also as symmetrical profiles.
Mine is full of spirals and curves. There are many examples of these in architectural elements of places of worship around the world, but especially so in Hindu ones.
In “Face to Face As One”, the figure is a half human, half feline creature looking at herself. In her whole state, she’s Gaia, the primal Mother Goddess.
Click here for more information and to purchase.
What else does she speak to you about?
And as you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see? Your feelings are a reflection of your thoughts.
Are you seeing your Self without illusion or delusions? Can you see your beauty, your Light?
If not, what are some of the false thoughts that you’re ready to let go of.
Mirror work is powerful work. If you’re not familiar with it, Louise Hay explains it here.
P.S. “Soul Candy” from this series has already sold to one of my Facebook fans, but I’ll still introduce you to it later on. Want to see all the original paintings I have available? Click here.
I Was Bullied, But It Didn’t Stop Me
/in Inspiration“Lighting the Way” -prints available
I’ve often talked about the role of art in my life. But I haven’t really shared my story as a visionary – one who stayed Connected despite all odds. So here goes.
I believe we all come into this world with a strong memory of and connection to God / Source (whatever term you’re comfortable with). We also come in with our own support team.
Then starts the process of dis-connection – either because it’s driven out of us by society, or we become so caught up in this world that we forget.
I was lucky. First, I was an introvert. I spent a lot of time playing on my own (or what appeared to be on my own) and my parents respected that. It also reduced the effects of peer pressure.
My mother said I’d wake up singing in my crib and keep it up until she came to get me. I figure I must have known I was never alone. When I was old enough, I spent hours on the backyard swing, singing and communicating with my guardian angels.
Second, my dad was in the Air Force, so we moved 4 times in 5 years by the time I was 10. This meant that I never got overly dependent on one group of peers. I wasn’t molded into my “place in the pack”.
Still, I wasn’t a big fan of people. I vividly remember the day I learned that I had to shut up about my visions and “invisible friends” unless I wanted to be laughed at. I became super aware of the rampant conditional love in our society. I was what you’d call a hyper-sensitive child. It often hurt to be around people. So I preferred the company of my team of Divine Helpers. I also read about Jesus and the lives of Saints… as well as the Smurfs and other European goodies.
Thankfully, we lived in areas where it was safe to let your kids out to play all day without supervision. I’d spend a lot of time in nature alone or with a neighbour’s dog, communicating with God, the elementals, totem animals, forest creatures, and my team Guides and angels.
I wish I could remember more specifics, but I can’t. I just know my family had to send out search parties to find me at dinner time.
My relationship with my team of Divine Helpers got tested though when I was 11. We’d moved back to Ottawa where I re-joined my kindergarten group.
I was bullied for my naivety (I was much more sheltered growing up in Germany than my Canadian peers), for doing my homework, and for the attention I was getting from boys and teachers.
I had to choose – peer pressure or stay true to my Self and my Guidance.
I tell ya! I was terrified. I didn’t want to go back to school the day after I was followed by the whole class and beaten up by the “top girl”. It actually took me years to get over it and forgive.
But I’m glad I remained true to my values and endured the “goody goody two shoes” sing songs for a couple more years until I could go to a different high school than the rest of my class.
The lesson to remain true to my Higher Self served me well. I now knew that those who liked me truly like me, not some pretend-me I’d show up as to please them. I was seen, appreciated, and loved… mostly.
But the greatest gift of all was that I remained connected to my Guides – mostly while walking or being alone in nature.
When I finally found a painting medium that helped me express my Self (liquid acrylics), I realized that the studio was just as good a channeling space than being in nature.
The more challenging life became, the more I painted. I relied on my friendships with all forms of Spirit to channel the love, healing, teachings I needed to cope with “the real world”.
When healers started taking notice of my work, I knew I’d found my tribe. There were others who’d kept the channel open and were using their connection to serve others.
I couldn’t have put a name to my visionary skills before I started energy healing workshops of various kinds in the 90s. The healing modalities I learned didn’t include visions, but they naturally flowed and I felt safe to share them with my practice buddies. To me, they were entertaining. To others, they held symbolism-filled messages that enhanced the energy work.
It took over 20 years to add my visionary services to my public offerings. Before that, I focused on my energy-based intuitive paintings and inspirational photography.
Now it’s all coming together – the energy-based art and intuitive / visionary services.
I may have kept silent about it for years … bullying can do that. But I didn’t lose my Connection, which helped me along my Path. Now I’m here to help you on yours. And for that, I’m grateful!
If I can help mirror to you your Light and the amazingly beautiful flow of unconditional love supporting you on your path, then it’s my honour and my pleasure. Be it through my art, intuitive readings, or guided meditations, you too can re-connect to your Source and team of Divine Spirits. You too can learn to live intuitively through your very own Connection.
May it be so. Aho. Amen 🙂
P.S. It took guts to speak up about this a year or so ago, but I’m so glad I did. It’s time to get rid of our camouflage. What’s yours?
P.P.S. I have 3 services which put my visionary skills to work for you.
New Energy Painting Commission: Jillian’s Magnific-Essence
/in Paintings, Soul Energy Portrait ExamplesWe don’t have to do it all on our own.
There’s all sorts of support to help us on our journey.
Let’s take this video for example.
My first attempts resulted in last week’s out-of-focus blooper reel.
But thanks to my camera’s instruction manual, I was able to do a much better job this time. It reminded me of things I’d forgotten and showed me new options. It carried the knowledge and wisdom of its creators.
That’s similar to the work I’ve been called to do. I co-create the tools for you to receive guidance from the experts: your team of Divine Helpers / The Universe / God (whatever term you’re comfortable with).
I explain this more in this week’s video, featuring a new energy painting commission – Jillian’s Magnific-Essence.
Each experience is truly unique.
Your painting and process take shape layer by layer.
You’re offered many opportunities to receive energy work, explore symbolism, and reflect on the guidance you receive.
Both the creative process and the final painting help create momentum in your life.
Our journey together is as much a mystery to me as it is to you. I never know what the next layer will be until I’m guided.
All I know is to trust in the process because I’ve witnessed its transformative potential.
With every new layer comes new possibilities to connect, to shift, to empower, to reflect, to let go, and to open to receiving.
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It’s an intensively beautiful journey for both my clients and I.
Here’s what Jillian had to say about her energy painting commission experience.
“Working with Dominique on an energy painting was a very surreal experience. Not knowing what to expect, I was surprised to find the process both powerful and transformative.
Each layer Dominique provided – from the very first email to the shared images of the painting in progress – had profound meaning for me on a personal and spiritual level.
I was moved to tears more than once, shifting into a new awareness of self.
Now, when I look at the painting we accomplished together, I’m reminded of that transformation. I’m so grateful for this experience, as well as for the beautiful piece of artwork that’s mine, and mine alone.”
I co-create a maximum of 2 energy painting commissions a month so that I can be fully present for you. Would you like to work with me?
Click here for more information, examples, prices, and to contact me.
Underwear and the Passage of Time
/in Life By Design“Green Tree Autoscape” from the Shades of Time Photography Collection.
The passage of time is different as a full-time artist.
There’s no more Monday to Friday 9 to 5 to mark the weeks.
There are no more bi-weekly paychecks either.
And without kids around, the years all meld together.
I’ve moved around the world a lot, so I wasn’t there to see my nieces and nephew grow up. It’s hard to believe one of them has children!
Sure, there are still the monthly bills.
But my biggest time marker is my underwear. Every time!
I’m always surprised when my pile runs low. And counting them as I hang them up to dry feels like a total reality check. Didn’t I just do the laundry 2 days ago?
What is this fascination with the passage of time? I have no conclusions – just musings.
If you’re in the here and now, does measuring it against the past or future matter?
I do love birthdays, but haven’t paid attention to the number in decades. I turn “the big 5-0” next November, but that means nothing more to me than when I turned 49, or 30.
I truly get more shocked to find 10 pair of underwear in my wash than about the changing of seasons or decades.
Is that a good or bad thing? Who am I to judge? It just is.
Take last week for example. I spent a very intensive week in the flow working on an energy painting commission. I’m glad my calendar was almost completely clear, so I could get lost in time. I just followed the flow.
As a budding entrepreneur, I still have to pay attention to my calendar – meetings, training, outings, commitments. But I’ve worked hard to simplify my life and my schedule. It feels good.
Maybe one day – when someone does my laundry for me – I’ll live even more in the here and now, without anything to mark the passage of time.
Will that be a good or bad thing? I don’t know.
What do you think? Would you like to exist in the timelessness?
The Power of a Vision Statement – Coaching in Action
/in Life By Design“Floralis Dance” from my Blossoming Photography Collection (available in many sizes and mediums)
This is great stuff! I had to share. I’m sure it’ll help you too. Plus it’s quite easy to do.
It only took me about 10 minutes to write up my Vision Statement during a recent life / business coaching session with Brenda Kelleher-Flight of GDP Consulting. She needed a volunteer for her latest certification, and I jumped at the occasion. (You’ll hear more from her later in this post.)
I’m already feeling its effects. My homework is to listen to the recording of this Vision Statment a few times in a row each day to connect to the life I envision for myself.
It’s such a natural step forward from my previous work with affirmations and vision boards. I’ve now got one more tool to build the life I want.
I’m happy to report that I’m steadily aiming in the right direction. And I trust the Universe is working on the elements that aren’t visible yet, but I know are already on their way. All I need to do is keep the faith and continue to affirm it through thoughts, feelings, and inspired actions. My Vision Statement recording will help with that.
Here’s how it works. Write up your vision of your ideal life. Write everything in the present tense. Cover all areas. Be specific or stay general.
Here. Listen / read mine for an example.
My Vision Statement
I go to bed early in a grateful and positive frame of mind, so that I wake up feeling completely refreshed. I love my morning routine, as I give myself the time and space for sacred rituals: dancing on my mini-trampoline and chanting, yoga, asking and receiving Guidance. These raise my vibration for the rest of the day.
My business day starts between 6-7 a.m. when I do intuitive readings, guided meditations, or energy paintings. Helping people on their path also helps me with my life purpose of exploring and expressing my love of beauty and the beauty of love.
My flow of clients is steady, only attracting those who are a good match for my offerings.
My work is making a significant different in my fans’ and clients’ lives. I feel truly blessed to be doing this work. It’s also financially lucrative so that it creates more freedom for myself and others to live in ways that are aligned with my / their inner guidance. People are happy to be supporting me in my goals as it also helps them with theirs.
My business is organized in a way that allows for an uninterrupted flow of passive income.
I have the freedom to follow my inner guidance to wherever it leads, be it for study, recreational travel, business, and more.
My work day usually ends around 3 pm to focus on quality time with my Self, my life partner, and friends.
My presence is a gift – the result of my open mind and generous heart.
Every day, I nourish myself with healthy foods and take nature walks – alone or with friends.
I am in a mutually respectful and unconditionally loving relationship with the right man for me. We both want the other’s happiness without expecting anything in return.
All those in my life feel connected to me even when I’m not physically present. My love and support are felt with all my friends and family.
I’m happy and healthy in body, mind, and spirit because I choose to live in this way.
The Power of Coaching
I can just imagine the benefits of regular life-business coaching!
Here’s how Brenda talks about it.
Message from Brenda
Are you totally satisfied with all areas of your life and work? If yes, this post isn’t for you. If not, then please keep reading and I hope you’ll find the guidance you’re searching for at this time. The guidance I’m speaking about is that of a coach.
Sometimes we feel stuck or as if things could be better, but we don’t know who to talk to, who to trust, or whether things could actually be as we dream. The good news is that a good coach is a confidant. You can tell your coach things you wouldn’t tell others because a coach is trained to understand and be non-judgmental.
A coach will lead you through exercises to help you identify your blind spots. You determine what is holding you back from achieving what you desire and deserve because your coach only has one agenda – that is working in your best interests.
In my training through the Fowler International Academy of Professional Coaching , I’ve learned that it’s essential to set priorities, work on manageable targets, and hold you accountable for taking actions and seeing results. When you report on your accomplishments and initiatives, we get to celebrate together. When things don’t go as well, I’m there as a non-judgement sounding board.
I can assist you to create your vision for your future and see it become a reality. There’s no such thing as failure in my world, there’s only success.
Brenda Kelleher-Flight is a professional coach and mediator. She can be reached at [email protected] or 709-753-9935.
Transformed Through a Splash of Colour
/in PaintingsWe can all be transformed through a splash of colour.
I love colour. Bright colours. They raise my vibrations and feed my soul.
Rodika Tchi says:
Silver Thaw Version 1
Yet in 2014, I’d been inspired to create Silver Thaw (top left – 18″ x 24″) – an iridescent pearl and silver tree piece, whose glass beads refracted the light in a most amazing way.
“Silver thaw” is a common expression here in Newfoundland for what’s also known as “silver frost” or “glitter ice” – that thick shiny ice that covers each blade of grass and twig if the weather is just right for it. It’s magical to witness.
But almost devoid of colour, this painting never really appealed to me.
Still, I know that I’m often called to co-create a painting with Spirit that’s meant for someone in particular.
Sometimes it takes years for them to meet, but sometimes it happens quickly and surprisingly – like the time I brought a painting I really didn’t like to a fair and it sold while it was still sitting in a box.
I’ve learned to step out of the way.
Silver Thaw Version 2.0
But earlier this month, I heard whisperings from the corner of my studio. Silver Thaw was beckoning from within its storage box.
How exciting! I’d thought about adding colour to it a few times in the past, but now the call came from the painting itself. Or perhaps it’s because its future owner needed it…
All I know is that it was ready for a transformation. It needed a splash of colour – a make-over.
And that’s what it got: one more layer in its evolutionary journey.
Nature-inspired, “Silver Thaw” reflects our own simple beauty.
The glass beads on this piece still infuse it with light. When you walk by it, it shimmers and changes, reflecting your inner and outer moods.
Silver Thaw (18″ x 24″)
Acrylics and glass beads on gallery-wrapped canvas.
SOLD
Click here for prints.
Take a look around your environment. Is there a room, a wardrobe, or a meal that’s calling for transformation through a splash of colour? Be brave. Be bold. Nourish your soul…
New Painting: “Radical Acceptance”
/in Paintings“Radical Acceptance” 12″ x 36″ – SOLD
“Radical Acceptance” is about saying YES to life. It’s about loving what is.
May this painting energize your intention to truly see the worthiness and the gift of all you are and all that is.
There’s not a tree in the forest that wishes it was other than what it is or elsewhere than where it is.
Its full potential has been present at its core from the time it was a seed in the ground. It simply reaches higher and higher, accepting itself and its circumstances. It grows at its own perfect speed. It adapts to its environment while continuing to journey towards the sun.
For trees, radical acceptance isn’t a practice. It’s just a way of being.
Eternal witnesses and keepers of ancient wisdom, trees offer the planet life-sustaining energy, nourishment, and shelter. They also provide us with a mirror. Will you accept their invitation to love what is, no matter what? With their invitation comes a key to happiness.
Can You Believe It?
I couldn’t help but chuckle at myself.
I created this painting back in October / November 2015 to enter into a local contest. One of the rules was to keep our entry off all social media.
I’d finished it right before the deadline and hadn’t even photographed it.
So when it was time to pick it up recently, I had no idea what to expect. I knew it was called “Radical Acceptance”, but couldn’t remember the size or subject.
I’ve never been known for my long-term memory. It’s been like that since I was a kid.
I used to say that I’d experienced such a rich life as a child in a military family (we moved 4 times and traveled throughout Europe before I was 10) that I simply couldn’t store it all inside my brain.
Luckily, I have a great detail-oriented short-term memory. I did well in school exams and can easily learn the names of my students within the first day of class. But if I meet them later, I’ll only recognize their faces.
So never take it personally if I don’t remember your name or the details of an intuitive reading I did for you. It’s just the way I am. I’ve accepted that.
There are silver linings. My ex was grateful. Plus it sure makes re-watching movies a lot more fun.
Now, I like to think that I’m mastering the art of living in the here and now…. being fully present.
I’ve also learned to adap. I keep impeccable paperwork to keep track of things. And I blog a lot to share and have a record of my journey.
Sure, I admire those who have great memories. But that doesn’t take away from who and what I am. That’s all part of radical acceptance.
In this case, picking up my painting after it didn’t win the contest was like being reunited with an old friend.
I’d fully let it go into its new experience. And when it came back, I was filled with joyful surprise at its playful happy energy. My heart sang as I unwrapped it. I immediately remembered knowing it.
P.S. This is a highly textured piece. The colourful raised trees are super glossy while the white hazy background is more matte. Seeing my paintings in person is a whole different experience.
Radical Acceptance
12″ x 36″
Acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas.
No framing required
SOLD
Online Intuitive Painting Course
/in PaintingsIntuitive painting is fun. It’s transformative. It’s empowering. That’s why I do it.
Want to try? Unleash your very own creative expression in this online intuitive painting course.
I discovered Flora Bowley’s Brave Intuitive Painting book in 2013, took her Bloom True e-course that same year and attended one of her live workshops in Bali in 2014. She’s truly inspiring!
I’ve been painting in this way since the 80s. And although I’ve been teaching it once in a while for about 5 years, it’s not where I feel drawn to put most of my energy.
So I’m thrilled to be able to spread the word about what Flora is doing with her very well designed self-paced online course.
She uses the same materials I’ve used for years and follows a very similar personal philosophy, which is such an integral part of her teaching.
Watch this to see what I mean.
I’ve decided to affiliate with Flora to help open more people to this amazing journey. I’ll receive a small stipend for every person who registers using this link.
It’s a true win-win-win situation. I get to help spread the joy of intuitive painting to you and your friends and receive extra support to continue my own artistic journey.
Click here for all the juicy details about this course. And thanks for sharing this post.
Homage to Brigid with Regina Wright
/in Paintings“Bridie’s Flame” (12″ x 12″) – Sold Click for PRINTS
I had tingles down my spine and a warm smile in my heart when I realized the bigger picture behind my new painting “Bridie’s Flame”.
I’ve got my friend and modern shaman Regina Wright to thank for that.
I’d started the 6 base layers in 2015 and waited until it spoke to me again to create its imagery. That happened on January 31st, the eve of St. Brigid’s day. I just didn’t know it at the time.
You may have read in a previous post that I’m feeling called to Ireland lately. This is just another piece of the puzzle.
When I first received a vision for this painting, I believed it to be a piece on Self-Love and positive body-image. The generously curved double heart-shaped figure was held in space by two hands.
As I was working on her, however, I realized she was also a flame – a radiant light surrounded by the halo of the sacred feminine glow.
The Celtic knots in the corner completed the piece before I had any idea of its timing.
I then blessed and varnished it for protection on February 1st – the day when the Irish celebrate St. Brigid of the Sacred Light, one of their two patron saints.
That’s also when I saw Regina’s Facebook post. I knew my timing wasn’t a coincidence. I was unconsciously celebrating St. Brigid’s Day through the creation of Bridie’s Flame.
I love the new normal!
Instead of repeating everything I then read about Brigd, I’ve invited Regina to share in her knowledge and experience of this saint and goddess. Thanks Regina!
Homage to Brigid by Regina Wright
I’ve been immersed in the energy of Brigid for the last few weeks as I prepared for an annual retreat that I’ve been holding for the last four years. Each year, I learn more about her – both goddess and saint.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t connected to Brigid. As a child, I heard stories of the saints, one of them being Brigid. My best friend’s mother when I was growing up was Irish and an amazing storyteller. I was eager to hear stories about the land of my ancestors.
I did a course in university in the 90s that explored the role of the goddess in religion and researched different goddesses in several cultures. I’ve been travelling to the UK for many years and found wells dedicated to Brigid in England, Scotland and Wales.
Regina Wright at Brigid’s Well in Kildare, Ireland
When I finally made it to Ireland in 2010, I really felt the energy of Brigid permeate the land – I was guided to her sacred wells to ask for her blessings and to Kildare, the home of her fire temple and sacred flame. Brigid keeps inviting me back. I’ve been to Ireland five times since 2010!
Who is Brigid and why is she so important, not only to the Irish, but to many around the world? I’m discovering many answers to these questions.
In the beginning, people revered the Great Mother Goddess, the energy of Earth herself. These ancient Celts knew that life sprang from her loins as she mated with the Sun, the Energy of the Heavens.
In Springtime, she showed her young, fresh beautiful Maiden self, as new life appeared all around the earth. Crops started to push up form her rich dark soil and young animals and babies were born.
She became known as Brigid – noble, exalted and respected One.
Customs and ways of honouring her wove into the very fabric of Celtic life.
She’s associated with healing springs, wells and streams. She’s the Lady of the Sacred Flame – the flame of creativity, inspiration, and creative consciousness. She’s the patroness of poetry, healing, smithcraft, midwifery and animal care. Brigid is the bringer of prosperity, the goddess of fertility, new growth and birth.
Brigid is considered a Triple Goddess, not only of the stages of life of mother, maiden and crone, but also of the roles she plays – that of Lady of the healing Waters, Goddess of the Sacred Flame and Goddess of the Fertile Earth.
In the 5th century, a truly beautiful and loving soul was born who personified the gifts of the Goddess.
She grew up to become Saint Brigid and established her abbey at Kildare, which became a great centre of spirituality and learning.
The story of how Brigid got the land for her convent is often told in Ireland today. She approached the local chieftain and asked for land to build her abbey. He laughed and didn’t take her seriously. Brigid didn’t take no for an answer and kept asking. The chieftain admired her courage and daring and told her she could have as much land as her long cloak would cover. Brigid nodded to her followers and gave a corner of it to four women and asked them to walk in the four directions – North, South, East and West. The chieftain was astonished as the women walked for miles and the cloak kept expanding over the lush green countryside.
This land in Kildare is where Brigid founded her Abbey and a perpetual flame was lit in a fire temple that remained lit for generations. It was extinguished by Cromwell’s men and remained unlit for centuries until it was relit by the Brigidine Sisters in 1993.
Today the flame is tended to in a beautiful new building, Solis Bhride, shaped like a Brigid Cross. I visited Solis Bhride in October and was gifted candles lit from the perpetual flame to bring back to Canada to share Brigid’s light and keep the fire alive.
Since the relighting of Brigid’s eternal flame in 1993, there’s been great interest in Brigid as goddess and Saint, not only in Ireland, but also in many other parts of the world.
This revival is seen in the number of books, songs, organizations, and events dedicated to her. Many traditions exist in Ireland from the early times of Brigid’s Abbey. Her day is celebrated on the first day of the Celtic spring, known as Imbolc (meaning in the belly) – there’s a whole week dedicated to the celebration of Brigid at this time – a festival of Brigid!
I feel it’s a reflection of us womenfolk reclaiming our power and our stewardship and responsibility for the healing of Mother Earth!
There are many sacred wells dedicated to Brigid around the British Isles and Ireland, but it is with Fire and her Sacred Flame that she is most frequently associated – the eternal flame of life, the flame of inspiration, and the flame of our creative consciousness.
She’s a solar goddess, and it’s said she was born at the exact moment of daybreak with her head radiant with rays of illuminated light.
I keep an altar dedicated to Brigid and light candles that have the energy of her flame that I brought back from Kildare.
Our ancestors brought Brigid with them to this land and this is reflected in some place names including St. Brides and Kilbride (which means church of Bride/Brigid).
I’ve heard stories of Brigid traditions been kept alive here in Newfoundland, including putting a small piece of cloth outside on January 31 to be blessed by Brigid during the night. This cloth was taken in before sunrise and kept in a safe place to be put on an injury, etc. It is said that this cloth is a strip of Brigid’s cloak.
For the past several months, I’ve been studying with a wonderful Celtic wise woman and shaman, Karen Ward, and have connected more deeply to Brigid through her.
I’m looking forward to going to Glastonbury in May – a place associated with Brigid – and back to Ireland in the fall – the seeds have been planted for me to offer my Brigid retreat in Ireland at Solis Bhride.
Brightest Blessings from Brigid,
Regina
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A Change of Scenery
/in Life By Design, My Travels, Newfoundland & LabradorIt’s only February, and I’m already manifesting my way through my 2016 intuitive vision board. This time, I took its soul advice for a change of scenery and spent 4 days at my friend Victoria’s in Spaniards Bay, a little less than an hour from St. John’s.
I love road trips. I’m constantly gasping at the beauty (sometimes a bit alarming for the driver).
But since I’ve chosen not to have my own car, I don’t get out of town much – especially if I’m focused on work as much as I was in 2015.
So Victoria came to get me, and we spent a lovely 4 days driving around taking pictures, socializing, eating, and getting to know each other and her 4 fur-babies better. It was great!
I first met Victoria in an art class I taught back in 2011. She’s taken almost every one since. She was also instrumental in helping me raise funds for my Vienna Art Scholarship Fund.
I felt right at home in her new house. Plus it was thrilling to see so much of her artwork live. She’s not only thriving with intuitive painting, but creating wonderful figurines and mixed media hooked pieces on slate. Click here to visit her FB Page.
I came home with a closer friendship, lots of new photos, a few extra pounds, work in a new gallery, some cute kitten scratches (the kittens were cute, not the scratches), and all the benefits of recreation.
So there you have it. By traveling only 50 minutes away, it was a complete change of scenery. What a blessing in so many ways! Thanks Victoria!
You don’t have to go far to play tourist.
Where can you go this February for a change of scenery?
P.S. You can also click on the first image and scroll from there.