Seasons Change

For those of you in the Met Eireann camp who consider that Spring begins in March, I say to you not for me nor for many ‘traditionalists’ in this country. When the promised snow arrives next week, we may appear somewhat foolish having proclaimed the arrival of Spring, however, that will not deter us!

Going back to my school days, I will forever associate making crosses out of wreaths and straw for Lá le Bríde as not only a celebration of St Brigid’s day on February 1st but also the arrival of Spring, an t-Earrach.

If my childhood memories are not enough to convince you of the merits of starting Spring a month 'early', then consider the Irish words for September and October – Mean Fómhair (middle of Autumn) agus Deireadh Fómhair (end of Autumn). Autumn ends in October, Winter begins in November and Spring, therefore, begins in February. I rest my case! 😉

The Irish language is deeply rooted in the Celtic tradition. The ancient festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa marked the beginning of the seasons. The soltices and equinoxes marking their mid-points.

It is heartening to witness these eight celtic festivals returning to prominence as we seek to tap into the ancient wisdom of our ancestors and their connection to nature.

What’s all this got to do with money I hear you ask? Not very much I say! If, by now, you are familiar with my message, you will know that once your basic needs for security and freedom are met, there are far more important things in the world than money. For me, being connected to nature, the seasons and our heritage represent a few of those things.

Of course money is important in that we need it to satisfy basic needs and it can, of course, enhance how we experience life. Far too often, however, we allow it to be a source of stress and worry from which the solutions to our financial challenges and aspirations will find it difficult to emerge.

So why not tap back into some ancient wisdom and deepen your connection with nature. Then when you are feeling open and expansive, consider your financial situation with detachment and gain clarity about the way forward to a better relationship with money.

And what better time of the year to do this than Imbolc or the beginning of Spring. The festival of awakening, emergence and possibility where dreams and visions can be planted as seeds, launched as fiery arrows and the work of bringing them to fruition can begin.