Forgiveness in the air. . .

The first of February is honored by many people in various ways. For our pagan brothers and sisters, it signifies the turning of the Great Wheel to Imbolg, the time of the quickening. For those who follow the Christian path, it is Candlemas, a time to honor St. Bridget. And, those in the secular crowd acknowledge Ground Hog’s day, a festive way of predicting the end of winter (BTW: our little friend foresees 6 more weeks ‘til spring).


Celebrated are beginnings, stirrings, awakenings. But, it is also a time to make reparations, for what better way is there to begin anew, than with a goodwill gesture of making amends?

It’s impossible to pass through this life without causing injury to another. One harsh word, when our tempers are short, can wound an already battered soul. One broken promise, though seemingly insignificant at the moment, can leave cracks that radiate throughout an already strained relationship.

Our intentions aside, the pain we cause others is real (at least, it is to them). Not “meaning to” hurt someone does not, in and of itself, relieve us of responsibility when our actions (or inactions) cause harm.

Granted, we can’t control another’s reaction and yes there are many who walk this earth sure to find insult around every corner. But, we can do our part to make amends whenever possible. To what end? Well, let’s put the shoe on the other foot, for a moment, shall we?

For whatever reason, someone has hurt you deeply, with a cruel jest or harsh scolding. Someone has stolen from you. Someone has lied to you or, worse, about you. Someone has shared your private business with what seems to be the entire world (I could go on, but I think you get the point).

How much sooner would those wounds heal if the person who inflicted them sincerely apologized? How much quicker, still, would the scares begin to fade if the person offered some genuine gesture of atonement?

Though we can’t guarantee that our wounds will be tended by those who caused them, we can make a promise to ourselves that we will do our best to make amends to those whom we, intentionally or inadvertently, injure.

The solar system is now aligned to lend its strength to our offerings of peace, to bolster our courage to request forgiveness and give power to cleanse away the old in order to make way for the new. Take advantage of the season. You’ll be better for it, more importantly, the world will be better for it.

Blessings!
Kira Adora of CSS