Solstice Divination
TopazOwl

Tue Dec 22 09:45:19 1998
   I rose before dawn to greet the new sun this morning. As dim light softly crept over the sky, I realized I would not be able to see the sun today, as heavy clouds obscured my view. Nevertheless, I do of course know that the sun is up there, rising over the landscape as usual.*p*     As is my usual practice, I waited for omens to appear. It was not long before I began to see soft white flakes drifting toward the still sharp greenness of the grass. I smiled, because this was something I had asked for; there is something magickal about the first real snow. I watched as the flakes increased, the wind playing through them as they danced, and I took note of a change in the quality of the dawn light through the snow. Within moments, the green world had vanished, replaced by clean, crisp whiteness. As I watched, a flock of the blackbirds of Rhiannon winged their way across my vision. Here was my omen. *p*     I searched in my mind for teachings of Blackbird. Now, Blackbird is known by another name: Druid Dubh, the Black Druid. That there was a group of them means this message is intended for more than me, so I share it with those who will understand. My flock was heading from North to South, from Falias to Gorias. Morfesa, Great Knowledge, directs us along the path of the fiery Spear toward illumination; from this cold time and from the foundation Stone, the knowledge of our people, will come great inspiration to shed light on the ways of drai/ocht. Blackbird is also the blacksmith's bird, the master of fire, ghobadhu. He is the first of five animals encountered on the journey which culminates at the salmon of wisdom in the sacred pool, and as such, he stands at the threshhold.*p*     The omen is clear, and is very fitting to the season. This will be a special winter for many of us. Blackbird calls to us this season to enter the Otherworld, with the strength of the Stone of Destiny beneath us and the fiery Spear of Victory in our hands, from the solidity of earth and hearth to the magick of the transformative and elusive Fire of Imbas, to find the Truth of our being. Our quest for the Salmon of Wisdom begins anew on this day. May Imbolc find us all emerging from the sacred pool with the glow of illumination radiating from our brows. May the Truth of our journey shine out for all to see upon our return, and may the poetry which results be shared for many years among our people.*p*Blessed Solstice,*br*The Topaz Owl