Imbolc blessings to you and yours. Imbolc was just a few days ago. This first Spring festival celebrates the return of the Goddess Brigid or Bride to the land. In Scottish lore, this is the time when the Cailleach, or Old Woman of Winter, journeys to the magical Isle in whose woods can be found the miraculous Well of Youth. At the first glimmer of dawn she drinks the water that bubbles in a crevice of a rock, and is transformed into Bride, the fair maid of Spring.
Her influence on the hearts and minds of the Celtic peoples was so strong that in later times she became revered as a Christian saint. According to the legend of the Irish Saint Bride, she was transported miraculously to Bethlehem to attend the nativity of Christ. In the painting above by John Duncan, two angels carry the white robed saint across the sea. The seascape reflects Duncan’s fascination with the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Iona.
More places now available on 2024 tours
The response to this year’s three tours to the UK has been fantastic. So much so that a few weeks ago we announced Mysterious Wales was sold out. However, our friends across the pond got busy contacting hotels and finding more rooms, so we now have a few more places open on all three tours.
The quality of these accommodations consistently garners rave reviews, for the photogenic locations, the toothsome meals and friendly service. On the Isle of Iona on the Sacred Scotland tour, we stay two nights at the St Columba Hotel – we can’t guarantee an Instagrammable sunset over nearby Iona Abbey like this, but you never know… if the fairies are with us…
On Orkney we stay three nights at the Stromness Hotel overlooking the picturesque harbour of Scapa Flow. We will be in Stromness during Shopping Week which ends on our last night with a parade of floats and colorful costumes through the town, followed by an open air dance and a fireworks display. Last year we saw vikings, drag queens and a pipe band!
Our first night on the Enchanted Ireland tour is at the 4-Star Hotel Minella. Special guest, Eimear Burke will be there with her harp to play for us as we relax before dinner. Further into the tour on the Ring of Kerry we stay two nights at the seafront Butler Arms Hotel in Waterville. As much as possible we find accommodation near the sea or rivers.
On the Mysterious Wales tour we stay two nights at the Gwydyr Hotel in the picturesque village of Betws-Y-Coed. Here we visit the nearby Fairy Glen, with its impressive waterfalls and magic atmosphere. As you walk down the path and sit by the water it’s easy to slip into another dimension where you hear the faeries and sprites sending whispered messages from the trees around you.
Another two-night stay in Wales is at the Heywood Spa Hotel in Tenby. Here you have access to a spa and indoor and outdoor hot tubs – a touch of luxury…
Body Mind Spirit Journeys would love to have your company on one of these small group tours in the British Isles. For more information follow the links below which take you to the web page where you can download full itineraries.
Enchanted Ireland April 29 – May 8
Sacred Scotland July 23 – August 1
Image Credits:
Saint Bride courtesy of National Gallery of Scotland