I have a new spindle. She's made of beautiful rosewood and perfect in every way. And she demands a name. I tried on a few while spinning fine silk on the train, but every name I suggested made the spindle drop to the floor. I found myself talking to her, singing to her, smoothing away her scratches with my fingers. Making promises.
All of this has surprised me, because I started spinning with no clue how it would fit into my Craft. I don't know any people in my immediate circle who spin, so there was noone to ask. As time has worn on I have reached my own conclusions, and now doing some research (albeit mainly online) I have found some intriguing things.
Like this:
"A common theme of spinning tales is the breaking of magical boundaries. Spinning women attract all kinds of supernatural creatures and spirits. The tale of Frau Holda is a prime example where the act of spinning causes a link between worlds."
The plot thickens.
Meanwhile this month I have been getting in touch with my inner Celt. For Imbolc I made a special soap dedicated to Bridget, called "Brigid's Fire". As is the way with such things the soap really named itself, demanding fiery orange swirls of annatto to contrast against a soft yellow ground, where I had planned a soft green and white. Bríde is someone who has become close to my heart, with her themes of purification, healing and creativity. Today I discovered that she is also a goddess of spinning.
