Imbolg
This is the time to celebrate the new life beginning to stir beneath the
frozen earth. The ewes once again begin producing milk. In Celtic tradition
it is the day to honor Bride/Bridgid/St. Bridgid. At Imbolg, the Crone transforms
into the Maiden of Spring. In some traditions Imbolg is a time to bless the
seeds that will be planted in Spring and to bless the candles that will be
used for the coming year. Many traditions also use Imbolg as the time to
initiate new witches or for current witches to rededicate themselves.The
Wheel has turned once again and Imbolc has arrived. . Of course
it is somewhat ironic that here in the Northeast this can also be the coldest
time of the year. It's as if Winter fights a furious battle before
releasing her hold upon the land.
This time of year is the perfect time to begin working on your psychic gifts.
Because it is still so dark and cold outside, now is the time to reaquaint
yourself with your Tarot cards, Runes or whatever type of divinatory tool
you prefer. You could try some of the exercises offered in a variety
of Tarot workbooks such as Tarot for Yourself by Mary K. Greer,
Tarot for All Seasons by Chrstine Jette, Tarot
for Every Day by Cait Johnson, or Tarot Games by Johnson
and Maura Shaw. When the weather is frigid outside you can curl up
before your altar (or wherever is comfortable) light a candle and explore
the messages you receive from your favorite deck of divinatory tool.
Crafts:
Many craft ideas appropriate
to this time of year are releated to Corn Dollies and Bride's Crosses.
Corn Dollies can be made using corn husks (detailed instructions are
given in Ancient Ways by Pauline & Dan Campanelli). An
easy way to incorporate this idea into your Imbolc ritual would be to use
3 ears of different colored corn tied together (the type often found around
Mabon). Dress the bundle as a bride and lay it in a basket or Bride
Bed surrounded by lit candles. Cross the bundle with a wand tipped
with an acorn or other phallic symbol and wound by ribbons. After laying
them down chant something appropriate ("Blessed be the Corn Mother (Bride)")
and perform any other rites you would like. When finished, douse the
candles. Leave them overnight. The next morning mount the
Corn Mother on your door to symbolize the Maiden's return. (This idea
was found in Wheel of the Year by Pauline & Dan Campanelli).
Embroidery and other types of needlework are traditionally associated
with this time of year as is quilting. If you enjoy this type of craft
then combine it with your spiritual beliefs. While stitching envision
something you wish for drawing closer with every stitch. If you're
working on something for the house then envision the work as bringing joy
and happiness to your home. Create special candles to use during rituals
throughout the year, cleanse and reconcecrate your ritual tools; create a
rain stick; or make your own musical instruments.
My contribution to the season is a recipe for an incense or potpourri to
enjoy during your rituals or just to make your home smell wonderful and
inviting..
6 drops Frankincense Oil
3 drops Sandalwood Oil
3 drops Lavender Oil
2 drops Cinnamon Oil
You can either use this recipe or any combination of these essential
oils. Add herbs or a combination of the two if you prefer. I
warm the oils in an electric potpourri pot but you could combine them and
rub them on an unfragranced incense stick. If you have problems breathing
when you use regular incense then using the oils in an aromatherapy lamp
or potpourri pot is an alternative.
Food & Drink:
Milk, cheese and dairy products are appropriate to this time of year (Hurray,
finally a legitimate excuse to eat cheesecake!). Incorporate ice cream,
whipped cream and other creamy delicacies into your festival foods. In
honor of the Sun's return you can also include spicy, hot foods like curries
or chiles (a nice White Bean Chili might be appropriate). Anything
with seeds would be wonderful for this Sabbat too. Enjoy a bagel with
sesame seeds and cream cheese for breakfast to honor the day.
Here are some great sites to check out for recipes to use:
Enjoy!
