Merry Imbolc

Merry Imbolc everyone… let the love and light come into your hearts, your homes, your families….

Prayer for Peace at Imbolc

This is Imbolc, when the ice begins to melt, the earth begins to soften, and the seed begins to stir in the darkness. Let the small seeds of peace also stir within the hearts of those who have been locked in the ice of fear, anger, and hatred.

As the heat of the sun strengthens and warms the earth, so may the heat of love and compassion strengthen the will and spirits of all of us who strive for peace.

I will strive to soften my impatience, so that my compassion can break free and thrive. Peace is a harvest worthy of my patience. I cannot hasten the growth of the crop by tugging on the new shoots. But I can prepare the soil where the seeds of peace may grow.

I can allow love to burn so brightly within me that I glow with the force of it, and allow it to shine so that the fear and anger held within the hearts of others begins to soften and melt.

Peace is not an outward ideal, but an inner truth that lies deep within each heart. May it break forth and flourish. So mote it be.

Flame RavenHawk

Imbolc Herbs

This time is known by some as the “Feast of the Waxing Light” it is
the time of year that we are beginning to notice the Sun Gods growth
in that the days are becoming longer. This, like MayDay/Beltane, is
another pagan holiday which has survived into the current time.

Angelica: is best in the ritual cup. In this manner is considered to
bring one in contact with the inhabitants of Atlantis and to bring
Atlantean energies into their lives, visions and understanding.

Basil: this is the traditional time of year for initiations and the
initiate should have been taking daily tonics of basil for at least
the last two weeks. It is given now to prepare the innerself for
initiation to bring fortitude.

Bay: if the ritual is to be a solemn occasion then it is appropriate
to chew one or two (no more than that!) Leaves and meditate upon the
growing light and Sun God.

Benzoin: is used in the incense.

Celandine: is used in the ritual cup and tossed into the fire.

Heather: is used to decorate the entire space.

Myrrh: is used in the ritual cup and/or incense.

author unknown

Imbolc

The name Imbolc probably means “in the belly” in Gaelic. This sabbat
celebrates the first evidence of the return of life. The Sun is
slowly starting to make its return and the very hardiest of plants
will begin to grow again from this day forth.

Imbolg is also the holy day of Brigid, who is the Goddess of fire,
healing, fertility and is the muse of the poets. It is a fire
celebration, but the emphasis is mainly on the light aspect of the
fire and not so much the warmth. It is seen as light piercing the
dark(the slow return of the sun).

Celebrations during this sabbat are some of the most beautiful. They
tend to include a large amount of candles in addition to the
bonfire. There is typically many poems and stories told, in addition
to music and art. Many tend to make St. Brigid crosses at this
holiday. The crosses tend to be made from straw and usually are of
the Celtic variety with 4 equal-length arms.

In the Christian Calendar, this holiday is called Candlemas and all
church candles are blessed for the year.

This is traditionally a time of purification — clean your house! If
you have any Christmas greenery lingering, burn it now.

Make your own Brighid’s crosses and hang them up, especially in the
kitchen where her influence can bless your food.

Put out food — cake, buttered bread and milk will do —outside your
door: Brighid and her cow walk through the neighborhood tonight, and
will appreciate your offering.

Leave a silk ribbon on your doorstep for Brighid to bless: It can
then be used for healing purposes.

Meditate upon what you would like to see grow in health and strength
this year: for yourself, your family, your community, the Earth, and
ask for Bride’s blessing upon your prayers.

Take a journey to Brigit’s Forge to rekindle your inspiration here.

author unknown

Imbolc Activities

Here are a few suggestions for Imbolc activities, some of which can
be  incorporated into the Sabat celebration or simply as something to
make the day more special, especially to the children.

1. Burn the Yule greens to send Winter on its way.
2. Make the Bride’s Bed using the Corn or Wheat Doll made the previous
Lughnassadh.

Directions: Double over a bundle of wheat and tie it near the top to
form a head. Take a bit of the fiber from either side of the main
portion and twist into arms that you tie together in front of the
dolly.
Add a small bouquet of flowers to the ‘hands’, then you can decorate
the dolly with a dress and bonnet. Dress the doll in white or blue with a
necklace that represents the seasons. Lay it in a long basket adorned
with ribbons; light white candles on either side of the basket, and
say:

Imbolc Correspondences

Herbs
Angelica, Basil, Benzoin, Clover, Dill, Evergreens, Snowdrop, Bay, Heather, Myrrh, Rosemary, Willows, and the first flowers of the year.

Gemstones
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Turquoise, Garnet, and Onyx

Incense
Rosemary, Cinnamon, Wisteria, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

Color
White, Yellow, Pink, Light Blue, Light Green, Orange, Brown and Red

Altar Decorations
Lamps, Besom (broom), Grain dollies, a sprig of evergreen, a bowl of snow, statues of the maiden aspect of the goddess, and Yellow Flowers.

Foods
Dairy, Onions, Chives, Garlic, Spiced wines, Seeds, and Herbal Teas.

Gods and goddesses
Brighid, the Celtic goddess of healing, poetry and smith craft; Persephone, Demeter, Hagia, Sophia, Juno Februata, all virgin and maiden goddesses; all fire and flame gods, connected with the newborn Sun.

Customs and myths
In Irish legends of the Tuatha De Danaan, Brighid is the name of three daughters of Dagda who over time were combined into one goddess. Later, Brighid’s name was absorbed into that of a Christian saint, and many of her ceremonies and traditions into that saint’s worship. She was venerated in Scotland, Wales, on the Isle of Man and in the Hebrides. When celebrating Candlemas or Imbolc, spell work for fertility and protection are appropriate, defining and focusing on spiritual and physical desires for the future. Imbolc is a good time to get your life in order — physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Make plans, organize, clean out drawers and closets to bring in the new and clearing out the old.

Imbolc

Imbolc is also known as Imbolg, Oimelc or Candlemas and is the original celebration that led to the modern Groundhog Day. The name is derived from the old Gaelic word for “ewe’s milk”. This was the time of year that the farm animals would be giving birth, and their milk was beginning to flow. Milk plays a large part in traditional Imbolc foods.
This is also a holiday dedicated to the Irish Goddess Brigid, in her maiden aspect. The Christian version of this holiday is Saint Brigit’s Day, as the Christians attempted to convert the Pagan country folk to the church. Many of the practices and symbols of Imbolc relate to Brigid (pronounced Breed).

Candles are lit to lure back the sunshine of spring (hence the name Candlemas for the holiday). Wheels or wreaths with candles were either carried or worn as a crown during celebrations or processions. Bonfires were also common.

Weather predictions were a common practice at Imbolc, as the farmers tried to see how long it would be until Spring arrived. The various signs and portents that were supposed to signal the coming Spring are the origins of Groundhog Day. The original custom actually involved a hedgehog, but the animal was adjusted to match the local wildlife of North America when the tradition migrated here from Europe.

Another popular symbol of Imbolc is the grain dolly. The doll represents the Maiden aspect of the Goddess, and symbolizes the new life of the year. Beds for Brigit (or Bride’s beds) are also made, to prepare for the sacred marriage of the God and Goddess to come at Beltane.

Overall, this Sabbat is about the return of Spring and the renewed fertility of life. Young animals are starting to be born, and the bleakness of winter is finally past.