|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:05 am
February 1st
"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 pf plants will begin to grow again from this day fourth."
www.amysticalgrove.com
(site no longer works)
"Candlemas involves celebrations of banishing the winter and welcoming the spring. At the time of Candlemas, the newborn Sun God is seen as a small child nursing from his Mother. At this phase of the cycle, winter is swept away and new beginnings are nurtured. Some Wicca groups favor this time of the year for initiations into the Craft. It is traditional at Candlemas to light every lamp in the house for a few minutes in honor of the Sun's rebirth."
http://mindspring.com
(site no longer works)
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:07 am
Imbolc Information ~Imbolc is pronounced Im-bolk and it is also the holy day of Brigid, who is the Goddess of fire, healing, fertility, and is the muse of poets.
~Imbolc is one of the four Greater or Major Sabbats. It is a fire celebration, but the emphasis is mainly on the light aspect of the fire and no so much on the warmth. It is seen as light piercing the dark and thus a slow return of the sun.
~Celebrations during this sabbat are considered some of the most beautiful, they tend to include large amounts of candles in addition to bonfires.
~It is considered tradition in Imbolc eve just at sundown and following ritual to light every lamp in the house (only for a few minutes though) or to light a candle in every room in honor of the Sun God's rebirth. Or you can light a red or orange candle and place it in the window of your home. (Never leave candles unattended though). If snow still covers the ground then go outside and take a walk, and think of the warm summer days.
Did You Know:
~That Imbolc is also known as Oimelc, Brigid, Candlemas, or even in America as Groundhog Day.
~That during this time Brigid personifies the bride, virgin or Maiden. Brigid also is the protectress of women in childbirth.
~Imbolc is generally accepted in the NeoPagan community as having Irish/Celtic origins and the word is thought to translate as “in the belly” referring to the pregnancy of ewes.
~Imbolc is traditionally a time of purification and of initiation and the colors related to the day are White and Red.
~The day is also considered to be sacred to the Goddess Brigid, the Celtic goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft.
~That Imbolc is Celtic in origin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:10 am
Imbolic Correspondences
AKA:
Imbolg (Celtic), Candlemas (Christian), Brigantia (Caledonii), Oimelc, Festival of Light, Brigid's (Brid, Bride) Day, La Fheill, An Fheille Bride, Candelaria (Mexico), Chinese New Year, Disting-tid (Feb 14th, Teutonic), DisaBlot, Anagantios, Lupercalia/Lupercus (Strega), Groundhog Day, Valentines Day
Animals/Mythical beings:
firebird, dragon, groundhog, deer, burrowing animals, ewes, robin, sheep, lamb, other creatures waking from hibernation
Gemstones:
amethyst, garnet, onyx, turquoise
Incense/Oil:
jasmine, rosemary, frankincense, cinnamon, neroli, musk, olive, sweet pea, basil, myrrh, and wisteria, apricot, carnation
Colors/Candles:
brown, pink, red, orange, white, lavender, pale yellow, silver
Tools/Symbols/Decorations:
white flowers, marigolds, plum blossoms, daffodils, Brigid wheel, Brigid's cross, candles, grain/seed for blessing, red candle in a cauldron full of earth, doll, Bride's Bed; the Bride, broom, milk, birchwood, snowflakes, snow in a crystal container, evergreens, homemade besom of dried broom, orange candle annointed in oil (see above)can be used to sybolize the renewing energy of the Sun's rebirth.
Goddesses:
Virgin Goddess, Venus, Diana, Februa, Maiden, Child Goddess, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Vesta, Gaia, Brigid, Selene(Greek), Branwen(Manx-Welsh)
Gods:
young Sun Gods, Pan, Cupid/Eros(Greco-Roman), Dumuzi (Sumerian)
Essence:
conception, initiation, insight, inspiration, creativity, mirth, renewal, dedication, breath of life, life-path, wise counsel, plan, prepare
Dynamics/Meaning:
first stirring of Mother Earth, lambing, growth of the Sun God, the middle of winter
Purpose:
honoring the Virgin Goddess, festival of the Maiden/Light
Rituals/Magicks:
cleansing; purification, renewal, creative inspiration, purification, initiation, candle work, house & temple blessings, welcoming Brigid, feast of milk & bread
Customs:
lighting candles, seeking omens of Spring, storytelling, cleaning house, bonfires, indoor planting, stone collecting, candle kept burning dusk till dawn; hearth re-lighting
Foods:
dairy, spicy foods, raisins, pumpkin, sesame & sunflower seeds, poppyseed bread/cake, honey cake, pancakes, waffles, herbal tea
Herbs:
angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, celandine, clover, heather, myrrh, all yellow flowers, willow
Element/Gender:
earth/female
Threshold:
midnightcorrespondences courtesy of: http://katybugdidit.tripod.com/id21.html (site still works)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:16 pm
Imbolc Rite for Solitaire On your altar should be placed a circle of 13 stones and, within the circle of stones, a circle of 13 candles. Within the circle of candles should be spread some maize - i.e. corn meal - and in that a waxen female candle to symbolize the Goddess on your altar. On the eastern side of the altar should be placed a small sheaf of grain with a candle inserted inside it.
You should dress in your usual ceremonial garb for Magickal rites or skyclad, as you prefer.
Retire to bathe in salt-water (use sea salt) before the ritual. As you do so picture the water cleansing the soul and spirit, just as it cleanses the body. When you have dressed, anoint yourself with a holy oil. When you have prepared yourself, sit in a dim quiet place and light a candle - ONE THAT IS NOT BEING USED IN THE RITES - and meditate on how at this time of year the Goddess in her fiery aspect AS LIGHT was welcomed back into the Temples and the Homes of the land.
Take this candle and walk slowly to your altar. Place it in the circle of the 13 candles. Then light the two altar candles, which are separate from the circle of lights also, and the incense. (Incense should be stick or powdered incense on charcoal in a swinging burner.) Then light all the quarter candles in the 4 directions, starting in the east and going clockwise.
Cast your circle in the usual manner, but Invoke the Goddess with the following:
Sacred womb, giver of the secrets of Life,
Mother of all that exists in the Universe,
I ask your guardianship of this gathering
and your assistance in my work.
I am gathered in celebration of your gifts and my work is most holy.
SO MOTE IT BE
and Invoke the God in the following manner:
Fire of the sky, guardian of all that exists in the Universe,
I ask your guardianship of this gathering
and your assistance in my work.
I am gathered in celebration of your gifts and my work is most holy.
SO MOTE IT BE
(continue with the circle casting if it is not already finished)
Light the 13 candles and then the Goddess candle in the center and say:
Warm and quickening Light
awaken and bring forth beauty
for thou art my pleasure and my bounty
LORD and LADY
OSiRIS AND ISIS
(or you may substitute whatever names your circle uses for the God and the Goddess - or those you personally prefer)
Reflect a moment on the coming of the light and offer up the incense. say:
O ancient Ones
Timeless Goddess and Sacred King
who art the heralds of springtime and it's bounties
be with me now in celebration
Hail to Osiris and Isis
Harvest giver and blessed Lady
Let this be a time and a place sacred to your power and your beauty
SO MOTE IT BE
Light the candle in the sheaf of grain and hold it up with the loaf of bread in the other hand and say: (or the cakes - whatever you or your tradition uses for the cakes and wine/juice ceremony)
My Lord and Lady,
as the seed becomes the grain,
so the grain becomes the bread,
Mark the everlasting value of our seasons and their changes.
Break a piece of the bread or cakes off and burn it as an offering in the central candle. Then say:
In the deepest Icy Winter the seed of the Earth lies deep within the womb of the Great Mother. The Spring brings the heat of the Father and with their joining comes new life. The completion of the cycle brings food to the children of the world. As I taste the food I shall know the wisdom of the cycles and be blessed with the food of wisdom throughout my life
Consecrate cakes and wine/juice in the usual manner and partake of them, but first raise your chalice or drinking horn and say:
Hail to thee ISIS
Hail to thee Osiris
For thou art blessed
After this commune in meditation with the Lord and lady for a while, then close the circle in your usual manner.Ritual courtesy of: http://www.witchway.net/ritual/imbsol.html(site still works)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:19 pm
Imbolc Recipes BOILED CUSTARD
1 quart milk
4 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Scald milk in heavy pan - do not boil. Thoroughly beat eggs, adding salt and sugar. Beat a little of the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Pour egg mixture into hot milk, stirring well. Slowly bring just to a boil until mixture coats a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and beat until cool. Add vanilla and chill well.
http://purplemoongarden.wordpress.com/2007/01/21/imbolc-approaches-facts-and-trivia/
(Site still works)
Imbolc Granary Loaf: Imbolc ritual bread
1/2 cup warm water
1 1/4 cups warm milk
2 pkgs. yeast
1/4/ cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2/3 cups King Arthur Flour's Harvest Grains Blend
2/3 cup King Arthur Flour's Malted Wheat Flakes
1/2/ cup wheat germ
1 tsp salt
(not sure what you can substitute for the King Aurthur stuff)
Proof yeast in warm water and honey. Mix dry ingredients and cut in oil with pastry knife or two butter knives. Knead and let rise until doubled. Divide into two, then divide again into two unequal parts. Shape larger tow into boules, and make indentation in the middle. Shape smaller two into teardrop shaped boules, and insert into indentations in larger ones, poke finger all the way through center (bashing). Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, with rack on lower 1/3 of oven. Redefine holes, spray with oil, bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes.
The bread is based upon a traditional English "grainery loaf", made with malted mixed-grain flour; each miller's mix was unique. it includes a variety of whole grains and edible seeds, as it is traditional at Imbolc to include a little of the upcoming year's seed stock in the loaf as a blessing upon the upcoming planting, both the fields and in our lives.
www.amysticalgrove
(site no longer works)
These recipes are not for eating:
Brid’s Oil
Don’t know a dram from a donut, worry not, it’s just an eighth of an ounce.
2 drams of almond oil or olive oil…
1 dram of dragon’s blood
1 dram of sage oil
and 1 crushed garnet
Warm slowly on a very low heat in an enamel pan. Let cool and place in small corked bottles or jars. Charge the oil in your Magic Circle, wear it or use it to anoint candles in your rituals and spells.
Imbolc Incense
Heather, Sage, Chamomile, Benzoin, Dragon’s Blood, Storax or Myrrh
Blend all ingredients and keep in a magic bag, bottle or jar.http://purplemoongarden.wordpress.com/2007/01/21/imbolc-approaches-facts-and-trivia/
(site still works)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:22 pm
Imbolc Activities/Crafts You should have a feast on Imbolc, like with the other Sabbats a feast is one of the best ways to celebrate each and every one.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The table should be set with white candles. Since ewes begin lactating at around the time of Imbolc in many locations in the northern hemisphere, the sabbat is connected with ewe's milk. For this reason, some sort of dairy product - cheese, for example - should be included in the feast. Other than that, there are no specific food requirements, except that food should be plentiful! Something green and fresh, such as a salad, would indicate the coming of spring, but since winter is yet with us, the main fare should be hearty, served with a nice, crusty bread. Mead, ale, spiced wine or non-alcoholic equivalents would all be appropriate beverages.
An evening feast is in order, since Imbolc represents a return to liveliness and all the bounties of Nature. Americans might best grasp the concept of Imbolc by thinking of it as a Thanksgiving celebration for what is about to happen. Celebrants can be happy feasting, knowing that winter is passing and that food will once again be growing and plentiful. The feast begins with a short prayer, or toast:
Blessed be the earth, and all who dwell upon it.
We give thanks for the season now departing from us,
For the blessings it has bestowed upon us,
And upon those with whom we share this world.
Blessed be the new season.
We pray that it will be a time filled with peace,
With abundance, with prosperity,
With wisdom,
With love.
Blessed be all who share this feast.
Let us now prepare for the time ahead
By opening our hearts, and our minds, and our spirits.
Blessed be.
http://www.worldspirituality.org/imbolc.html
(site still works)
Brigid's Cross
Brigid's Cross
-click link for an image-
Materials:
a handful of long wheat stalks
clothespins
thread and needle
Directions:
1. Soak wheat stalks in warm water for about half an hour until they're pliable.
2. Fold one stalk of wheat in half, leaving the kernels sticking out.
3. Fold another one the same way and thread through the first one. (It now looks like a long "L".)
4. Fold the third the same way and insert through the second wheat stalk. (It now looks like an L with a tail.)
5. Fold and insert the fourth stalk through the third.
6. Use the clothespins to help keep the shape as you weave more wheat.
7. Continue folding and threading the wheat stalks until you have several stalks of wheat woven through each "arm".
8. Allow it to dry with the clothespins in place.
9. Using the thread and needle, sew the stalks together.
Kid Friendlier Version of a Brigid's Cross
Materials:
pipe cleaners
string or yarn
Directions:
1. Make a bundle with 6 pipe cleaners and bend them in half. Tie the ends all together with a piece of string.
2. Lay the pipe cleaner bundle on the table in a vertical position, with the tied end on the top.
3. Make a second bundle, again using 6 pipe cleaners, and bend them in half.
4. Before you tie the ends this time though, slip it through the middle of the other bundle so that they're linked.
5. Now tie the ends and lay this second bundle down in a horizontal position with the tied ends pointing to the right. If you did it right your shape should look like the letter "L".
6. Now you're going to repeat the procedure. Make a bundle with 6 pipe cleaners, bend them in half and, before you tie them, slip them through the middle of the horizontal bundle, just to the right of the first bundle. This batch should be in a vertical position, with the tied ends on the bottom.
7. The last step is to make one last bundle, slipping it through the middle of the batch you just laid down, only this one goes horizontally to the left. Now tie the ends. You should now have an upside down "L" linked through your right side up one.
Priapic Wand
-cannot find an image example-
Materials:
small tree branch
acorn
brown thread
yellow, green, and gold 1/4" ribbon
small gold/silver jingle bells
Directions:
1. Select a small branch about 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter. Cut top end flat.
2. Approx. 1/2" below top score a groove with a sharp knife.
3. Take 1' long piece of string/thread and tie in groove.
4. Take another 1' piece of thread and tie in groove on opposite side of branch.
5. Place acorn at top of branch (at the flat end) and adhere with some glue.
6. Now pull the string up over the cap and wind once around acorn. Repeat with all 3 other pieces of string.
7. Pull strings back down to the groove in the branch and tie off. This will hold the acorn in place.
8. Decorate the branch by wrapping it with the ribbons, leaving enough length at top for streamers. Tie gold/silver jingle bells to the ends of the ribbons.
Candle Wheel
-cannot find an image example-
Materials:
craft wreath
eight white candles
ivy leaves or vines
glue gun
1. Either drill thick holes into the wreath so that candles can be placed inside or just secure them with screw-bottom candleholders or using the glue gun.
2. Place the ivy leaves around in a decorative fashion.
The eight candles are symbolic of the eight spokes of the year, and spinning the circle into motion at Imbolc is important. In ritual, the candles can be lit with a cauldron or bowl placed in the middle of the candle wheel.
Brigid's Bed
-cannot find image example-
Materials:
basket, box, doll cradle or similar item
padding to make receptacle like a bed
figure to represent the goddess Brigid
figure to represent the God (optional)
Directions:
1. Dress up the basket, box, cradle or other item you've selected to make a bed. Make it comfortable and decorate it as you wish.
2. Make a figurine to represent Brigit. This can be made with a bundle of oats, rushes, straw, or any grain or craft material fashioned into a loop or slightly human shape. You can even use a doll. It can be simple or ornate, and can even can dressed, preferably in white (to represent the Maiden). If you like, you can make a god figurine as well.
Start a new tradition in your home. Place the Brigid's Bed in the most inviting, warmest place in the house and imagine that Brigid will really visit on Imbolc. Leave an aromatic, hot snack out for her by the bed. Invite the spirit of the Goddess to inhabit the bed and ask for her blessings of fertility and healing. Put the dolly in the bed and if you wish, offer the company of the God. Add nuts to the bed to stimulate fertility. In the morning, surprise your children with a small gift that Brigid has left for them. The Bride can also be placed outside then. There she forms an amulet of prosperity, fertility and protection, which can remain till after Samhain. In her book, Ancient Ways, Pauline Campanelli suggests you return The Bride to earth before Yule.
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/pagan_parenting/113321
(site still works)
More Activities:
~Because of the association with flames and fire this is a good night for candle scrying as well as for making your own ritual candles (or just blessing the ones you buy from the store).
~Clean your house physically or spiritually. Clean out a closet or even just tidy your junk drawer. Bless salted water and spurge the rooms, go around the home with incense letting the smoke enter into each corner.
~Light a candle and utter a prayer rededicating yourself to the Gods.
~Consider leaving a strip of cloth or a ribbon outdoors overnight for the Lady to bless.
~Take a walk and look for any changes in the hold winter has on the earth.http://purplemoongarden.wordpress.com/2007/01/21/imbolc-approaches-facts-and-trivia/
(site still works)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:23 pm
Imbolc Chants/Prayers/Blessings Imbolc (Candlemas Song)
Blessed Bridget comest thou in
Bless this house and all of our kin
Bless this house, and all of our kin
Protect this house and all within
Blessed Bridget come into thy bed
With a gem at thy heart and a crown on thy head
Awaken the fire within our souls
Awaken the fire that makes us whole
Blessed Bridget, queen of the fire
Help us to manifest our desire
May we bring forth all that’s good and fine
May we give birth to our dreams in time
Blessed Bridget comest thou in
Bless this house and all of our kin
From the source of Infinite Light
Kindle the flame of our spirits tonight
http://purplemoongarden.wordpress.com/2007/01/21/imbolc-approaches-facts-and-trivia/
(site still works)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
