~*Imbolc*~
2nd February
We have entered the first celebration of what is one of my favourite times of year, spring. Though it is not officially here, we are at the very start of it and some of the first signs are showing as the daffodils, snowdrops, crocus's etc are breaking through the cold earth. And on the trees and bushes the first signs of leaf buds are appearing. Imbolc is when we celebrate the reawakening of the Earth. We are now entering a point on the wheel of the year when we become our most active, and nowhere is this more evident than in nature
herself.
Imbolc is one of the fire festivals, though we celebrate the returning light rather than celebrating the sun itself. The days are growing a little longer and the sun rises that little bit sooner. This helps to bring warmth to the earth and the trees and so encouraging them to break free their succulent leaves and flowers.
But it is also when we honour the Goddess Brighid. At this point of the year Brighid is recovering after giving birth to her child, the Sun God at Yule. At Imbolc we are entering into a new season and clear away the evergreens of winter; this we do by ritually burning the holly and ivy from Yule in our cauldrons and then scattering the ashes at the base of fruit trees. (I would suggest scattering at the base of an apple tree as Brighid owned an apple orchard in the Otherworld and so would add more significance to the moment). This is our opportunity to clear away the cobwebs of life such as old habits and unwanted possessions.We ritually sweep the ground with our besoms to ready ourselves for new beginnings and a new start.
It is at this point in the year we plant seeds to grow vegetables, fruit and flowers. And just now as we plant these seeds for the potential of growing something new for our gardens, we plant metaphysical seeds in our lives to bring growth in all our new ventures, be it a new home, family, business ventures or simply trying something new such as crafts.
At such times we dress our altars to reflect the festival and find ways to celebrate. Here are a few ideas.
Colours
The colours for Imbolc are white, red and orange. Some also use silver, green and brown. Choose some of these colours for your altar cloth, ribbons and candles.
Candles
This is a fire festival, so candles play a big part in the celebrations. The number and size if
your candles will depend in the space you have for your altar. If you only have a small spacethen tea lights of appropriate colours will be fine.
Milk
"The name ‘Imbolc’ comes from the old Irish “i mbolg”, meaning “in the belly”, referring to
the time of year when sheep and goats are pregnant, carrying their young. Other etymology includes “oimelc”, meaning “ewe’s milk”," (quoted from the following site Alison's AlembicBlog Spot)
Substitute milk for the traditional red wine. And if, like myself, you are lactose intolerant, then use your usual milk substitute - I am sure the Gods will be forgiving.
Other Drinks
Of course you may not wish to use milk for your celebrations. So you could also have
sparkling white wine, fruit teas, champaign, sparkling mineral water or lemonade
Brighid's Cross
Sit quietly and make a Brighid's Cross. This is traditionally made from rushes, but you can make one from other materials such as wool, raffia or vines. I have provided a couple of
link to a site that shows you how to create your own.
As you are weaving your cross say the following words:
As I weave the cross of Brighid,
To new beginnings let men take heed,
Leaving unwanted past behind,
A brand new world so let me find.
Plants and Flowers
A nice vase of spring flowers such as daffodils and/or (depending on the size of your altar) a pot of planted bulbs such as daffodils or hyacinths. Another nice flowers idea, that would incorporate candles, would be a glass bowl filled with water with glass stones in the bottom and spring flower heads and floating candles.
Brighid
Find an image of the Goddess and place it on your altar.
Seeds
A small basket with packets of seeds you are going to plant.
Other Altar Items
- A mini Besom to represent cleaning away the old read for the new
- Brighid is also known as the Star and so making this tarot card ideal on the altar. It is also perfect as a focus for any imbolc meditating you may wish to do.
- Crystals - Amethyst, bloodstone, garnet, onyx, ruby, turquoise
- Herbs - Angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, heather, myrrh, rowan, dill
- Incense - Basil, bay, benzoin, cinnamon, myrrh, vanilla, violet
- Animals - Bears, eagle, groundhogs, owls, ravens, sheep, snakes, stags
- Mythical Animals - Dragons, firebirds, phoenix.
Other Ways To Celebrate Imbolc
- Give your home and life an spring clean. Removing anything that is no longer wanted or needed. Once you have completed this follow it with a ritual of cleansing and smudging
- Make a new wand
- Bless any seeds that are to be planted
- Cleanse your crystals and tools, including divination, and reconsecrate your tools
- You can also cleanse your gardening tools
- Write poetry, chants or prayers about Brighid, Imbolc and spring and read out loud during Imbolc ritual
- Take a walk in the woods or your local park. Look what is happening to nature around you
- Start a nature diary making notes and sketches about your walks and recording your observations. This will help you to get closer to nature and all her beauty
I thought I would share a picture of my altar. It's not a very large one and my Brighid's Cross has been created using pipe cleaners. This is simply down to life and not getting a chance to source more appropriate materials. But it shows that you utilise what you have.
Of course there will be many more ways you can celebrate or you may come up with some of your own ideas. What ever way you choose to celebrate, enjoy this wonderful time and celebrate all that is new. Step outside and breath in the fresh new air that is the oncoming
spring.
Blessed Be
Pagan Hare
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
