[A thought or two on life )O(]
No Judgments PleaseImbolg
2008-02-01
Imbolc
(February 2) Imbolc/Imbolg is the Old Irish name for an ancient Celtic festival occurring at the beginning of February. Imbolc was the second of the four great fire festivals of Celtic religion and under Christian influence was also known as Candlemas. From early times Imbolc was associated with the fire goddess Brighid, and celebrated the approach of spring and the promise of renewal.
Druid’s belief of Imbolg
Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g), by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.
The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat. Straw Brideo'gas (corn dollies) are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo'gas door to door, and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun.
Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the "water of life" is poured over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the newly turned furrows as offerings to the nature spirits. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.
Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Imbolgc Brigantia (Caledonni), Imbolic (Celtic), Disting (Teutonic, Feb 14th), Lupercus (Strega), St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Candlemas, Candlelaria (Mexican), the Snowdrop Festival. The Festival of Lights, or the Feast of the Virgin. All Virgin and Maiden Goddesses are honored at this time.
Deities of Imbolc:
All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus.
Symbolism of Imbolc:
Purity, Growth and Re-Newal, The Re-Union of the Goddess and the God, Fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new.
Symbols of Imbolc:
Brideo'gas, Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid's Crosses, Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs.
Herbs of Imbolc:
Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.
Foods of Imbolc:
Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppy seed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.
Incense of Imbolc:
Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.
Colors of Imbolc:
White, Pink, Red, Yellow, lt. Green, Brown.
Stones of Imbolc:
Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.
Activities of Imbolc:
Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of Spring, Making of Brideo'gas and Bride's Beds, Making Priapic Wands, Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit.
A Candlemas Rite for One
A great time to do this ritual would be on the evening of February 1st, just before you go to bed.
Begin by cleaning your bathroom. Gather votive candles, music, incense and oils, etc. Lay out a clean robe and whatever jewelry you prefer to wear for ritual. Then thoroughly clean the room where you plan to hold your ritual. Set up the altar. You will need the following:
An altar cloth of red, white or both of these colors
Five unlit candles, preferably white or red, and matches
A bowl of water and a small container of salt
Incense and a burner(choose a seasonal scent)
A chalice, cup or goblet filled with pure water or a healing herbal tea such as chamomile
A picture or symbol of something you have created or the thing itself
A small stone of red (such as carnelian, garnet, ruby or red jasper) or white (such as clear quartz or selenite)
Art, writing or craft materials (your choice)
Special refreshments (your choice)
Now fill the bathtub with water, and add ingredients that make the water fragrant or cleansing. (Bath salts, bath tea or flower essences are good choices). A cup of apple-cider vinegar gets you squeaky clean and acts as a natural deodorant and moisturizer! Have your favorite relaxation music playing softly. Light a few votive candles in colorful glass holders, and set them around the bathroom. If you wish, light incense. As you soak in the tub, consciously release all the cares of the day, then the tribulations of the past year. Seek through the recesses of your mind and discover any pain, fear, anger, or disappointment; embody these feelings in a figure of snow; visualize the sun rising and the snow melting in the warmth of returning spring. Let those feelings go, and immediately replace them with emotions, memories and the dreams of the opposite sort: healing where there was pain, courage instead of fear, love to replace anger, hopes realized to banish disappointment.
When you feel clean and content, leave the bath, dry yourself and put on a clean robe. Enter the ritual room in darkness. Sit and breathe deeply and slowly for a few moments. Now light a single candle, saying:
In the midst of darkness, I create light. In the time of cold, I bring warmth. In the depth of winter, I find the signs of spring.
Ritually purify the room with Earth and Water (a little salt mixed in water), then Fire and Air (incense). Create a sacred space by casting the circle, with words of your own choosing or these:
I conjure thee, O circle of light and power, that thou may be a boundry between the outer darkness and the inner flame; a guardian and a protection, to preserve and contain the power I shall raise within; wherefore, do I bless and consecrate thee!
Call the Elemental Powers:
Facing East:
Powers of Air, I call upon thee. Winter winds, gentle breezes of spring, come to my circle. Bring the breadth of life, and the inspiration of poets and artists Blessed Be!
Facing South:
Powers of Fire, I call upon thee. Crackling hearth fire, waxing sunlight, come to my circle. Bring the warmth of the new season, and the purifying power of your flames. Blessed Be!
Facing West:
Powers of Water, I call upon thee. Crystallized snow, trickling streams of snowmelt, come to my circle. Bring the healing waters from your sacred springs and holy wells. Blessed Be!
Facing North:
Powers of Earth, I call upon thee. Fallow fields, first buds of tree and flower, come to my circle. Bring the knowledge of smith and artisan, the skill to shape metal and matter. Blessed Be!
In your own words, invite Brigit, the great Celtic triple goddess of healing, inspiration, and smithcraft, to your circle. You may also wish to invite the male aspect of divinity; one good choice would be Dagda, the "Good Father" and god of protection and abundance.
Now be seated before the altar, and ask the Three Blessings of Brigit:
Healing: Think about your health. Resolve to take specific steps to heal any part of you that needs it; write them down. Take up the chalice, salute Brigit, say, "I ask for Your blessing of Healing," and drink it down. Light a second candle on the altar.
Inspiration: What project or problem faces you that requires inspiration? Where do you need ideas, insights, and understanding? Speak your need aloud. Lift the incense burner (carefully, if it's hot), waft some of the smoke toward your face and inhale gently, then say, "I ask for Your blessing of Inspiration." Light another candle on the altar.
Craft: Meditate on what you want to create in the season ahead. A work of art, a piece of furniture, a new skill such as cooking or competence with a computer? Speak aloud (and write down) the first three steps you will take to achieve it. Look at the item on your altar that represents something you have already made or achieved, and remember how you did it. Take the small read or white stone and say, "I ask for your Blessing of Smithcraft." Light another candle. Carry the stone with you until you have met your goal.
Stand and speak these words:
Three blessings have asked, and now I ask one more. Brigit, goddess of sovereignty who grants power to kings, grant that I may have rulership over myself; my own imagination, my will, my emotions, my body, and my life, that I may do my part to make all blessings real. Blessed Be!
(Light the fifth candle.)
Now celebrate in the way that feels best to you: write a poem, make something with your hands, dance, enjoy refreshments, or whatever you wish. When you are about ready for sleep, say farewell to the Elemental powers, thank Brigit and open the circle.
Carefully extinguish all the candles and incense, both in the bathroom and where you held your ritual. Retire to bed and sleep well.
Recipes for Imbolg
Pesto Artichoke Hearts Baked in Parmesan
Warm your beloved's heart with this impressive (but so simple!) hot appetizer featuring pesto made from basil, the love herb. Wonderfully accompanied with a goblet of Italian white wine, or a nice Chianti.
2 (12 oz) jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained well
2 tablespoons basil pesto
Dash of freshly ground black pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Preheat the oven to 350' degrees.
Cut the artichoke hearts into bite-size pieces. In a mixing bowl, toss the artichokes with the pesto until they are coated. Lightly season with a little freshly ground black pepper and/or dash cayenne pepper to taste.
Pour the artichokes into a lightly oiled oval baking dish. Sprinkle with the Parmesan, and drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the artichokes are heated through and the cheese is nicely melted.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with thin crostini (toasted slices of French baguette) or gourmet crackers.
Serves 6 to 8.
Sun-Kissed Carrots Baked in Foil
Sweet and tender carrots infused with the inspiring scent of oranges. A hint of sunshine amidst the dark of winter - just when we need it most.
1 lb organic carrots, scrubbed, ends trimmed, halved lengthwise, and cut into 3 inch pieces
1 medium red onion, peeled, thinly sliced
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon dried cumin or ginger (we use ginger)
1 tablespoon of orange zest
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey or real maple syrup
2/3 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed is nice if you have it)
Preheat the oven to 425' degrees.
Combine the carrots, onions, sea salt, pepper, ginger or cumin, orange zest and olive oil in a large bowl, and toss to mix.
Cut two large pieces of aluminum foil to make a double thick layer. Center the carrots in the middle of the foil. Cut a piece of foil for the top, match it up and seal 3 sides of the foil by folding up the edges and pinching tightly.
Whisk the honey and orange juice together and carefully pour the juice into the open end, then fold the foil and seal it tightly. Bake the carrots for about 40 to 50 minutes, until tender. Check for tenderness by carefully unsealing one end and testing a carrot with a fork. (Use caution when opening the foil packet. Steam will escape!)
Serves 4.
The following recipe is from my Pagan recipe book. Enjoy!
Potato Leek Soup
4 cups peeled & coarsely chopped potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
3 cups thinly sliced leeks (@4 leeks; use the white and light green parts)
2 qts. chicken stock (to make vegetarian, substitute with veggie stock)
1 t. salt, black pepper (to taste)
1/2 c. heavy cream (or half and half, or whole milk, all work fine, it just affects the richness of flavor.)
3 T. finely cut fresh chives
Simmer potatoes, leeks, stock, salt, partially covered saucepan for 40-50 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Transfer in small batches to a blender and blend until desired consistency (smooth) is reached. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in cream/milk. Before serving, return soup to low heat and bring it to a simmer. Serve topped with fresh chives.
Serving Suggestion
Serve in a crusty bread bowl.
Serves 4.
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