But before I do that let me update you on what's been going on:
Papa came home Friday. He's doing much better but he has to have oxygen on and going all the time. They put a nice little hospital bed and tv in his room, but he's not going to go in there because he likes to sleep on his chair. :P
Cody got a home pass this weekend and he finally got to see Papa after the heart attack. Tristan and Summer came over to visit and we had a wonderful time together.
BACK TO BUSINESS!!!
Imbolc
This is called Brighid's Cross.
On February 2nd we celebrate Imbolc (pronounce im-bowlk). It is also called Oimealg (IM-mol'g). It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewe's milk". This is the time of the year where animals are giving birth in the new year. It is a time to consecrate or bless any agricultural tools you may have. I believe it's an excellent Sabbat for Hedge Witches. Also on this Sabbat, the God child is growing in strength and size.
The related holiday to Imbolc is Valentine's Day. Let me help you make a connection: the Druids would make Straw Brideo'gas (corn dollies) from oats or wheat and they are placed in baskets with white flowers. Small girls would go from home to home and bestow gifts for the Brideo'gas. They would take hikes through the snow to find signs of Spring. Can you see the relation? It's love and renewal and consecration and dedication. If you buy your love something for V-Day you are showing you are dedicated to that relationship. Going out on a romantic dinner or a movie brings a renewal to yourselves.
Here are some symbols for Imbolc: Pink and Pale Green, Candle Wheels, Evergreens, Willow, Grain Dolly.
We celebrate by having a bonfire and consecrating our tools. Dedication rituals are a great idea during this time.
A fellow pagan of mine posted something in a group on face book and gave me permission to post it on here. His name is Steffan Gilbert. He lives here in Tennessee and is an award winning author and musician. A talented soul and extremely intelligent.
Imbolc Lore
(February 2nd)
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, Poppyseed 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.
---Adapted by Akasha Ap Emrys for all her friends and those of like mind
Copyright © 1997-99 Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection www.wicca.com.
All rights reserved
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Well that is all I have time for right now. Very busy today. I will post some Circle Casting for Imbolc next go 'round.
~Blessed Be )O(
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