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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.

IMBOLC - FEBRUARY 2
(Groundhog Day)

Winter fights valiantly to hold the land. The crisp snows of January
have turned to storms of sleet, and the Earth and the sky are gray,
leaden, and heavy with the cold. But here and there, scattered like
jewels inthe sodden grass and the frozen garden, the first slender
tips of daffodils start up toward the pale, growing Sun, and
something in us stirs as well, as life pulses unseen beneath the
still-slumbering ground.

This is Imbolic, known also as Imbolg, Candlemas, the Festival of
Brigid (pronounced Breed), and the Feast of Lights. The word Imbolc
means "in the belly," or in the womb of Mother Earth, as well as "in
milk," which refers to ewes coming into milk for the first lambs of
the season.

This Sabbat marks the return of spring, even as winter continues it's
reign. In ancient times, people honored the Goddess Brigid in her
guise as the waiting bride of the youthful Sun God. A modern
tradition at this Sabbat is "Groundhog's Day," based on an old
British rhyme that says, "If Candlemas Day be bright and clear,
there'll be two winters in the year."

Imbolic is a time of cleansing and purification, for discarding
outworn things or the passing year in preparation for the warm spring
days ahead and to make room in our lives for the Earths's new
bounty. Rites of initiation and consecration of altars and ritual
tools are often conducted at this Sabbat.

Candle wreaths or wheels are traditional, as the Sun is seen as a
candle flame at Imbolic, compared to the balefire of power at
Midsummer. Grain dollies are representative of the Goddess Bride,
and wishing wells and still, deep pools are the domain of the Goddess
this day. Lavender, white, silver, adn red are traditional colors;
amethyst adn quartz crystals are symbolic as well.

The customs of Imbolc include ritual "spring cleaning" of the house,
to banish the last vastiges of winter and hasten the growing days.
Use lavender and rosemary in a pot of boiling water to wash floors
and walls, vinegar and mugwort for windows and mirrors. Burn sage to
cleanse the psychic energies, and replace old protection and
prosperity charms.

Cleans your body with a ritual bath scented with lavender, and as you
soak, meditate to clear your mind and heart of any thoughts or
emotions that no longer serve you. Make handipped candles, write
Goddess-inspired poetry, paint, make a collage, or do any other hands-
on craft to symbolize the germination of life and ideas. Wish upon a
coin or a crystal, then throw it into a still body of deep water and
ask spirits to bless and guard your desires until they manifest.

Just before Sunset, turn off all the lights in the house. With a
single white candle burning to represent Brighid, Knock three times
on the front door and invite the Goddess to enter, asking that she
bestow health, success, abundance, and love upon everyone in the
house. Then slowly begin turning on the lights, moving room to room,
until every light in the house is on.

Happy Imbolc Everbody!!!!!!!

I'm haveing issues with that, it's -25 here, and there is two feet of snow on the ground...

happy imbolc!!!!

Merry Imbolg everyone!! I hope everyone had a good day and I personally look forward to the upcoming spring (although it doesn't seem to be coming anytime soon since the groundhog saw his shadow!). My house hasn't been this clean in years! I've added my recipe for Honey Wheat Bread, which comes from my "Celtic Folklore Cooking" book. It's good for both Imbolg and Ostara.

2 1/2 cups wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup light honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 Tbs. grated orange rind

Mix all incredients together, beating until well blended. Pour into a greased and floured 9X5 inch loaf pan. Let stand 20 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. Turn out onto wire rack and cool.

It's always a big hit around here!

Sorry I couldn't get it on here sooner. It's been a very busy couple of days....