| IMBOLC |
| Imbolc means 'in the belly' because this is the time of year when the flocks begin to give birth. Other names for the Sabbat are Oimelc ("ewe's Milk"), Candlemas, The Feast of Waxing Light, The Feast of Flames, Laa'l Breeshey, and La Feill Bhride. At Yule, the days begin to lengthen, but by Imbolc, we can clearly see the change. The light of the sun is with us longer and longer each day and this is the first harboring of spring. This is our assurance that the Wheel is turning and the long warm days of summer are soon to return. Kore, the Divine Daugter, has begun Her journey of return from Hades' dark realm. In the time ahead She will embrace Mother Demeter and the world will grow green again. This Sabbat has long been considered an especially appropriate time for initiation - transformation, rebirth, and new beginnings. Imbolc is particularly sacred to women and to Brigid, the Goddess of healing, inspiration, and smithcraft. All too often we only remember the Goddess of spring and summer. Brigid reminds us that the strength of women is also manifest as the invincible fire that burns steadily through the heart of winter, no matter how dark and cold the world gets. She is also special to poets and artists, healers and midwives, and craftspeople of all kinds. This Sabbat is a turning point, when we lift our eyes from inner remembrance and reflection and begin to envision the season of growth that lies ahead. Now is the time for us to cleanse and purify ourselves. It is time to discard the wornout things of the past year so that we may create room in our lives for the new bounty the Goddess has in store for us. Here are some ways that you can celebrate Imbolc: --- Read poetry. When finished, write things such as anger, grief, pain, and anything negative on pieces of parchment paper and cast them into the Cauldron to be burned. Ground and celebrate. --- In the Sabbat fire, burn the evergreen boughs from Yule that decorated your house. ---Clean your house and discard all useless items (recycle when possible, or take to the local charity or goodwill store) ---Cleanse in a ritual bath, sauna, or sweat lodge. ---Cleanse your body on the inside by eating foods that are high in fiber or you can use a mild laxitive. Then, wise fasting, be sure to drink plenty of fluids such as juice and pure water. ---Cleanse your heart of anger, pain, and fear. Make peace with anyone that you have had quarrels with. ---Meditate to cleanse your mind of limitations and welcome new challenges. This is especially imprtant for Taurus' who cannot stand change. ---Clean your altar and ritual tools and reconsecrate them ---At the nearest well or spring, tie tiny strips of brightly colored cloth to the bushes while invoking Brigid's help in your life. Use cotton and tie it loosely; birds can use it for nests, and it will biodegrade. ---Make a corn bride with corn, a sheaf of wheat or other grain and dress Her in a little white bridal gown. Place Her in a "Bride's Bed" perhaps made from a basket by the hearth, with a phallic pinecone tipped wand beside Her. Then light red and white candles and invite the spirit of Brigid in. ---Create "Brigid Crosses" of woven rushes or straw and hang them in your home as protective charms ad burn the old ones from last year. ---Go skyclad (naked) or in white during purification rituals. Wear brilliant red the rest of the time - red robes, red jewelry, or red ribbons. ---In ritual, wear a "Crown of Lights". The Farrars suggest that this can be a band of actual small candles (Over a tinfoil skull cap) which is practical if you are outdoors. Indoors you can use a battery powered electric version or simply a tiara of shiny tinsel. ---Light the new fire in your hearth. These are all things that my Coven do to celebrate Imbolc. They all came from Amber K's book Coven Craft (pages 155-7) |
| COMING SOON: SABBAT RITUALS |
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