IMBOLC
Clean your room and your house, light !
Place a yellow altar cloth upon the altar and bless Brigid -
The Celtic goddess Brigid is the traditional patroness of healing (represented by twin serpents), poetry (the ancient Celtic tradition of see-poets and Bardic lore were the primal retainers of culture and learning), and smithcraft (her sisters carry the alchemical sword and blacksmithing tongs). All of these elements are all practical and inspired wisdom and creativity.
Consistent with Celtic lore, Brigid's women are honoured and highly respected. Brigid is not compromised by allegiance to one lover or husband, so is free to utilise her healing powers for the good of all.
from www.goddess.com.au
from www.paganwiccan.about.com
Place snowdrop flowers on the alter, or another variety of white flower to signify the return of Spring.
I MAY also make this (also from paganwiccan.about.com):
Braided bread is found in many forms, in many cultures. This one is a simple one, and is perfect for serving at your Imbolc feast. The braid symbolizes Brighid in her aspect as the bride, representative of her fertility and position as a hearth goddess. Serve this tasty braided bread with warm butter for dipping.
Prep Time: 1 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 loaves frozen bread dough, thawed (this is in the frozen foods section at the grocery store)
- 1 egg
- Water
- Sesame seeds
Preparation:
Allow the bread loaves to defrost at room temperature. Before it begins to rise, cut each loaf in half with a large pizza cutter or a knife. Roll each half out until it's about 18" long, and about an inch thick. You'll end up with six of these long strips.
Take three of the strips, and braid them together, trying not to stretch them out too much. When you've reached the end of the braid, tuck the ends underneath themselves. Repeat the process with the other three strips, making a second braid.
Place the braids either on a baking stone, or on a pan that has been sprinkled with cornmeal.
Beat the egg in a small bowl, and add 2 Tbsp. water. Lightly brush the egg and water mixture over the braids, and then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let them rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
Bake at 375 (or 190 celsius) for 30 minutes, or until a light golden brown color. Remove from baking sheet, and allow to cool for 15 minutes or more before serving.
** Note: if you want to really jazz this up, use different types of bread, such as white and wheat. The end result is visually very appealing, with the different colors braided together.I'm also going to be leaving my favourite green scarf on the doorstep for Brigid to bless:
In Celtic Pagan stories, Brighid's mantle carries with it blessings and powers of healing. Many people believe that if you place a piece of cloth out upon your hearth at Imbolc, Brighid will bless it in the night. Use the same cloth as your mantle each year, and it will gain strength and power each time Brighid passes by. The mantle can be used to comfort and heal a sick person, and to provide protection for women in labor. A newborn baby can be wrapped in the mantle to help them sleep through the night without fussing.
To make a Brighid's mantle of your own, find a piece of green cloth long enough to comfortably wrap around your shoulders. Leave it on your doorstep on the night of Imbolc, and Brighid will bless it for you. In the morning, wrap yourself in her healing energy.
from paganwiccan.about.com
- 2 parts cedar
- 2 parts frankincense
- 1 part pine resin
- 1 part cinnamon
- 1 part orange peel
- 1/2 part rose petals
HAPPY IMBOLC!
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