IMBOLC and some family news!

In the Celtic calendar Imbolc is the first of the four fire festivals. It is known as the Festival of Light ~ the rekindling of the fire. Although it is still cold, it is the day we celebrate the passing of winter and make way for the coming spring. Imbolc is a time of cleansing and blessings, a time to clean out all the unwanted in our lives & our homes as we prepare for our new beginnings. It is the time of year for recommitment to your spiritual growth. Traditionally the date of Imbolc down here is August 2nd (well, that is if we actually celebrated it) but the date changes each year according to 'the stars' . The date for Imbolc 2007 is August 5th. I celebrate it, traditionally, so,here in the southern hemisphere I celebrate on August 2nd. a look into my garden at Imbolc; magpies, irises, buds and new growth of Spring are starting to become visible. It is a time when I can feel the blood stirring in my veins..awakening to the promise of warmth to come. I see the sun at a different slant each afternoon in my garden, staying a little longer each day. I want to go and buy my seedlings but I have to remember to be patient and not rush spring.


*art by Colette*

the Goddess of Imbolc is BRIGHID

Incense: Frankincense, myrrh, jasmine, camphor, cinnamon, lotus, basil, wisteria.
Candles: Red and white.
Gemstones: Amethyst, garnet, onyx, turquoise
Ritual Herbs: Angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, celandine, heather, myrrh, frankincense,
Plants for Imbolc: Snowdrop, Rowan, Apples, Potatoes, Corn, Lavender,
Foods for Imbolc: Dairy foods, Spicy foods, Curries, Peppers, Onion, Garlic, Raisins, Cinnamon, spiced wines. All foods symbolic of the Sun
Colours: White, lavender, Silver.

It is a time to bless our candles, to bless the seeds that will be planted in spring time - either those you will plant into the ground or those seeds that are in your creative mind - your intentions and wishes.....ask that they grow strong and come to fruition.

Leave a piece of cloth on your doorstep for Brighid to bless. It is believed that Brighid will lend her healing powers to any piece of cloth that is left out at Imbolc. The piece of cloth is known as Brighid's mantle. As the cloth is blessed each year, the mantle gains healing power

Take a walk and look for signs of spring, collect pebbles and other natural trinkets, to place on your altar, a shrine or in a nature bowl.

light candles in each room to bring on light and warmth and say goodbye to the dark - to honour the Sun's rebirth.

food should be plentiful! Something green and fresh, such as a salad, would indicate the coming of spring, but since winter is still with us, the main fare should be hearty, served with a nice, crusty bread. Mead, ale, spiced wine or non-alcoholic equivalents would all be appropriate beverages

Make a bride/Brighid doll, with a bouquet. Give her a veil and hang nuts with white ribbons around her arms. The doll may be dressed in a long white gown and a white mantle. She is then decorated with bits of greenery, spring flowers, ribbons pretty stones and shells. The best and brightest ornament is placed over the heart and called Rionnag Brídeóg, the "Star of little Brighid." A small wand placed is beside her. "Bride is come”

This is traditionally a time of purification — clean your house! If you have any Yule greenery lingering, burn it now.

Make your own Brighid’s crosses and hang them up, especially in the kitchen where her influence can bless your food.

Meditate upon what you would like to see grow in health and strength this year: for yourself, your family, your community, the Earth, and ask for Bride's blessing upon your prayers.

"If Candlemas day be fair and bright, Winter will have another flight.
If Candlemas day be shower and rain, Winter is gone and will not come again."
(traditional verse)

today dawned 'fair and bright' here in Woodford, albeit quite chilly so it looks like Winter will 'have another flight', so it is not quite time to clean my fire out or put the winter woolies away!

and I guess this is as good a time as any to announce that we have a new addition coming to our family. Our eldest daughter Louisa and her husband Garth are expecting their first baby in early March.... if all goes according to plan.. a little Pisces baby.... those of you have been reading my blog since i started will remember me blogging the wedding on *Daily parcels*





*~* I hope your day is filled with butterflies, magick, colour & fripperies! ~*~