Imbolc is celebrated on the 1st of February and literally means "in the belly" (of the mother), it is also called Oilmelk, which means "in milk" and at this time pregnant sheep begin to lactate. It symbolizes the coming of spring, even though to look out the window it may seem like it is very long in coming. The days and nights are still very cold, and you may have that white stuff we call snow on the ground if you live in an area that receives it. On Yule, or the winter solstice, the sun has actually made a return. The Goddess has given birth to a baby that shall grow and mature into the God and as He grows, the sun shall return with him, bringing longer days and eventually spring.
Imbolc is also the day of the Goddess Brighid, She is the Celtic goddess of Poetry, Creativity, Inspiration, Prophey, Healing, Midwifery, Smithcraft, Arts and Crafts, and Keeper of the Hearth (firekeeper). Because of her skill of Smithcraft, she is associated with fire, and this day is sometimes called the day of the Celtic Fire Goddess.
It is said that Brighid is the triple Goddess of the flame. Her fire was carried from the land of Brigantia on the British Isles to Kildare, not far from Dublin, Ireland. These fires were tended by the Daughters of the Flame, nine sacred Virgins who could be looked at by no man. Brighid's, fires are the fires of purification and healing.
Brighid was also deemed a Saint by the Catholic church and this day is celebrated as Candlemas, the day when the church's candles are blessed for the following year. You can see a history of Saint Brigid's (also spelled without the "h" and sometimes Brigit) here.
Other Deities of Imbolg:
All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og and Februus.
Symbolism of Imbolg:
Purity, Growth and Re-Newal, The reunion of the Goddess and the God, Fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new.
Symbols of Imbolg:
Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid's Crosses, Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs.
Herbs of Imbolg:
Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.
Foods of Imbolg:
Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.
Incense of Imbolg:
Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.
Colors of Imbolg:
White, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Brown.
Stones of Imbolg:
Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.
Activities of Imbolg:
Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of Spring, Making of Brideo'gas and Bride's Beds, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit.
INVOCATION TO
SAINT BRIDE
Dear Saint Bridget of the Kine
Bless these little fields of mine,
The pastures and the shady trees,
Bless the butter and the cheese,
Bless the cows with coats of silk
And the brimming pails of milk,
Bless the hedgerows, and I pray
Bless the seed beneath the clay,
Bless the hay and bless the grass,
Bless the seasons as they pass,
And heaven's blessings will prevail,
Brigid - Mary of the Gael.
To Make a Brighid's Cross
Items needed:
a handfull of wheat stalks
warm water
clothespins
clear or red thread and needle
perserverance
Directions:
~Soak wheat stalks in warm water until pliable
~Fold one stalk of wheat in half, leaving the kernels sticking out
~Fold another one the same way, and thread through the first one. It now looks like a long "L"
~Fold the third the same way, and insert through the second wheat stalk. It now looks like an L with a tail
~Fold and insert the fourth stalk through the third
~Use the clothes pins to help keep the shape as you
~weave more wheat
~Continue folding and threading the wheat stalks until you have several wheat woven through each "arm"
~Allow to dry with the clothespins in place
~Using the thread and needle, sew the stalks together - this is cheating, but I find that it's necessary!
~Hang over the fireplace or stove
The finished product? Whalah!
Brigid...Brigit...Bride...Brigantia...Brigindo Great Goddess of Healers, Poets, Mystics, and Smiths
Your Sacred Fires burn brightly upon Sacred Altars Deep in the Earth, Your springs of Inspiration flow Your Sacred Cauldrons are filled with Herbs for Healing
Forge hammers spark with craft, as Smiths work in Your Honor Words and Song flow from the hearts of Poets and Musicians Healers are again turning to Your Sacred Ways with Reverence
May Your Sacred Wells overflow with the Essence of Your Presence May we always to use the Gifts You grant us . . . with Wisdom Fill our hearts with the Courage & Kindness of Your Sacred Horses
To visit the main page of Chantrea's Storybook click on the below daisy.
