- Ewes: Symbol of Imbolc - greenfinger
Light, noticeably, begins to overtake darkness on Imbolc, called Oimealg by the Druids, which is the festival of lactating sheep. It’s derived from the Gaelic word oimelc meaning ewes’ milk. Livestock have either given birth to the first babies of the year or will soon do so. It’s the time of blessing seeds and consecrating farming tools. Imbolc marks the center of the dark half of the year and is the festival of the Maiden, Brighid, whose name means Bright One, High One, Bright Arrow and Power. From this day to Ostara, the spring equinox, it’s a time to prepare for growth and renewal.
Imbolc Celebration
Corn dollies are made from corn husks and put in baskets with white silk flowers. Hearth fires and candles are put out and re-lit. A besom, by the front door, symbolizes sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Lit candles, in fireproof containers, are in every room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun.
Remove Yule evergreens from the home and burn them; clean the home and grounds. Gather around the altar and perform self-blessings and spiritual dedication. Meditate to go on an inner journey for Divine inspiration. Affirm the artist within.
Imbolc Craft: Create a Corn Dolly
Items needed: corn husks, six cotton balls, scissors, tacky glue and ribbon or yarn. Fold a strip of corn husk in half. Put three cotton balls in the middle and twist the husk, tying it with yarn to make a head. Leave some husk in the front and back, beneath the head to make a torso. Fold two husks in half to make arms. Tie these at the ends to make hands. Put the arms around the husks that form the torso. Put three cotton balls in the torso and tie at the waist. Put several husks, around the waist, upside down, overlapping them. Tie at waist, then fold the husks so a skirt is formed. Tie these at the waist. Trim the edge of the skirt. Allow the doll to dry completely. Once it’s dry, the doll can be decorated. Hair can be made of yarn, a face painted and clothing added.
Imbolc Feast Recipes
Dairy foods, onions, poppy seeds, peppers, herbal teas and spiced wine are traditional fare. Pagan Imbolc: A Time for Celebration and a Special Feast and Urban Pagan Imbolc Celebration and Feast have more recipes.
- Clam/Oyster Chowder: Sauté 2 slices of diced bacon and 1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried thyme until bacon is soft. Add 1 (10.75 ounce) can Manhattan clam chowder, 1 can water, 1 (6.5 ounce) can minced clams, 1 tablespoon crumbled dried parsley, ¼ teaspoon celery seed, 9 chopped cherry tomatoes, 1 sliced carrot, 1 sliced parsnip, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 diced medium potato and 1 (3 ounce) can drained smoked oysters. Bring to boil. Simmer for 1 hour, adding water if needed.
- Cheese Sticks: Blend together 8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese and 1/4 cup margarine. Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 cup flour. Mix well. Roll dough, between 2 sheets waxed paper until it’s 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 1 1/2 squares. Put on greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes.
- Czech Goulash: Sprinkle salt in large pot. Add 2 pounds beef cubes and 2 tablespoons paprika, brown meat on all sides. Add 1 pint water, 1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes and liquid, 1 bay leaf, 1 minced carrot and 1 chopped onion. Boil. Cover and simmer for an hour or until meat is tender.
- Poppy Seed Noodles: Cook 1pound fine according to package instructions. Drain. Melt 2 tablespoons margarine. Add noodles and 2 teaspoons poppy seeds. Stir until noodles are coated.
- Minted Peas: Cook 1 (16 ounce) package of peas according to instructions. Drain. Melt together 1 tablespoon each margarine and mint jelly. Add peas to mixture and simmer for five minutes.
- Crispy Rhubarb Custard: Blend together 3 beaten eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup light cream, 4 tablespoons flour, 4 cups sliced rhubarb and 1 teaspoon lemon extract. Mix together 1/2 cup each light brown sugar, oatmeal, butter and flour. Crumble. Pour rhubarb into 8 x 8 baking pan. Cover with crisp mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
After Imbolc Feast Camaraderie
Women have decorated a chair by the hearth or mixed candles for Brighid. Put the corn dollies and white silk flowers, evergreens and violets in it to honor her. Open the door to welcome her into the home. May Brighid give blessings to the house. Put out food and drink, such as buttered toast, grains, seeds and milk for her. Make plans for Ostara, the next Sabbat and first day of spring.
Sources:
- John King, The Celtic Druid’s Year, Blandford, 1995.
- Raymond Buckland, Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, Llewellyn Publications, 1990.
- Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, Llewellyn Publications, 1992.
- Scott Cunningham & David Harrington, The Magical Household, Llewellyn Publications, 1966.
Jill Stefko - I'd rather deal with the paranormal than human abnormal - having dealt extensively with both.
