Imbolc

**Imbolc**[pron: EM-bowlk] is a cross-quarter day at the start of February, marking a time where sunlight increases and ushering in springtime.

## Lore

In many traditions, Imbolc is regarded as the point in the year where the Goddess is recovered from giving birth to the Sun; in turn, the God has grown from an infant into a child.

Imbolc, also called Candlemas in some traditions, is a celebration of banishing winter and welcoming spring.  At this time the newly born Sun God is seen as a small child still nursing from his mother.  It is a time to sweep away winter and foster new beginnings.  As the Goddess is newly recovered from birth, she is seen again in her Maiden aspect during this time.

## History

In Celtic tradition, the goddess Brighid is the primary point of worship for this day.  An alternate name for Imbolc is the Feast of Brighid or simply Brighid.  Brighid was considered the patroness of smithcraft, poetry, and healing, particularly midwifery.  The word "bride" comes from a variation on her name, and it is said she bestows particular honor on those about to be married-- thusly they are called a "bride" in honor of her.

Traditionally Brighid's day was marked with bonfires, to symbolize the fire of birth, the fire of the forge, and the fire of inspiration.

## Celebrations and Rituals

Imbolc is a festival of light and a time of new beginnings.  The following are some common ritual activities to celebrate Imbolc.

* Candlemaking
* Initiation and Rededication into the Craft
* Weave Brighid's Crosses to hang around the house for protection
* Research into Fire deities of your tradition
* Private meditation
* Place lighted candles in all the windows of the house
* Make a potpourri for Imbolc with a piece of fabric filled with dry leaves, pine cones, and fruit peels
* Burn leftover evergreen decorations from Yule for luck

A list of spellworkings to be done at Imbolc is listed below:

* Cleansing
* Purification
* Fertility
* Protection

### Solitary Imbolc Ritual

**You Will Need:**

* a white altar cloth
* any early white flowers or white votives
* four large white candles surrounded by a sampling of any green buds or shoots available
* Imbolc incense
* a cauldron of water
* a large white candle with three wicks

Begin by decorating the perimiter of the circle with the white flowers, candles, and four quarter candles.  Set up your altar appropriately and place the cauldron of water atop it, with the large candle inside.

When you are ready to cast your circle, stand facing the North and say:

Amidst the darkness, the Lady is stirring,
gently awakened from frozen dreams,
all the world has waited for this moment,
the return of the Maiden, and Her promise of Spring!

Face east and light the large Eastern White Candle, saying: *Powers of Air, the Maiden Returns! Enter my Circle, bringing with you the essence of the fresh clean air, Remind me of Spring during this time of Returning Life.*

Going to the South, light the Southern White Candle and say: *Powers of Fire, the Maiden Returns! Enter my Circle, bringing with you the first warming rays of light, Remind me of Summer during this time of Returning Life.*

Move to the West and light the Western White Candle, saying: *Powers of Water, the Maiden Returns! Enter my circle, bringing with you the fresh, pure waters of the melted snows, Remind me of Autumn during this time of Returning Life.*

Face the North and light the Northern White Candle and say: *Powers of Earth, the Maiden Returns! Enter my circle, bringing with you the land that now stirs and awakens, Remind me of Winter during this time of Returning Life.*

Finally, take up the Athamé and facing East, the direction of the Rising Sun, take a moment to center yourself and begin to cast the Circle. Visualize a white light coming from the tip of the athamé and with arms straight out, turn the blade point out, slowly turning clockwise the light following you.

When you return to the East bring the athamé back to you and say: "*As above, so below.*”
As you say this, visualize the light going above you and below you forming a perfect sphere.

Follow with an invocation to the Goddess and God:

*Sacred womb, giver of the secrets of Life, Mother of all that exists in the Universe, I ask your guardianship of this gathering and your assistance in my work. I am gathered in celebration of your gifts.*

Then begin the ritual proper:

*Fire of the sky, guardian of all that exists in the Universe, I ask your guardianship of this gathering and your assistance in my work. I am gathered in celebration of your gifts.*

Light the candle inside the cauldron of water and meditate for a time on the meaning of Imbolc and the return of Life. When you are done, Take in the Circle in whatever manner is appropriate for you, and release the Quarters by saying:

*Carry tidings sweet around the world and beyond, I charge as Messengers Earth, Water, Fire and Air. Let all rejoice loudly in the Maiden’s return Teach all that you meet with tidings that you bear.*

The circle is ended.

### Other Ritual Links

* Imbolc Prayers by Raven Angelline
* Simple Solitary Imbolc Ritual by Raven Angelline
* Solitary Imbolc Ritual by Raven Angelline
* A Simple Imbolc Ritual by Scott Cunningham

## Associations/Correspondences

 Herbs
 Foods
 Incense
 Colors
 Stones
 Deities
 Ritual Workings

#### Main Dishes

##### Dublin Sunday Corned Beef and Cabbage

* 5 lbs corned beef brisket
* 1 large onion, stuck with cloves
* 6 carrots, sliced
* 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* parsley
* 1 head cabbage, cut in quarters

Put beef in a large pot and cover with cold water.  Add all remaining ingredients except cabbage and bring to a boil.  Turn to simmer and cook for 3 hours, skimming the fat from the top as it rises.  Remove the herbs and onion; add cabbage and simmer for 20 minutes until cooked.  Remove the meat from the pot and cut into pieces.  Strain the remaining vegetables; serve with the meat on a large platter surrounded by carrots, cabbage, and potatoes.

##### Sour Cream Chicken with Artichoke Hearts

* 2 Tblsp butter
* 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
* 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
* 1 9 oz package of frozen artichoke hearts, defrosted, or 1 14 oz can of artichoke hearts, drained
* 1/2 cup white wine
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 tsp curry powder
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 tablespoon flour
* cooked white rice

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and saute until golden.  Remove from skillet.  Add chicken pieces to the remaining butter in saucepan, seasoning with salt and pepper, and saute until browned on all sides and nearly cooked through.  Return mushrooms to skillet and add artichoke hearts, wine, and chicken broth, stirring well to remove browned bits from the bottom of the pan.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and add curry powder.  Whisk the flour into the sour cream and add to the chicken mixture on low heat, being careful not to boil.  Cook, stirring often, until heated through.  Serve over hot cooked rice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

#### Side Dishes

Boxty Scones

* 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
* 2 cups self-raising flour
* a pinch of salt and black pepper
* 2 1/2 tablespoons butter
* 3 tablespoons milk

Boil and mash potatoes, allow to cool. Add salt & pepper to flour and mix in butter. Add mashed potatoes and enough milk to make a soft but not too mushy dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch circles using a pastry cutter. Arrange on lightly greased tray. Bake at 400º F for 20-30 minutes. Eat warm, split in half, with butter.

#### Desserts

##### Honey Cakes

* 1 cup butter
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 cup honey
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 2 Tbsp vinegar
* 6 cups flour
* 1 1/2 tsp salt
* 1 tsp ground ginger
* 1/2 tsp mace
* 1 Tbsp cinnamon

Cream butter and sugar; add egg and beat until light.  Add honey, buttermilk, and vinegar, then the dry ingredients.  Mix thoroughly and chill for one hour.  Roll dough out to 1/4" thickness and cut 2x3" rectangles; place on greased cookie sheets and bake at 375 degrees for 6 minutes.  Frost with vanilla icing.

#### More Recipe Links

* Imbolc Recipes by Ravenna Angelline
* Imbolc at Recipes for a Pagan Soul
* Imbolc at Hearth n Home Witchery